A self-taught visual artist from Angeles, Pampanga, displayed a captivating masterpiece entitled “We are one family or Isang Pamilya Tayo” to capture the grand prize of the first-ever art competition of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Sentro Artista.

Eduardo Perreras took home the P1 million grand prize by topping 11 other finalists of the inaugural art competition entitled “Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong” during Friday’s awarding ceremony at the lobby of the new Greenhills Mall in San Juan City.

“I focused my art on hindi uurong [won’t backdown]. It was based on my personal experience that every time I saw an old person, I do everything to help,” Perreras said. “The mother and child in the middle symbolizes the entire Filipino family where they are carried by the whole nation.”

“Based on the PCSO theme, it emphasized the true nature of the Filipinos for being helpful with each other during difficult times,” added Perreras, who was congratulated by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, who handed the award, and PCSO General Manager Mel Robles.

Conversely, Robles congratulated all the winners, saying the art competition was a resounding success that embodied what the PCSO is all about: charity to all.

“Judging from the works of all the participants, they are all beautiful that capture and embody the essence of the PCSO — and that’s kawang gawa [charity]. That’s why the recurring theme is “Hindi umuurong sa pagtulong o bayanihan, which is always part of being a Filipino,” Robles said. 

Bagging the first runner-up and a cash prize of P250,000 was Pastor Wilfredo Labana from Calbayog City, Samar. Third place and P 150,000 richer was Richard Dela Cruz, who traces his roots in Oton, Iloilo.

Prior to the awarding ceremony, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Robles, actress Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde, Sentro Artista co-founder Jay Ruiz, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the traditional ribbon cutting to start the program.

Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde of Quezon City’s first district, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Quezon City third district councilor Dr. Geleen “Dok G” Lumbad also graced the event.

The panel of judges chaired by Dean Raul Isidro, based the top three winners on composition, color, adherence to the theme and rendering. The other members of the jury are Fil Delacruz, Juno Galang, Elmer Borlongan, and Salvador Ching.

Marjorie D. Ruiz, the founding partner and owner of Sentro Artista, expressed her gratitude to all who supported the contest despite the challenges and the great number of participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, but it remained steadfast and unwavering in seeing the art competition achieve its purpose and meaning. Selected entries will be exhibited in Sentro Artista at the Arton Strip along Katipunan Extension in Quezon City. A number of entries have already been sold during the first few days of the exhibit and some of the shortlisted entries may still be purchased through the gallery.

“We really wanted the local art scene to get back on its feet. And to give our local artists hope and a lifeline that despite the hardships and concerns they constantly face every day, many people are willing to help and give them a hand to rise above these challenges,” Ruiz said. 

Nine other finalists included Benjamin Cruz, Teodorico Rili Cumagon lll, Niño Cris Odosis, Crisanto Sator, Ramsid Winston Labe, Noel Sagayap, Melchor Bernaldo, Rolando Yakit, and James Gabito, took home P75,000 each.

Due to the tremendous success of the competition, with entries coming from all over the country, Robles vows to support efforts to revitalize the local art scene in the future.

“Definitely, we will continue with this to support our local artists and to encourage them to come up with better and excellent artworks,” he said.

Also in attendance were Masbate Governor Antonio Kho, businessmen Art Atayde and Joseph Lumbad, Rico Gonzalez, among others.