The pandemic has forced everyone into a state of reflection due to isolating and being an artist it’s not the worst place to be since this is where they usually create work. And with Robinsons Land ARTablado’s first ever National Painting Competition, staying in and getting lost in making art is such pure bliss.

The list of inspiration is endless as the theme of the competition is “Create” which is defined as “to bring something to existence”. It serves as the first step in Robinsons Land Corporation’s (RLC) campaign to illustrate the beauty of the Philippines, showcase the future of arts, share Filipino culture and festivities, and create awareness and open the eyes of the Filipinos on environmental changes.

Robinsons Land ARTablado received a total of 94 entries for both Representational and Non-Representational category made by the young and young-at-heart around the country. From there, the Top 25 finalists for each category were selected and among it were the Top 3 winners. Surely, the panel of judges based their scores on beauty, skill, inherent meaning, uniqueness, and fulfilled intent.

Here are the official winners for both categories and their prizes: 1st Prize, Kanlungan ng Lahi by Ambrocio Mallari and The Soul of Hapiness by Romer Kagayutan – both of them will be given a solo exhibition at ARTablado, Robinsons Galleria and receive P60,000 cash, an overnight stay in Summit Ridge Tagaytay, and a plaque; 2nd Prize, Inang Kalikasan Ibigin at Pagkaingatan by Froilan Galpo and Imbak sa Bulaklak by Elbert Caballero –  they will receive P40,000 cash, overnight stay in Summit Chimes Greenhills, and a plaque; For the 3rd Prize, Usbong at Silakbo ng Kalikasan by Nino Cris Odosis and Isang Libo Apatnaraan at Apatnapung Pagasa by Dante Bon Verano – each of them will receive P20,000 cash, an overnight stay at Summit Magnolia, and a plaque. On the other hand, the remaining 44 finalists will receive P4,000 cash each.

Let’s get to know the judges: First is Mr. Nemesio “Nemi” Miranda, known as the “Father of Imaginative Figurism”, owns the Nemiranda Art House Family Museum to promote art in his hometown. Second, Mr. Carlos “Totong” Francisco II, the grandson of renowned muralist and National Artist, Carlos “Botong” Francisco and a full-time artist since 1996. Third, Ms. Maryrose Gisbert-Domingo, an Awardee for Ulirang Magdaleno for Arts and Culture awarded by the Mayor of Mandaluyong City, a member of Saturday Group of Artists, the Mandaluyong Artists League, the Art Association of the Philippines, and an instructor for Creative Hands Art Workshop. Fourth, Mr. Felix Dan S. Lopez, a seasoned Human Resources Executive in the Philippines and currently the Vice President for Human Resources of Cebu Pacific Air. Last but not the least, Ms. Roselle Allado, an art collector of contemporary pieces with more than 20 years of experience in the financial markets.

All entries definitely has meaning beyond being an image, it will bring you tears, make you laugh, or remind you of something you’d almost forgotten, it also stands out in the crowd and dares to be different. Art is incredibly powerful as it keeps the people going. Since our lives have changed dramatically and it can feel a little overwhelming at times, through this competition, Robinsons Land has found a way to bring hope, happiness, and encouragement to help them keep going during the difficult times.

To see the complete list of Robinsons Land ARTablado finalists and their entries, visit their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ARTablado/