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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider In photos: The 37th Kulay Sa Tubig National Watercolor Competition

In photos: The 37th Kulay Sa Tubig National Watercolor Competition

By MBrand
Published Sep 24, 2025 04:49 pm
Watercolor is widely regarded as the most demanding artistic medium. Mastery requires not just technical skill, but the ability to control fluidity with precision—balancing spontaneity with thoughtful intention. It is a discipline where only true masters can harness the unpredictable nature of water and pigment to create powerful, evocative works.
From left: Araceli ‘Chichi’ Salas, Founder of Gallery Genesis, Patrice Salas, President of Gallery Genesis, Owner of Office Basics Corporation, Mr. Eusebio Jun Lu, Reign Parani - Actress, Beauty Queen, Senior Assistant Vice President of Security Bank - Mrs. Bambi Libunao, Mr. Leslie Araujo - Manila Bulletin Brand and Marketing Head, Tatler Philippines Account Manager, Gabriel Bohol, Mr. Felipe De Leon, Jr. - Former Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Mr. Ernesto ‘Ernie’ Salas, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Gallery Genesis, Philippine Star - Carlos Miguel Libosada, Content Producer
From left: Araceli ‘Chichi’ Salas, Founder of Gallery Genesis, Patrice Salas, President of Gallery Genesis, Owner of Office Basics Corporation, Mr. Eusebio Jun Lu, Reign Parani - Actress, Beauty Queen, Senior Assistant Vice President of Security Bank - Mrs. Bambi Libunao, Mr. Leslie Araujo - Manila Bulletin Brand and Marketing Head, Tatler Philippines Account Manager, Gabriel Bohol, Mr. Felipe De Leon, Jr. - Former Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Mr. Ernesto ‘Ernie’ Salas, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Gallery Genesis, Philippine Star - Carlos Miguel Libosada, Content Producer
For over three decades, Kulay Sa Tubig has been at the forefront of promoting watercolor in the Philippines. Now in its 37th year, Gallery Genesis proudly presents the highly anticipated Kulay Sa Tubig National Watercolor Invitational Competition. Each year, this prestigious event gathers the nation’s finest talents—both established and emerging—celebrating the enduring allure of watercolor.
Romeo, Richard - Sweet_Harvest
Romeo, Richard - Sweet_Harvest
Argarin, Mark Angelo - Playground
Argarin, Mark Angelo - Playground
Padrinao, Jeremiah - Tangan ang Kabuhayan
Padrinao, Jeremiah - Tangan ang Kabuhayan
Payawal, Mark Anthony - Kalunuran
Payawal, Mark Anthony - Kalunuran
Pabilando, Joie - Bloom Cycle
Pabilando, Joie - Bloom Cycle
From hundreds of submissions across the country, Gallery Genesis carefully selects the most exceptional pieces for exhibition. The competition is fierce, as artists vie not only for recognition but for the coveted honor of being named among the Top 5 Watercolorists in the Philippines.
With no restrictions on subject matter, the resulting showcase is a vibrant tapestry of themes and perspectives. Whether inspired by rural landscapes, bustling cities, cultural heritage, personal narratives, or abstract expressions, each work reflects the artist’s unique story and creative vision.
The 37th Kulay Sa Tubig Awards Night was held at the 2/F North Wing Bridgeway, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Exhibit runs until October 27, 2025.
Join us and witness the rise—the genesis—of the next generation of master watercolorists.
Artists who have participated in Kulay Sa Tubig have often gone on to achieve significant acclaim, with many experiencing a remarkable rise in their artistic careers. Those who have consistently demonstrated excellence by winning the competition three times earn a place in the prestigious KST Hall of Fame—a distinction reserved for the most outstanding practitioners of watercolor in the country.
These Hall of Fame inductees are regarded as the finest in the realm of aquarelle, having proven their mastery, vision, and dedication to the medium. Their repeated success is a testament not only to their talent but to their unwavering commitment to their craft.
Among these celebrated artists are Jose ‘Ping’ Ceriola, Margarita ‘Marge’ Lim, Rodelo ‘Toti’ Cerda, Egai Fernandez, Jimmy Vista, Victor Ng, Noli Manalang, and many more—each one leaving an indelible mark on the Philippine watercolor scene.
List of Hall of Fame Artists:
Baldemor, Manuel 'Manny'
Canasa, Nel
Canlas, Renato 'Rene'
Cerda, Rodelio 'Toti'
Ceriola, Jose 'Ping'
Dans, Araceli
Delotavo, Antipas 'Biboy'
Eduarte, Clarence
Fernandez, Edgar 'Egai'
Guina, Rolando ‘Rolan’
Habulan, Renato 'Ato'
Ladrido, Benjie
Lim, Margarita 'Marge'
Manalang, Noli Principe
Mirang, Christian 'Chris'
Ng, Victor
Pabilando, Joie (Newly inducted following the 37th KST Awards Night)
Paguiligan, Julian Eymard
Patricio, Ernesto 'Ernie'
Pomida, Virgilio 'Billy', Jr.
Romeo, Richard (Newly inducted following the 37th KST Awards Night)
Santos, Pablo 'Adi' Baen
Vista, Jimmy
Wong, Shui Long

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