This Art Competition Highlights Filipina Artistry and Creativity

The inaugural Sining Filipina art competition held its awarding ceremony and exhibition opening at SM Aura last March 15.

‘Sining Filipina’ is a celebration of Filipina artistry and women’s empowerment through art. It is a collaborative effort among SM Supermalls, BDO Unibank, Inc. and the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME), a member of Zonta International which is a global organization of executives and professionals working together for the empowerment of women and girls through service and advocacy. 

As the Philippines’ very first all-female national art competition, it aims to highlight Filipina artistry and creativity, and promote their wider participation in Philippine art. The pioneering competition likewise provides aspiring artists a unique opportunity to gain recognition in the art world while expressing their own perspective and narratives through art.

‘Sining Filipina’ received an overwhelming response with 732 entries coming from women of all ages from all over the country. The selection was narrowed to 48 and 29 finalists from the Figurative and Non-Figurative categories respectively. The esteemed panel of judges that took that formidable task of selection to heart was composed of Metropolitan Museum of Manila President Tina Colayco, Ayala Museum Senior Curator and Head of Conservation Kenneth Esguerra, Ateneo Art Gallery Director and Chief Curator Victoria Herrera, renowned artist Mark Justiniani, and eminent sculptor Julie Lluch.

Three winners were chosen for each category. They each took home cash prizes and trophies, made from mango and narra wood, by sculptor Charming Baldemor. Cash prizes were Php 250,000.00 for the grand prize, Php 150,000.00 for the second place, and Php 100,000.00 for the third place.

Leading the awarding and exhibition opening ceremonies were SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, BDO Private Bank President Albert Yeo, and ZCME President Jeannie Abaya. 

Guests of honor at the event included women leaders US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, British Ambassador Laure Beaufils, Singapore Ambassador Constance See, Embassy of Denmark’s Madame Eva Fischer-Mellbin, Embassy of Nigeria Counsellor/Head of Chancery Charity Ekeadon Davidson, together with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation President Elizabeth Sy and SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy.

Winners of the Figurative category are Hanna Joy Sayam (Grand Prize), Luckyshia Jenielou Canonigo (2nd place), and Ma. Christina Baltero (3rd place). For the Non-Figurative category, the winners are Maria Gemma San Jose (Grand Prize), Maria Melissa Sangoyo (2nd place), and Isabelita Rodillo (3rd place).  were awarded a cash prize of Php 150,000.00 for second place and Php 100,000.00 for third. All winners also took home the ‘Sining Filipina’ trophy, specially created by sculptor and Zonta member, Charming Baldemor. 

The awarding ceremony also marked the opening of the exhibition featuring the six winning works and those of the 72 finalists. Proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards the artist and ZCME’s charitable programs. The exhibition is ongoing until March 22, 2024 at the Upper Ground Level Atrium of SM Aura.

Photos courtesy of SM Supermalls