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| Winning artwork by Centino |
PLDT, in partnership with Museo Iloilo, invited 25 local artists to participate in the e-Christmas card-making project. Anchored on the theme, "FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE this Christmas in the Time of Pandemic", the artists created masterpieces, which are collectible and unique Christmas e-cards.
Winning first place at the first-ever Christmas e-card-making contest was 19-year old Mimi Centino. She received a cash prize of P5,000.
A resident of Lapaz District in Iloilo City, Centino is an Architecture student at the University of San Agustin. "My art journey began when I joined an art club when I was in elementary school where I was mentored by Jonathan Jaleco," Centino said.
Centino said that it was Jaleco who encouraged her to join several art competitions, which boosted her self-esteem as she openly shares her craft. This also exposed her to new mediums and art styles.
"I find art as a kind of sanctuary. It is where I started to have a better understanding of myself," Centino said.
Joining Centino in the top 5 are Jan Christian Palma (2nd place), Kirby G. Majaque (3rd place), Jancel A. Boday (4th place), and Jude Portillo Alcalde (5th place)
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| Contest winner Mimi Centino, center, receives her award from PLDT Iloilo representative Cyrill Haresco and Iloilo Cultural Research Foundation Inc., Museo Iloilo President Gina Espinosa |
PLDT's e-Christmas card project enables Museo Iloilo's mission of supporting its local artists. It has been more than seven months since the art community has created an exhibition, which resulted in the lack of income of its local artists. Thanks to PLDT - there is hope amid the pandemic.
"PLDT and the Museo Iloilo have been long-time partners in ensuring that the local art community thrives. These 25 Ilonggo artists who joined in the exhibit, submitted one original art piece. The artists' interpretation of the theme is rendered on any recycled art medium. With us also in this project is the Catholic Women's League (CWL) San Jose unit," said PLDT Community Relations Head Katherine P. Diaz De Rivera.
"Through this virtual art contest, we hope that we are able to share the story behind each piece of artwork and its message. My only wish is that this experience for each and everyone involved in this program has brought meaning, purpose, faith, and hope into your lives - making each and everyone's Christmas memorable and meaningful," Diaz De Rivera added.
"We would like to share three things to make this work truly happy this holiday season - something to give, someone to love, and something to hope for. We want to inspire everyone. Thank you to PLDT for the 10 years of continued partnership. Thank you for your trust and confidence. We are forever grateful," said Museo Iloilo President Gina S. Espinosa.
According to Espinosa, most of the artists who joined this contest were kids, who used to join the Museo Summer Art Workshop and the Museo Dinagyang On-the-spot Painting Contest. These artists are now part of Museo Iloilo's art community, one that simply feels like family.