(Images from Watsons/Artwork by Ariana Maralit)
They say there’s money in trash, but can it also be turned into beautiful art pieces? In Watsons' first sustainability art exhibit, "Reuse with Watsons: A Sustainability Art Exhibit," Filipino artists were challenged to create artworks using discarded materials from the brand's recycle bins. The exhibit, which was held at drybrush Gallery in SM MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, featured 32 artworks made from a variety of materials, including plastic bottles, plastic wrappers, paper/carton boxes/tissue, blister packs, metals, makeup sponges, foams, and brushes. First prize winner Ferdinand Sanchez with his winning piece, *Aruga*
With his entry *Aruga*, and using his signature theme of mother and child, Ferdinand Sanchez bagged the first prize. His entry, this time, was infused with different recyclable materials that gave the pieces the look of a painting and sculptured work in one. A truly notable and deserving win for the artist. “Para sa nanay ko ‘yan. Yung sustainability represents yung sacrifices ng nanay ko sa pagpapalaki sa amin (This work is for my mother. The sustainability represents her sacrifices). The green colors are the patina. It represents the challenges. The junk materials represents the kind of life our family has,” Ferdinand tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle in Filipino. “Hindi naman kami mayaman, nilagyan ko ng  pinta na gold para maipakita na yung basura maaaring magkaroon ng halaga. Yung pagsisikap mo pwedeng magkaroon ng bunga. Yung gold, ‘yan yung premyo. (We are not rich. I used gold paint to show that junk can have value and your sacrifices can be one day can you the success you’re aiming for).” Second prize winner Daniel Dumaguit with his winning piece, *Gems of Beauty*
Meanwhile, second prize winner Daniel Dumagit, with his *Gems of Beauty*, paid tribute to empowered women. “It’s about empowered women,” he tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. He named his muse Ligaya. “She’s responsible for what she’s using. She’s reusing Watsons' materials to sustain and protect nature.”
Third prize winner Neptalie Aunzo with his winning piece *Pira-pirasong Yaman*
Lastly, Neptalie Aunzo, with his *Pira-pirasong Yaman* wants to call the attention of everyone on the status of local fishermen and marine biodiversity because of trash polluting the ocean. “Bakit Pira-pirasong Yaman? Kasi yung mga materyal na ginamit ko nakikita lang siya sa tabi-tabi kung saan pwede siyang tawaging yaman kapag ginamit mo sa tamang paraan (I named it Pira-pirasong Yaman because the materials I used are materials you can find scattering around),” he says. “At the same time, yung awareness na ginawa ko rito ay para sa mga mangingisda dahil sila yung apektado sa mga basurang kinakalat ng mga tao, yung mga basurang sumisira sa ating mga coral reef (I created this pieces to raise awareness about the flight of fishermen and the situation of marine life because of trash in the ocean).” These top three artists are chosen based on Creative Reuse (50 percent), the extent to which discarded materials are creatively repurposed and transformed into the artwork; Aesthetic Appeal (30 percent), the visual impact and artistic quality of the artwork, considering elements such as composition, use of color, texture, and overall craftsmanship; and Environmental Message (20 percent), the artwork's ability to convey a message of environmental sustainability, raising awareness about the importance of reusing and reducing waste, and inspiring consumers to adopt more eco-friendly practices. From left: Drybrush Gallery Founder Jojo Liao with Watsons Philippines executives Joweeh Liao, Josie Arriola, Viki Encarnacion, Belle Pasayco, Sharon Decapia, Marlon Baguyot, and Patrick Yu.
“We are very happy with our collaboration with Drybrush Gallery, which helped greatly in making all this possible,” says Watsons' Sustainability and PR Director Viki Encarnacion. “To the participating local artists who have tremendously supported us and have given their whole dedication in creating art pieces using sustainable products from Watsons, we salute your passion and your love for our planet.” To view the Watsons Sustainability Exhibit artworks and learn more about the artists, log on to [drybrush Gallery website](https://drybrush.com/exhibitions/reuse-with-watsons-a-sustainability-exhibit).