State pension fund Government Service Insurance System announced the winners of its 15th national art competition in the awarding rites held at the GSIS Theater.
Three top winners and five honorable mentions were selected under each of the three open-themed categories of the competition. GSIS received a total of 1,125 entries in this year’s contest, currently the highest in its history.
In the mixed media category, Manuel Lotsu Q. Manes won first prize for his entry “Lumad.” Alfredo Baluyot’s “Through Ups and Downs” and Demetrio L. de la Cruz’s “Fragile (After Amorsolo, Fernando)” placed second and third, respectively.
Ariosto Dale Bagtas grabbed the top prize in the nonrepresentational category for his work “Happiest Place.” The second and third prizes went to Rodel G. Rillera and Jovel M. Ruivivar for their entries “Insekto sa Lipunan” and “Women on Top,” respectively.
The top three winners in both categories each received P400,000, P300,000, and P200,000. Honorable mentions were each given P100,000.
Winning the highest award in the sculpture category was Gilbert A. Miraflor’s “Untitled.” Felix Baldemor (“Rise of the Enchantress”) and Geofrey Ranchez (“Battle”) bagged second and third places, respectively.
The three went home with P300,000, P200,000, and P100,000, respectively. Honorable mentions each received P50,000.
All winning artworks, as well as honorable mentions, are now part of the GSIS art collection. The artworks are on display at the GSIS Museo ng Sining in Pasay City until August 2. The viewing schedule is from Tuesday to Saturday, at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.