Added Aug 3, 2006
The 6th Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) 2010 Art Competition announced this year’s batch of winners last June 7, 2010 at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City. Figuring prominently with major awards were Cebuano painters Dennis ‘Sio’ Montera, Felix Catarata and Warlen Rodriguez.
In the Non-Representational or ‘abstract’ category, U.P. Professor Dennis ‘Sio’ Montera took home the first prize; Felix Catarata and Warlen Rodriguez won first and second prize respectively in the Representational category. In the Sculpture category, Joe Geraldo of Negros Occidental won the first prize. The winning artists received a trophy and cash awards worth P 300,000.00, P200, 000.00 and P100, 000.00 for first, second, and third prize in each of the three categories respectively. This year’s competition were judged by National artists Ben Cabrera and Napoleon Abueva, Ms. Corazon Alvina, Ms. Sylvana Diaz, Mr. Eric Zerrudo, Luis Yee Jr. (Junyee), and Mr. Angel Cacnio.
Following in the footsteps of past GSIS winners from Cebu; Fred Galan (1st Prize-Representational category 2009), Florentino ‘Jun’ Impas (2nd Prize Representational category 2009), Antonio Ylanan (1st Prize, 2008), Orley Ypon (2nd Prize, 2008), (Jose Ybanez – Juror’s Choice 2008), this year’s winners have made it more special garnering two first prize awards out of the three categories and making a bold statement in the usually NCR-dominated Philippine art scene.
It was also a grand slam of sorts for the Cebu art community as the GSIS also bestowed a pioneering Artist of the Year Award to Cebuano Master Romulo Galicano for his achievements in the field of visual art and his legacy to the art community in general. Through a selection committee, the GSIS has previously awarded National Artists Napoleon Abueva and Ben Cabrera in this same capacity but extended this year’s qualification to accomplished artists not bestowed the National Artist title.
Galicano received a medal and special citation for his recognition.
Outgoing GSIS President and General Manager Winston Garcia was elated to see the Cebuano artists take the top honors in this prestigious competition. Speaking before a capacity crowd at the GSIS Theater, Garcia feels heartily indebted to the artists who have joined the competition over the years and wishes that the next GSIS leadership will continue to provide a competitive venue for artists to express themselves. He further adds that the GSIS Museo Ng Sining now possess 45 pieces of award-winning works as part of the Museum’s permanent collection.
The GSIS believes in the Filipino artist and his invaluable role in shaping how the country thinks. The GSIS through the Annual Art Competition has once again renewed its pledge to support artists all over the country, whose aim is to showcase the best paintings and sculptures of this generation.