Western Mindanao artists win Grand Prize in PVAF-NCCA Interactive Mural Painting

By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY, March 12 (PIA) - - - Zamboanga Peninsula artists bagged the Grand Prize in the Philippine Visual Arts Festival-National Commission for Culture and the Arts (PVAF-NCCA) Interactive Mural Painting national level competition held in Angono, Rizal on February 17-21, 2012.

The event was the first nationwide gathering of artists in Angono, Rizal, the Art Capital of the Philippines hosted by Master Nemesio Miranda, renowned national artist.  

Rev. Jerome Castillo, a pastor of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP), together with seven other local artists  won over 300 entries.

“We never expected to win, in fact, when we viewed our painting,  morag walay ka art-art, kung ikumpara sa uban,” Castillo said smiling. (We never expected to win, in fact, when we viewed our painting, it was nothing compared to the other entries.) But what was nice about it was that every art enthusiast who viewed our painting would become teary-eyed and we even heard some say, “this must be the champion.” The people were unanimous in their choice so we eventually bagged the grand prize for the interactive mural painting,” the young pastor related.

In the 2 x 2 category, they did not win but somehow, what happened was enough to make them winners. Four paintings of Pastor Jerome were bought by famous TV personality Boy Abunda which are now included in his vast art collection. “I felt lucky since out of the hundreds of paintings on exhibit, he chose my works and even asked if there were more,” he humbly related.  

What made it more meaningful was Castillo’s winning the on-the-spot painting contest, earning for himself the coveted Nemiranda’s Choice Award, considering that they had barely 2 hours to finish the painting. “It’s good because when I was studying Fine Arts, we always did on the spot painting so I was quite used to it,” the young pastor quipped. 

Everyday, the artists toured Rizal province and were amazed at the  historic and amazing place where sculpture and art galleries abound, the best works of art, displaying the rich and diversified culture of Filipinos.       

Although they were beginners pitted against masters, they were grateful to the Lord for the recognition they earned from the PVAF-NCCA national competition.

“I would like to challenge the young artists, those with the gift and potential to continue painting. Everyone is an artist is his own right,” he said. The young pastor is very much willing and available to help in honing the artistic abilities of the youth. “I encourage you to go out from your shell and show your talents, you need not be ashamed of your ability,” Pastor Jerome said.

He is slated to hold an art exhibit on the last week of March which will be held at the City Commercial Center (C3)  labeled as “Pick-up lines,” humor and jokes which will be portrayed through paintings and this early,  he is so excited about it.

Pastor Jerome draws inspiration from his deep relationship with God, being a pastor and a spiritual person. As he meditates on God’s goodness, it becomes a wellspring of ideas. His wife and only son comes second where he gets the motivation to pursue his artistic talents and give him inspiration in life. Third are the people who have been close to him and, nature itself which stimulates and brings bright ideas to his artistic instincts.   

Aside from Pastor Jerome, other artists who participated in the PVAF-NCCA national competition were Doroteo Alum, Edwin Jumalon, Jeody Bayobay, Chester Mato, Patricio Saladaga, Tomas Cabatuan and Renato Velasco. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)