A PAINTING is worth a million of thoughts.
This holds true to the paintings made by aspiring young artists from Manay, Davao Oriental. These seven paintings are entries for the first-ever Katipanod Aw Kaungan-unganan: Pinta Manay 2019 held last October 23, 2019 at Barangay Central Mini Gym in Manay.
Katipanod stands for "history," while "Kaungan-unganan" means "culture or way of life."
Jan Michael Belena, of Manay's Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, said the objective of the event is to preserve the culture and history of the town, encourage youth to study about history, cultural heritage and general information, and promote camaraderie among student from different schools.
Belena said it originally started as Mautak Ako Showdown, a quiz bee competition, until the municipality passed an ordinance (Municipal Ordinance 2019-18-07) early this year that made it an annual activity, changing the name from to Katipanod Aw Kaungan-unganan.
The ordinance, however, emphasized that the event's contest format may vary to avoid redundancy. For this year, the contest was an On the Spot Painting.
"Actually, it can be painting, spoken poetry or anything for as long as it will promote history and preserve culture of Manay," he said.
Painting competition was this year's theme because it has been considered part of the Filipinos' culture. Also, a number of young Manayans excel in the arts.
The participants for this year are from Evaristo Moralizon National Vocational High School, Jose Antop Sr. San Isidro Integrated School, Manay National High School, Maryknoll School of Manay Inc., and Del Pilar National High School.
Marvin Mandanao of Evaristo Moralizon National Vocational High School emerged as the winner. He also bagged the Mayor's Choice Award and the People's Choice Award.
Francis Bangkailan of the same school got the second spot, while Erwin Duay of Jose Antop Sr. San Isidro Integrated School placed third.
The entries were judged by writer and painting enthusiast Ida Damo, photographer Bobcat Gregorio, and graphic artist and painter Danver Palmiano.
Katipanod Aw Kaungan-unganan: Pinta Manay 2019 is one of the highlights of the 122nd Araw ng Manay and Feast of the St. Francis Xavier Parish.
Public viewing and exhibition of the paintings will run from October 28 to November 8, 2019 at Negosyo Center Manay.