There's an old valued saying that goes, "You can kill a man, but you can't kill an idea." And guess what happened? Kindly read on.

A particularly innovative female-oriented proposal was voiced out by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, vice president of Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc. (ZCME), in 2019. However, the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic brought the world into a standstill never seen before.

Inasmuch as nothing stays forever, while the country slowly regained its near normalcy, the ever-active club once again reviewed the project on hold, which aimed to recognize women, most specially in fields where men usually reigned.

So when Stella L. Cabalatungan, the executive vice president for BDO (Banco de Oro) Private Bank, learned from Tessie Sy Coson, BDO Unibank chairperson, of SM Group seriously considering an art-related event to celebrate National Women's Month, there was a "eureka" moment. Since Cabalatungan is presently the treasurer of ZCME, she eagerly hoped SM and BDO to be the main sponsors, which was graciously approved. The ball was officially put into motion, more than ready to roll.

And thus, Sining Filipina National Art Competition, the first of its kind, was born. It proudly carries a thrust: "The world needs to see the world in the eyes of a woman. The country needs to see itself in the eyes of its women." To further explore this advocacy, the tilt sought to encourage, nurture and promote the Filipina as a vehicle for women empowerment in her role as an artist.

"We wanted to provide opportunities to all Filipina artists, regardless of age, the chance to express their creative talents and be recognized. So many women have the artistic skills but do not have the means nor connections to showcase their works. What we wish to bring to all of them was hope. The hope that there is a venue for them for people to appreciate their works and be discovered," Cabalatungan elaborated.