Petron art competition / Cellist Lopez honored / MCO arts festival on

Petron recently announced the winners of its fifth nationwide student art competition while displaying in its premises the impressive entries. Each year, the number of contestants increases, to the delight of Petron Chairman Nicasio I. Alcantara who justifiably claims that the student art contest is the only one with a theme, this year’s being relationships: Lumang Samahan, Bagong Kahulugan.

Management says that the competition has given Petron a venue to inspire and encourage the youth to rediscover and appreciate Philippine culture and values.

Six first prize winners and six runners-up in oil and water-based media received hefty cash prizes, plus trophies designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva who has served as chairman of the board of judges (painting category) since the tilt started.

The photography category, now on its second year, "continues to allow young photographers an opportunity to participate, with the six first prize winners and six runners-up receiving cash prizes, Abueva-designed plaques and certificates likewise.

Mr. Alcantara points out that the almost 600 participants all over the country and their art works "rekindle in us an awareness of the importance of values like loyalty, teamwork, integrity and caring for one another."

President and CEO Khalid D. Al-Faddagh says, "From our humble beginnings in 2001, ArtPetron has carved out a reputation of being the most prestigious and multi-awarded competition among student artists. It has also become a benchmark for other art contests in the country."

In five years, ArtPetron has won 20 awards of excellence from prestigious local organizations and a Bronze Anvil Award of Excellence for Creative Tactics from the Public Relations Society of America, besting entries from America, Europe and Asian companies. Petron is thus the only Filipino project to have won an award in this international competition.

Marily Orosa, one of the main organizers, opened the exhibit with a prayer. The winners (oil category) were John Paul V. Antido, AMA Computer; Judeo R. Herrera, Tarlac State U.; and Jeffrey E. Salon, PWU; (water based media category): Christiana Jade M. de Silva, UP Diliman; Nomar B. Milano, U. of San Carlos; Mark Andy R. Garcia, One Workshop. Photography category: Pacifico R. Jose Jr., Federation of Philippine Photographers; Charles Nikolas J. Buenconsejo, UP Cebu; Romulo G. Onate II, FEU; Mark Lester S. Cayabyab, PUP, Manila; Dorothy May Tabanque, Rizal Technological U.

Judges for painting were Nap Abueva, chairman; Ben Cab, Roberto B. Feleo, Malang, Felice P. Sta. Maria, Phyllis Zaballero, Nicasio Alcantara, Jose K. Campos Jr. and Antonio G. Pelayo.

Judges for photography were Wig F. Tysmans, chair; Lorraine Belmonte, Baron Patrick de Koenigwarter, Romeo V. Vitug, Denise Weldon, Khalid D. Al-Faddagh, Basil Abul-Hamayel, Jose Laurel, Felimon E. Antiporta and Alfred A. Trio.

Fast-rising singer-balladeer Jimmy Bondoc enlivened the affair. His running commentary, sparkling with wit and humor, sent the audience – among them Mr. Alcantara and Mr. Al-Faddagh – chuckling. Jimmy has the makings of a world-class entertainer.

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Museum Foundation President Isabel Ongpin announced that today, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Prof. Victoria Herrera will conduct a tour of leading university museums in Metro Manila – UP Vargas Museum, Ateneo Art Gallery, UST Museum and De La Salle Museum.

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Tomorrow, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m., eight of the country’s best cellists will perform at the Philamlife theater to honor eminent cellist Vicente "Tiking" Lopez Jr. on his second death anniversary. Proceeds will go to the training of talented cellists through the Cello Guild of the Philippines which will be launched. Cultural entrepreneur Martin Lopez, Tiking’s grandson and director of Sinag Tala, is concert organizer. Galerie Joaquin will exhibit at the lobby art works inspired by the cello.

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"Coram Deo", a concert featuring the sacred choral programs of the Ateneo College Glee Club under conductor Ma. Lourdes V. Hermo, the Ateneo Chamber Singers under Conductor Jonathan M. Velasco, and the combined choirs under the direction of Joel Magus P. Navarro in Jonathan Bach’s Missa in F, was presented at the U. Church of the Gesu, Ateneo, Q.C. last August 17. A lecture preceded the concert.

The FEU through the President’s Committee on Culture headed by executive director Rustica Carpio, presented the Tribung Pinoy headed by Dany Dolor in a song and poetry recital in observance of Buwan ng Wika last Aug. 22 at the FEU auditorium.

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The MCO Foundation will hold its Arts Festival at the F. Santiago Hall from the last week of August to November to promote the arts and bring classical music closer to the Filipino who is more familiar with pop and rock.

On Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m., the Metro Manila Community Orchestra, a young ensemble supported by Miriam College, will perform with Vienna-based pianist Alma Maria Labra-Makk under the baton of Chino Toledo.

On Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. the much sought-after leading soprano Rachelle Gerodias will sing to honor her mentors, among them Maestra Salvacion Yñiguez, Arleen Aguilar, Mirella Freni and Victoria de los Angeles. Pianist Najib Ismail will be the assisting artist.

On Sept. 18, Dance Concert Co. with the Vella Damian School of Ballet and guest artist Myra Beltran will present Filipino choreography among others, on Oct. 22, the Kasilag Guitar Quarter will interpret works by Kasilag, Antonino Buenaventura and Rohan Leach of London.

"Past Perfect", with works by Gershwin, Porter and Rogers, will end the Festival on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. with singers Eugene Villaluz and Patrice Pacis, flutist Tony Maigue, guitarist Butch Roxas and pianist Della Besa.

BPI presented yesterday at the Ayala Museum Bayan Umawit to mark 40 years of Philippine liturgical music since Vatican II.