MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine International Cartoon, Comics and Animation Inc. (PICCA) has announced that several contests are now open to entries from both students and professionals. The “Coching Awards” on comic creation is open to PICCA members only where contestants will be asked to do at least four pages of comics with the theme “Edukasyon, Magandang Pundasyon.” The artists can interpret it either in genres humor, drama, action fantasy or mixed. Another contest is the “Yonzon Awards” or the caricathon (caricature marathon) during the PICCA Festival at SM City North in Oct. 22-25 where contestants will be required to do on-the-spot caricatures of famous figures. This is open to both professionals and students. Two animation contests are also open for entries. The first is for professionals who will ask to do an animation short that can best interpret the theme “Wang Wang.” The other animation contest is The Animation Jam, an inter-school competition. Interested parties can go to www.piccafest.com for details. Cash prizes; trophies, books; and art materials from Derwent, Colleen, Artline and Maped, all amounting to more than P500,000, await the winners.