Philippine Art Awards 2014 national winners named

MANILA, Philippines - The eight national winners of the 2014 Philippine Art Awards (PAA) have been honored during the awarding ceremony and formal opening of “Quest for Quality” at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.

Arturo Sanchez of Angono, Rizal, bagged the grand prize for his work titled, “In The Hour of Darkness, There is Always Light.”

Five Jurors Choice of Merit — who each received P80,000 —are Jan Olympus dela Cruz for his work “Sunod Sunuran sa Haring Araw”; Karlo Olavides of Taguig City for “The Key”; Rodolfo Torres, Jr. of Bacolor, Pampanga for “Ang Anak, Ama at Lobo”; Roedil Geraldo of Talisay, Negros Occidental, for “Rat Race”; and Jonathan Salvatierra of Valenzuela City for “Bulok.”

The Juror’s Award for Excellence went to Raffy T. Napay of Caloocan City for his work “The Light Guide,” and Marvin Chito Natural of Mandaue City for “Buhay OFW: Ang walang Tigil na Paghahanap ng Di-matapu-tagpuang Langit sa Daigdig ng mga De-kahong Post.” Each received P120,000.

Aside from cash prizes, the eight winners received a trophy designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva and a trip to the forthcoming Basel Art Fair in Hong Kong this May.

“As we strengthen our community projects all over the country, we truly take pleasure collaborating with the sectors promoting Philippine culture and the arts,” said Bayen Elero, PMFTC Inc. corporate affairs director.

“Through the years, PAA has maintained its preeminent status particularly due to the consistent support of our national as well as regional partners all over the country and  by the growing participation of the Filipino visual artists nationwide,” added Dave Gomez, communications manager of PMFTC. Inc.

The works of the 40 regional finalists are featured in “Quest for Quality,” which is on view until April 30 at the Yuchengco Museum.