The recent 34th Kulay Sa Tubig Invitational Watercolor Competition Exhibit at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall celebrated the everyday life of Filipinos — women serenely sewing, riders on their bikes, children at play, foodie fare, and still life subjects.

A joint project of Gallery Genesis and SM Megamall, with support from the Filipino Heritage Foundation and French Baker, Kulay Sa Tubig, on its 34th year, remains an avenue for new as well seasoned Filipino aquarelle artists to showcase their works. A total of 90 artists competed for the Top Five Watercolorists Awards and Five Runners-Up. Each winner received a trophy, certificate, and cash prize.

Felipe de Leon Jr., former chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, led the distinguished panel of judges which included Metropolitan Museum of Manila president Tina Colayco; Zonta Club president and ArteFino co-founder Maritess Mendoza-Pineda; art historian, curatorial consultant, and professor Dr. Laya Boquiren-Gonzales; former arts and books editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Joselito Zulueta; and Ayala Museum's senior curator and head of conservation Ken Esguerra.

Kulay Sa Tubig's Top Five Watercolorists in this year's edition included Renato Canlas (Spring of Hope), Ralvin Dizon (Sa Pagitan ng Pahina at Paalam), Rolando Guina (Bike Check), Dan Macapugay (Ina), and Richard Romeo (A Golden Hour in Basilan).

Renato Canlas was elevated to Hall of Fame among artists who have won three times (he was also awarded in 2019 and 2021). Special awards were also given to other Hall of Famers present during the awarding ceremony: Rogelio Cerda, Edgar Fernandez, Christian Mirang, Margarita Lim, Jose Ceriola, Noli Principe Manalang, and Clarence Aduarte.

Meanwhile, Aizza Joy Allid (Ang Pagtatahi), Gilbert Enriquez (The Happiness of Hope), Arnold Estrella (Danggit), Vic Nabor (Cleansing), and Jun Velasco (Igorota Hand Weaver) were named the five runners-up.

Kulay Sa Tubig, identified as the country's most prestigious watercolor competition, was established by well-respected art patron and currently chairman emeritus of Gallery Genesis Araceli "Chichi" Salas. Since its first edition in 1983, Kulay Sa Tubig has changed the lives of local artists for the better as winners have gone to make waves in both the local and international art scene.

Gallery Genesis president Patrice Salas said, "This year's edition is a lot more exciting and competitive because we see a lot of newer and unknown artists showcase their talent. This widens our reach and gives watercolorists from untapped areas in the Philippines the opportunity and platform to show their artworks."
The 34th Kulay sa Tubig Invitational Watercolor Competition is one of the many exciting art and culture events of SM Megamall.