(From left) Chinabank executive vice president and Ollie Palanca, ZCME president Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, chairperson and president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation Elizabeth T. Sy, Madame Endo Akiko, and Madame Roswitha Brieger.  Photographs courtesy of SM Supermalls
LIFE

Empowered women take the stage at Sining Filipina exhibit

Sining Filipina shines a spotlight on the creativity and vision of Filipino women artists, celebrating their unique contributions to sustainability and the environment

Pauline Songco

There is power in each canvas you hold.

Women in art are also game changers in their own right. In a field usually dominated by men, women continue to pave way and shape art history, further highlighting their limitless potential.

Grace Magno, vice president for Corporate Marketing at SM Supermalls.

Championing women year round

Last month, 10 women artists were celebrated as Sining Filipina held its awarding ceremony. Co-presented by Chinabank and SM Supermalls for the benefit of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Sining Filipina is the Philippines’ only nationwide, all-women art competition.

This year, 52 finalists from across the country displayed their outstanding works at SM Aura’s upper ground level atrium, showcasing a wide variety of artistic styles, themes and mediums — from traditional painting to experimental mixed media.

Jowee Anne Aguinaldo’s painting titled Pinagtapi-tapi won first place. Her piece, made using oil medium, depicts women working together to sew a colossal and colorful fabric.

“Sobrang thankful ako sa recognition at sa Zonta Club of Makati & Environs’ Sining Filipina for the opportunity. Thank you rin to Jumar, my family, friends and everyone who has supported me, malaking bagay ‘to sa’kin. This one’s for you, tito Jay. I know how proud you always were of me, and I hope you’re still watching. Missing you a little more today (I am very thankful for the recognition and to the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs’ Sining Filipina for the opportunity. Thank you also to Jumar, my family, friends and everyone who has supported me. This is a big thing for me. This one’s for you, uncle Jay. I know how proud you always were of me, and I hope you’re still watching. Missing you a little more today),” Aguinaldo said.

Jowee Anne Aguinaldo’s painting titled Pinagtapi-tapi won first place.

Aguinaldo took home a cash prize of P250,000 and a custom Sining Filipina plaque.

The following are the eight artists and their works, which were recognized:

Second place: Si Nanay sa Merkado by Gleanne Gentizon

Third place: Pinagtapi-tapi by Shara Mae Chan

Fourth place: Bayan ni Juana by Ma. Jezshelle Nicole Asares

Fifth place: Salmon ng Kahapon by Sunshine Vito

Sixth place: Hiyas: Start Within Me by Mary Joy Go

Seventh place: You: The Sustainability Leader by Maria Gemma San Jose

Eighth place: Ang Tunay na Kulay ng Bukang Liwayway by Monaliza Domer

Ninth place: Guardians of Tomorrow by Lea Marie Dracula

Now on its second year, Sining Filipina shines a spotlight on the creativity and vision of Filipino women artists, celebrating their unique contributions to sustainability and the environment. With the theme “Her Earth, Her Future,” the platform aims to empower women in their artistic pursuits and provide them with a space to showcase their work.