MANILA, Jan. 30, 2015—A painting depicting the faith and resiliency of Filipinos bagged the first prize of this year’s religious art competition sponsored by the Manila Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church (MACC).
Entitled “Matibay na Sandigan,” the acrylic work is by 20-year old Wendel Mallari of Tarlac State University (TSU), and shows a father carrying his son, while holding an image of the Sto. Niño (Holy Child) and wading through waist-high flood.
The winning entry of a religious art competition sponsored by the Manila Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church (MACC) is a work entitled “Matibay na Sandigan,” an acrylic work by 20-year old Wendel Mallari of Tarlac State University (TSU). It shows a father carrying his son, while holding an image of the Sto. Niño (Holy Child) and wading through waist-high flood.
Christian Cedrick M. Dela Paz, also 20, of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, placed second with his “Re-Lihiyo” (To Tie Again), his own interpretation of the Crucifixion scene, while Joseph L. Fraylon, 19, of the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP)–Manila, won third place with his “Panalangin” (Prayer).
Appreciation for religious art
Three other entries which have been declared “Jurors’ Choices” are: Loraine Marie C. Pre’s “Lift Up Your Heart”; Joseph David P. Requilme’s “Savior”; and Christian D. Antonio’s “Pagtanto sa Makabuluhang Layunin.”
Cash prizes for the winning entries were as follows:
1st Prize – ?40,000
2nd Prize – ?30,000
3rd Prize – ?20,000
Three “Jurors’ Choices” – ?10,000 each
The Manila Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church (MACC) announced the winners of the annual painting competition in a simple ceremony held Jan. 24 at the Museo ng Arkidiyosesis ng Maynila (MANA), Arzobispado de Manila, Intramuros.
Young artists
The judges were: Alex Benito Alcantara of the Old Manila gallery, Ruel Caasi, an independent curator, and Prof. Jaime David de los Santos of the University of Santo Tomas (UST)’s College of Fine Arts and Design.
The MACC annual painting competition seeks to foster contemporary artistic interpretations of the Catholic faith among young artists, and to promote awareness and appreciation of religious art.
Spirituality being central to the contest, the participants were asked to work on any theme related to the Catholicism.
The annual competition, which is open to Filipino students and out-of-school youths, ages 15 to 25 years old.
The winning entries and other finalists will be on exhibit at the Museo ng Arkodiyosesis ng Maynila, 3rd Floor Arzobispado de Manila, 121 Arzobispo St., Intramuros, Manila, from Jan. 24 until Feb. 20, 2015, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (break: 12 p.m.-1 p.m.). (Raymond A. Sebastián/CBCP News)
