UST hosts annual inter-school on-the-spot painting competition

MANILA, Philippines - Nearly 200 participants from different schools around Metro Manila are expected to participate in the 2010 Annual Inter-School On-The-Spot Painting Competition (OTSPC) which is slated on Feb. 25 at the Benavides Garden (fronting the UST Main Building), University of Sto. Tomas, España, Manila.

This year’s theme, “Mag-ina: Larawan ng Yaman ng Kultura at Kalikasan,” is set against the backdrop of UST’s cultural and natural heritage as the university moves closer to it’s quadricentennial celebration in 2011.

“This year’s theme encourages a return among the youth to the values that the concepts of both mother and nature instill in us: a nurturing concern for people and our environment,” says Fr. Isidro Abaño, OP, director of the UST Museum.

Abaño said that this competition seeks to dramatize the important role of the Filipina mother and her children in today’s changing society.

“Furthermore, this competition brings out the best creative talents and skills of many young students in the field of visual arts,” he added. Prof. Anna Bautista, assistant director of the UST Museum, said that Filipino culture places great emphasis on family, as the first and immediate training ground for life’s challenges, with a mother’s protective and empowering influence to draw strength from.

“We hope that we may gain a fresh perspective on how this is reflected in our culture and heritage through the eyes of student artists,” she enthused.

Past winners of the competition were Alfredo Esquillo, Ronaldo Ventura, Joe Barcena and Mark Salvatus.

Now in its fourth year, the competition has attracted hundreds of participants since 2007.

“It is possible that the OTSPC grew out of the National Painting Contest which was established in 1941,” said Fr. Isidro Abaño, OP, director of the UST Museum.

OTSPC aims to foster camaraderie among students and encourages them to hone their talents through friendly and creative competition. Last year’s participants included 184 students from Adventist University of the Philippines, Bulacan State University, College of the Holy Spirit, Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), Far Eastern University (FEU), FEATI University, Philippine Women’s University (PWU), St. Scholastica’s College, Technological University of the Philippines, University of the East (Caloocan), University of the Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas.

Lance Kirby Yaneza, a fourth year advertising student of EARIST, won last year’s competition. Kris Jan R. Gavino of FEATI University, bagged second place, while Rizaldy M. Garra of EARIST, won third place.

The competition is open to bona fide students from universities and colleges in and around Metro Manila. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the competition proper runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The grand prize winner will receive P40,000 while the second and third prize winners will receive P25,000 and P20,000, respectively. The honorable mentions will receive P8,000 each.

This year’s judges include architect Jonathan Matti, Silvana Diaz and Candy Pangilinan. Ms. Diaz is chair of this year’s Board of Judges. She established Galleria Duemila in 1975.

“We believe that this competition contributes to the body of art that will soon be admired by arts enthusiasts around the country. Who knows, the next Amorsolo or Manansala could come out from this competition,” said Matti.

The announcement and awarding of winners will be held at the UST Main Building Lobby at 5:30 p.m. on the same day. The winning entries will be on exhibit at the UST Museum Main Gallery from Feb. 25 to March 19.

The UST Annual Inter-School OTSPC is presented and sponsored by the Office of the Secretary General, in cooperation with the UST Museum, and Nestle Coffee-mate.

For inquiries, call 781-1815 or 406-1611 local 8269.