Earl Von Salcedo, holds his winning entry with Mayor Salvador Escalante as judges Charlie Co and Tristam Miravalles (l-r) look on*
A unique kind of “revolution” participated in by young visual artists from the local governments of the Second District of Negros Occidental took centerstage in Cadiz City with Mayor Salvador Escalate Jr. and the local government unit bankrolling an arts competition to provide exposure and hone the skills of promising talents.
Earl Von Salcedo, a 22-year old freelance visual artist, won first place for his surreal acrylic on canvas entry, entitled, “The Dreamy Rice Fields”. He won a P40,000 grand prize, trophy and certificate.
A total of 160 artists from Cadiz, Sagay and Manapla, aged 18-and-above, joined the Second District CaSaMa Painting Competition 2022 anchored on the theme, “Harvest”.
The judges included renowned artist Charlie Co, Tristam Miravalles, Cezar Arro and Hill Benitez.
The event served as one of the highlights of the city’s Charter Day celebration that culminates with the inauguration of newly-elected officials led by Escalante on Monday, July 4.
Reynald Esperancilla – second prize winner, Mae Ann Barcenilla – third, Santiago Onatin – fourth, and Allen Descalsota – fifth, each received trophies and 30,000, P25,000, P20,000 and P15,000, respectively.
The sixth to 10th finalists, who were given P10,000 each, were Mark Kineth Casindac, John Quincy Hervias, Joven Dionaldo, Rusty Quiachon and July Ladra.
Escalante also picked 20 more entries called the Mayor’s Choice.
Each received P5,000 cash as a consolation prize.
Co said it was difficult to judge fellow artists, especially because there were many outstanding submissions.
He also commended the initiative of the Cadiz LGU and the support given by Escalante to promising talents, adding that he hopes that more local chief executives in Negros Occidental will do the same.
Constant exposure is important to further hone local artists’ skills, Co said.*