KAGAY-ANON artist Emmanuel Mulawan won third place at the recently concluded World Costume Festival 2019 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Mulawan’s design is inspired by the jeepney, most popular transportation in the Philippines which is tagged as the “King of the Road” with its flashy lights and loud stereos.
Mulawan, who works in the City Tourism Office of Cagayan de Oro, described his creation as a symbol of unified vision of the Filipino people for a stable economy, harmonious society, and lasting peace, especially in Mindanao where he traces his roots.
The design, he added, is attuned with the long-standing call for jeep modernization that will “greatly benefit the riding public, jeep operators and drivers, and the environment.”
“In my heart comes a deep sense of pride in representing my beloved city of Cagayan de Oro, that is why fluid design is reflective of the bodies of water that are identifiable of the City of Golden Friendship - the majestic Cagayan de Oro River that meets the Macajalar Bay up north,” Mulawan said.
“A river rafting adventure destination, CDO celebrates its Higalaay Festival every eighth month of the year, thus the eight rays of the sun, crafted in this masterpiece,” he added.
Mulawan is just one of the international and multi-awarded artists in Cagayan de Oro City.
During the first World Art Olympiad held on July 18 to 25, 2018 at Gloria’s Fantasyland Theme Park in Dapital City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mulawan came out victorious in all three categories he competed: On-the-Spot Painting, Thematic Painting, and Sketching.
Philippines, however, came in second after Indonesia and before Myanmar as the country harvested five golds, five silvers and 12 bronzes.
Mulawan’s gold winning entry in the Thematic Painting category, which was anchored on the subject: “I’m proud of my festival,” was the Higalaay Festival-inspired painting.
This year’s World Costume Festival first place was awarded to Ian Atendido of Ilocos Sur, followed by the second place to Rene Lloyd Omadle of General Santos City.