STAR holds on-the-spot art contest

Media as depicted in the works of the young artists who participated in The Philippine STAR’s "Art Time, Our Time," is a rosy social enterprise empowered to effect change. Divided into Kids, Youth and Adult categories, over 200 artists presented their interpretations of the theme, "Media’s Role in Nation Building," from among which 18 winning works were selected and recognized at the awarding ceremony held last May 23, at The Philippine STAR offices.

Children as young as seven years old created artworks of their own perception of the complex function of media. Winners from the Kids and Youth category expressed that the theme was unexpected, but with today’s youth exposed to so many different types of media, they also said that they had a lot to draw insights from, resulting in original and relevant renditions of the theme. Six-year old Hamza Marbella, second place winner from the Kids division, explains that his work was a portrait of himself with his family watching TV and listening to the radio.

Winners from the adult category, on the other hand, concentrated on imparting their message through simple compositions. Twenty year-old Reynan Sanchez says, "My work is literal on purpose. It’s easy to understand even if you’re not an artist. Anyone can appreciate it." And all the judges did. His artwork won first place in the adult category. Second place winner Milven Guzon from the University of the East Caloocan describes his work as a palette of the different fields of media, which includes broadcasting, photography and print, a rendition made unique by the use of texture. While third place winner Danilo Querijero portrayed media as a function of different players in society, like the economy, government and people: "Media thrives on the interaction of all these factors. It could not have grown into the institution that it is today without them."

Held at the Kanlungan Sining Bayani at the Rizal Park, Manila in cooperation with the National Parks Development Committee and the Art Association of the Philippines, the on-the-spot art contest drew 61 participants from the Kids category, 78 from Youth and 99 for Adults. Artworks were judged by Romeo Catap, Jr., Philippine STAR; Aner Sebastian, AAP; and Gina Cristobal, Jollibee for the Kids Division; Fidel Santiago, AAP president; Chonx Tibajia, Philippine STAR; and Gina Cristobal for Youth Division; and Igan D’Bayan, Philippine STAR Lifestyle Sub-Editor; Henri Cainglet, AAP, and Chonx Tibajia for Adult division. Winners received gift packs from Sterling and Unilab, scholarship gift certificates from Eton International Primary School, and cash prizes.