Twenty artists have been named as finalists in the Manila Bulletin's Sketchfest's exhibition category for this year.
The finalists were announced as the on-the-spot and digital categories of the MB's signature event kicked off at 10 a.m. last Nov. 14.
For the first time, the MB Sketchfest went virtual to cope with the country's COVID-19 situation. This year's theme is "The Resilience of the Filipino," aiming to highlight the trademark Filipino trait in times of crises.
"Amid pandemic and calamity, Filipinos stand strong and united in the spirit of bayanihan: Always determined to build back better. That is why the theme is 'The Resilience of the Filipino.' Let your courage and determination shine through your creative work,” Manila Bulletin Executive Vice President Sonny Coloma said as he thanked the participants for joining.
The Top 20 artworks, in no particular order, were:
- "Bayan at Sarili" by Ricknibert Balingan
- "Inspirasyon" by Elbert Caballero
- "Manatili ka lang matatag kung hindi ka marunong sumuko" by Nino Cris Odosis
- "Life Amidst Pandemic: We Heal as One" by Arnel Garcia
- "Pagmamahal, Pagtutulungan, Susi sa Katatagan" by Elmar Badal
- "Ngiting May Pag-asa" by Fernando Cabungcal
- "Muling Pagsibol" by Seth Corda
- "Ang Tunay na Katatagan ng Isang Pilipino" by Carlos Albert Mandos
- "Gabay Kaagapay sa Hamon ng Buhay" by John Keannery Vibora
- "TaJUANan Mo Lang" by John Raymond Guevarra
- "Pagyayabong Mula sa Nabaon na Aral" by Vaness Joyce Tria
- "Withstanding All" by Coleen Gianah Sevillano
- "Ayuda" by Jenson Conje
- "Bonding Tayo" by Alvin Dungca
- "Strong Faith" by Antonio Pacuan Jr.
- "The New Hero Sacrifices" by Dominic Urbano
- "Kami" by Marshall Evan Cruz
- "Damayan" by Thomas Papa
- "Dasal Namin, Lakas Namin" by Elberto Caballero
- "Sulong Pinoy" by Favielle Fioni Fulgar
The finalists were judged based on their adherence to the theme (40 percent), creativity (35 percent), and originality (25 percent). They were chosen last Nov. 11 at the Manila Bulletin main office in Manila in the presence of a Department of Trade and Industry representative.
The Top 3 winners of the exhibition category, as well as the Top 3 winners of the Kiddie, Junior, and Senior, and digital art categories, respectively, will be announced via Facebook Live on Nov. 30, 11 a.m.
For the on-the-spot and digital categories, participants were required to livestream themselves on Facebook while doing their artworks at least one to two minutes. These should be posted in public with the caption “I am part of #MBSketchfest2020” and @manilabulletin should be tagged.
They should also post photos of them with their artwork with the same caption on or before 4 p.m. of Nov. 14.
Winners will receive on the scheduled basis the following prizes: P50,000 worth of cash and gift certificates for the first prize; P30,000 worth of cash and gift certificates for the second prize; P20,000 worth cash and gift certificates for the third prize; and consolation prize of P2,000.
The Manila Bulletin has been holding the event since 2011. From only around 200 participants, the event grew and attracted more artists and art enthusiasts from all over the country, reaching 2,531 participants in 2019.
This year's event was made possible with the help of Manila Bulletin's sponsors and partners: Pioneer Insurance, The SM Store, Grab Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), McDonald's, RJ 100.3FM, and RJ DigiTV.