YOUNG artists from Bais City Special Science Elementary School and La Consolacion College Bacolod were the grand champion in the sixth Victorias Milling Company art competition in rites held at Cafe Argus in Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City Sunday, September 30.
The grand winners were Kylin Clysdale Ilagan for the elementary category and Dennis James Occeno for the high school category.
Other winners in the elementary category include Deelan Calumpang from Silliman University, first runner-up; and Shairra Faye Tolentino from La Consolacion College-Bacolod, the second runner-up
For the high school category, the first runner-up was Yul Gabriel Dionson of Bais City National High School and Rolando Salimbaga Jr. of Sagay City National High School as second runner-up
There were three contestants in the high school category who got a citation. They were Arliyah Tatoy of St. Scholastica's Academy; Brandon Kent Braza of La Consolacion College; and Therese Mae Ortaliz of St. John's Institute.
Anne Tiongco, executive director of VMC Foundation, congratulated all the winners including those who did not make it but have given their best to participate in the said art competition.
"Last weekend, we held an on-the-spot art contest in Dumaguete City and had 16 participants from Negros Oriental. In Negros Occidental, 51 participated in the on-the-spot art contest Sunday. Our theme for this event is evolution. But we left it to their interpretation. We want it to keep it free so they won't limit their creativity," she said.
With this art competition, they are discovering a lot of talents. Even the judges can say that the caliber of the students has levelled up, she said.
She urged the participants to continue pursuing their passion for arts because they have the talents and skills of being true artists. “This is a venue for expressing and showing their talents. Whether you win or not, the fact that you were chosen as finalists and were adjudged by renowned local artists, that is already something that is worth treasuring.”
Meanwhile, Occeno, the grand winner for high school category, said that he never expected to win. "I would like to thank VMC and to all those who supported.”
Ilagan, grand winner in the elementary category, said, "Thank you VMC for this opportunity and next time again. I have been painting when I was seven years old. I am more inspired to paint with this award.”