Once again, the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) proved to be the home of excellent artists as CAFA students and instructors took home awards during the Development Academy of the Philippines' on-the-spot painting competition on June 19-20, 2023, held at DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City.
John Ronn Aviguetero, first-year Fine Arts student, won third place in the tertiary category with his work titled "UGKA - Ugat ng Kaunlaran."
Myjo Maj Perez, a second-year BS Architecture student, and Ira Jho Cacanog, a first-year Fine Arts student, were awarded an "honorable mention" under the same category.
Perez's artwork is titled "ISA-BUHAY" (to put into practice)," while Cacanog's entry is called "Ang Huling Piraso."
Meanwhile, Mr. Edno Joson, Fine Arts faculty member, secured second place in the mentor category with his piece called "Batang Makabayan."
All entries used acrylic on canvas.
The TSU delegation to the competition, composed of eight student artists and two faculty members as mentors, was thoroughly selected by the coaching team to represent the university.
The coaching team members are Fine Arts Department Chairperson Mr. Jessie Tadeo Jr., Ar. Rex Sicat Jr., Ar. Jenny Estrada, and Ms. Jenifer Bernardo.
According to Mr. Tadeo, also the student artists' head coach, the support they received from CAFA and the administration motivated them to perform well in the competition.
“Gusto ko ring magpasalamat sa full support ng CAFA, Tarlac State University, at kay President Velasco sa support when it comes sa pag-provide ng service (for transportation) and also sa moral support na binigay nila. Nakaka-motivate din as their coach na ganun ‘yung binigay nila sa amin,” he said.
In an interview, Aviguetero expressed his high spirits in representing TSU in the national arts competition, which he considered a dream come true.
“Masaya po sa pakiramdam na mairepresenta yung school namin. Dream ko po na makasali isang araw sa national competition at 'yung makapag-uwi pa po ng award ay malaking karangalan”, he stated.
Mr. Tadeo also played a significant role in encouraging instructors to contend in the mentor category, as claimed by Mr. Joson.
“Unang nag-invite sakin na sumali ay si Sir Jessie kasi kung hindi rin dahil sa kanya, hindi rin ako makaka-participate sa mentor category,” he said.
Aside from certificates of recognition, the winners also received cash prizes. Mr. Joson received 10,000 pesos, and Aviguetero brought home 5,000 pesos. Meanwhile, Perez and Cacanog accepted 1,000 pesos each from DAP.
Furthermore, the coaching team pledged to continue honing student artists as potential representatives in upcoming national and international arts competitions. (jlmm-OPA)
