A poignant artwork titled “Superman,” depicting a young boy in a red cape, black mask, and slippers, clinched the P100,000 grand prize at Cadiz City’s latest province-wide painting competition.
The winning piece, by Talisay City native Zanzibar Abonado, captured the judges’ attention for its quiet strength and powerful message of hope amidst adversity.
The competition culminated on July 2 at the Cadiz Arena.
Abonado’s “Superman” portrays a child with an “S” drawn on his shirt, standing still and gazing forward, seemingly lost in dreams. Unlike typical heroic depictions, the boy is not in flight or action, but simply grounded in everyday life.
This familiar yet profound scene resonated deeply, conveying a clear message: an ember of hope persists even in challenging times.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., himself an artist, said Abonado’s creation is beyond a painting.
“It’s a reflection of Filipinos’ resiliency in silence – to stand still no matter what happens,” Escalante said.
“That boy ‘Superman’ is a vivid representation of an ordinary and innocent human being still imagining the best amid the messy world right now in just a silent mode, ” he said.
Escalante said institutionalizing the painting competition five years ago was geared towards providing a platform for Negros artisans to shine.
The competition is now held twice a year – during the Dinagsa Festival in January and the Charter Celebration in July.
Other winners of the July painting competition were:
• Nestor Angelo Dequiña of Sagay City (2nd Place);
• Anchie Canieso of Pontevedra (3rd Place);
• Giljohn Quiamco of Bago City (4th Place); and
• Jonafer Chavez of Cadiz City (5th Place).
These artists received cash prizes of P60,000, P40,000, P30,000, and P20,000, respectively.
The judges were:
• Bruce Ragas, concurrent director of the Commission on Population and Development in Region 7 and Negros Island Region;
• Jzy Tilos, founder of Tagatig Tigbauan Artist Hub in Tigbauan, Iloilo;
• Ron Lopez David, an acclaimed visual artist who held a solo exhibit at the University of Sto. Tomas in 2023; and
• Dr. Aladin Antiqueno, a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine Arts from St. James Academy in Pennsylvania, USA.*