Munti painting winners

A young student from Obando, Bulacan has bested 29 other finalists (out of 130 entries nationwide), winning the grand prize for the first ever Muntinlupa National Oil Painting Competition sponsored by the Muntinlupa Historical Commission (MHC) at the Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa.

Working on the theme "Muntinlupa: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," Bulaceño Jeffrey Samonte won the P50,000 cash prize and a trophy for his masterpiece featuring a little girl standing between two bamboo poles. The board of judges was led by national artist Napoleon Abueva. Other judges were Cid Reyes, Angel Cacnio and former Rep. Ignacio Bunye.

MHC chair Councilor Raul Corro said Samonte’s work is the best, for the little girl represents the city of Muntinlupa which looks forward to a brighter and more meaningful future and the bamboo poles represent the flexible character, both of the city government and its people, in times of crisis and opportunities.

The other contest winners are Adrian Ariscon, second place, P30,000, and a trophy and Emilio Germinio, third place, P20,000, plus trophy. The five honorable mentions which received P8,000 and a trophy each are Ramiro Abayon, Teodoro Penaflor, Carlito Cortez, Aner Sebastian and Alejandro Salindato. The Mayor’s and Vice-Mayor’s Choices which were personally handpicked by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and Vice Mayor Jojay Alcaraz are Emmanuel Nim, who received P10,000 and Carlo Pujeda, who received P5,000, respectively.

Corro said the oil painting contest is aimed at instilling a sense of pride and belonging in the people of Muntinlupa.