Sining Filipina Awarding Ceremony and Opening of Exhibit

Sining Filipina Awarding Ceremony and Opening of Exhibit

March 22, 2024 by Zonta

In a collaborative effort, BDO and SM Supermalls have partnered with the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME), awarded and launched “SINING FILIPINA”, the first All-Women Art Competition, March 15, 2024 SM Aura U/G Atrium situated at 26thStreet, Corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig City. The exhibit will run until Friday, March 22, 2024.

The program featured the unveiling of the competition's 78 finalists from all over the Philippines and the announcement of the top 3 winners for each category (Figurative and Non-Figurative. ) A total of 732 entries were received for the contest's Figurative and Non-Figurative categories. The esteemed panel of judges selected 48 and 29 finalists from the Figurative and Non-Figurative categories respectively. Top 3 winners for each category received the following prizes: P 250,000 - First Place, P150,000 - 2nd Place and P100,000 - 3rd Place; the winners are:

The awarding ceremony and exhibit opening were graced by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson, Singapore Ambassador Constance See, British Embassy Ambassador Laure Beaufils, from Royal Danish Embassy Mme. Eva Melbin, embassy of Nigeria Counsellor/Head of Chancery Mrs. Charity Ekeada-Davidon, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) President and Chairperson Elizabeth Sy, Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, BDOPB President Albert Yeo, Atty. Federico Tantoco, Senior Vice President Compliance Head of BDO Unibank, Airspeed President Ms. Rosemarie Rafael and ZCME President Jeannie Abaya.

The esteemed judges of these first all-women art competition are: Mr. Kenneth Esguerra, Senior Curator of the Ayala Museum, Ayala Museum's Head of Conservation; Ms. Tina Colayco, President of The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Professor and former dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Fine Arts; Ms. Julie Lluch, Multi-awarded Sculptor and a master of clay and terracotta who has represented the country in various international exhibitions. Mr. Mark Justiniani, a painter known for his socio-politically illustrative fueled works, he has since gained recognition for producing installations using mirrors, glass and stainless steel and continues to be a heavy influence on contemporary Philippine art, and Ms.Victoria T. Herrera, Director and Chief Curator, Ateneo Art Gallery, Former Director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Visual Arts and Museum Division and Curatorial consultant for the UP Baguio Museo Kordilyera.

This auspicious occasion serves as a celebration of art, women empowerment, and the boundless creativity inherent in Filipina artists. Through this groundbreaking competition, we aim to provide a platform for the recognition and appreciation of the extraordinary talent prevalent among Filipina artists nationwide.

The program was hosted by Ms. Christine Jacob-Sandejas. More than 250 artists, art collectors, Zontians, guests and BDO Private Bank clients attended the event.

“The time has come that women are represented and given a spotlight in the field of fine arts. Art to me is a sensory reflection or expression of the human condition. For years, it has been dominated by the worldview of men. Now it is said that women hold half of the sky, so I think that it is just right that on earth, women should be given a chance to give their worldview in a more meaningful way,” Zonta Club of Makati and Environs vice president Joanne Zapanta-Andrada said.