Filipino hailed winner in international ice sculpture competition in France

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino sculptor recently won the 28th edition of Valloire International Ice Sculpture Competition in the southeastern city of Valloire Savoie.

Rogel Cabisidan, a native of Paete, Laguna, beat 19 other ice sculptors across the globe with his sculpture dubbed “Sitting.”

Cabisidan’s masterpiece particularly bagged the 1st prize of the Jury and public prize in the outdoor competition held from January 15 to 18.

The 20 international sculptures used transparent blocks of ice during the competition.

Cabisidan’s work stood out as featured a human with spike hair.

In a report of ABS-CBN and UNTV, Cabisidan said the judges liked his ice carving because it remained transparent and had no cracks. He said the jury wanted something abstract and he wanted something realistic so he mixed the two concepts for his work.

Valloire named Stephane Rabusseau of France and Glebos Tkachenko of Denmark second and third place winners, respectively for their ice sculpture, “Ours des Cavernes” and “Flight of Fanacy.”

Cabisidan has been joining ice sculpting competition since 2012. He moved to France eight years ago.

In 2016, Cabisidan also won the public prize and young public prize for his winter sculpture for Valloire.

The Filipino ice sculptor started his career in carving craft in his hometown, Paete, dubbed as the “Woodcarving capital of the Philippines.” He also won carving competitions in the country.

Cabisidan also uses other materials for his sculpture such as wood, vegetables, fruits, cheese, butter, chocolates and polystyrene.

At present, Cabisidan reportedly works as a chef in a cruise restaurant in Lyon, France but prior to this, he served as a sculpture in a hotel in Manila. His works have been featured in hotels and events in France. — Rosette Adel