At first glance, an art piece depicting a young boy in a red cape, black mask and wearing slippers was just ordinary in the midst of a sea of paintings.
But that piece of an innocent looking boy, who stood as the quiet hero – the famous “Superman” – got the judges’ nod to snatch the P100,000 grand prize in Cadiz City’s province-wide painting competition – latest edition – that culminated on July 2 at Cadiz Arena, a press release from Cadiz PIO said.
The winning art piece was the entry of Talisay City native Zanzibar Abonado.
Abanado simply imagined, reimagined, and later portrayed on canvas a child, with a letter “S” drawn on his shirt.
A boy wasn’t in flight or in action — he’s simply standing still, looking ahead, as if dreaming of something more.
It’s a familiar scene, grounded in everyday life, but one that speaks of hope in quiet strength.
The message is clear: There’s still an ember of hope amid adversities.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., an artist himself, can’t help but be awed by Abanado’s amazing creation.
The play of hues, the employment of subjects, the imagination of background, and the overall impact were all superb, packed into what the mayor described as an awesome art piece.
“It’s beyond 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,” Escalante added as he also recalled how he really institutionalized painting competition in Cadiz five years ago.
The tilt, boring to some, but noblest to the mayor whose primary goal is to discover Negros artisans, and give them the avenue and vehicle to lead and shine.
REWIND
At the height of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and beyond, Cadiz’s artists were among those who were vulnerable.
Instead of casting pity on them, Escalante launched a painting competition that would enliven their spirit and creativity.
By then, local artists had started crafting pieces with sense and relevance with the present time and challenges.
And seeing the winning piece of Abanado made him reminisce on the humble beginning of Cadiz painting competition, now held twice a year – during the Dinagsa Festival in January and the Charter Celebration in July.
“Quite a rendezvous of ideas and shared vision – to make Cadiz an ‘Art Capital’ of Negros, and let every Negrense artist shine beyond borders,” Escalante said.
And for the mayor, his dreams for his fellow artists are now gradually becoming reality.
Other winners in the Cadiz painting competition this July include 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).
Dequiña, Canieso, Quiamco and Chavez also went home with P60,000, P40,000, P30,000 and P20,000 in cash prizes, respectively.
Judging the prestigious event in line with Cadiz’s weeks-long 58th Charter Anniversary on June 27 to July 7, included lawyer Bruce Ragas, concurrent director of 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 made a solo exhibit at the University of Sto. Tomas in 2023; and Dr. Aladin Antiqueño, a recipient of honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine Arts from St. James Academy in Pennsylvania, USA.*
