MANILA, Philippines — The Czech Embassy Manila recently opened a children’s exhibit in Museo Pambata entitled “Guhit ČESko: the Czech Republic Through my Eyes.”

Displaying all the entries received from participants in Cebu, Manila and Davao, the exhibit aims to provide a glimpse of the Czech Republic’s rich cultural heritage through the eyes of Philippine child artists aged 10-14.

Top prize went to Ms. Trina Francesca Pagtakhan of De La Salle Zobel for her artwork entitled “Czech Republic’s Culture in the Eyes of the World.” Winners went home with trophies, cash prizes, certificates of recognition, and Czech commemorative coins, as well as lootbags filled to the brim with art goodies.

Fusing Czech heritage with Philippine talent and ingenuity, guests were entertained by Children’s Joy Foundation with a rondalla performance of wellloved Philippine folk songs Manang Biday, Leron Leron Sinta, and Itik-itik.

Up next was bassist and songwriter Mr. Macky Macaventa’s rendition of a song that made waves in the Czech hard rock scene in the 90’s — rocking it in the Czech language! “Guhit ČESko: the Czech Republic Through my Eyes” is the first in a series of art competitions being hosted by the Czech Embassy Manila’s Cultural Section.

Its succeeding art competition is “Sining ČESko” for university/college-level artists aged 16-21. More information can be found on www.mzv.cz/manila. A.A.M.