Images of Tita Cory

There they were, laid out on the vast wooden floor of Tambunting Hall in the Museum of the Filipino People: over 80 artworks by college students essaying the legacy of former President Corazon C. Aquino.

Walking through the arranged rows of entries for the 24th Visual Art National Competition for the 2010-2011 PLDT-DPC telephone directory covers was an experience like no other. Never had we seen this many loving images of Tita Cory put together.  

There she was — holding grandson Baby James aloft, or releasing a dove, accepting gifts from indigenes, backstopped by tanks and rows of nuns, flanked by Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. Her face adorned flags, t-shirts, classroom blackboards. In not a few portraits, she is almost depicted as a saint.

An interesting, three-dimensional collage makes use of barbed wires framing layers of cardboard on which have been pasted historic items from newspapers circa the mid-’80s. Many entries employ the image of yellow ribbons, or make actual use of them. One collage presses together rolls of cardboard in varying shades of yellow to come up with an elegantly gradated — in terms of hues and shading — portrait of her familiar mien. 

Another, in shiny fiberglass, focuses on half of Tita Cory’s trademark glasses, which then reflects more visual metaphors of her person — all these framed by copper wires strung together to simulate both spectacle frames as well as linked arms, as of a kapit-bisig congregation.

Text supplements or enhances some entries, albeit many of these turn superfluous with motherhood statements or cliché-isms. But the entire effect of going from one image to another — of a beloved persona — is like wandering into a shop selling nothing but Buddhas of all persuasions. 

The five judges, all notable artists, took a few hours to wade through the treasure trove last Monday, before each one selected his/her top three choices (with no duplications). Then they had to pore again over the 15 artworks that composed the longlist.

Of these, eight were chosen as the shortlist or set of finalists. Still another round of deliberations had to be conducted to determine the placings.

Chairing the judges’ panel was Justin “Tiny” Nuyda, but all equally impressive with their professional commentary and insights as to comparative aesthetic values were Rosanno “Ross” Capili, Karen Flores, Paul “Popo” San Pascual, and Phyllis Zaballero. 

While the eventual grand prizewinner was a unanimous vote, it took a whole afternoon before everyone could agree to the final rankings. 

The theme for this year’s contest departed from tradition, honoring an individual and not some aspect of communication, trade or industry as had been the practice for the past 23 years. As announced, the artwork submissions would have to dwell on:

“Cory Aquino: Her Legacy to the Filipino.”

The rationale read in part:  

“This year, the 24th Visual Art National Competition — for the 2010-2011 Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT) and Directories Philippines Corporation (DPC) Metro Manila telephone directory cover... will seek to depict in visual terms the perceived legacy of former President Cory Aquino to the youth of the Philippines. In essence, through the medium of visual art, young Filipinos will be asked to express what Tita Cory means to them — what she stands for in their hearts and minds. 

“Fittingly, the Finals of the Competition will take place around the time of Tita Cory’s 77th birthday on January 25, 2010, and the winning entries will be on display during the 24th anniversary of the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution that carried her to the presidency in February 1986. The winning artwork will grace the PLDT-DPC Metro Manila directory cover just as the nation would be celebrating the silver anniversary of that milestone event.” 

Participating schools were from all over the country: Adventist University of the Philippines, Asia Pacific College, Aquinas University, Bulacan State University, College of the Holy Spirit, EARIST, Far Eastern University, Feati University, Ford Academy of the Arts (Davao City), La Consolacion College (Bacolod), National University, Philippine Women’s College of Davao, Philippine Women’s University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, St. Scholastica’s College, Tarlac State University, Technological University of the Philippines, University of the East (Caloocan), University of Northern Philippines, University of the Philippines, UPV-Cebu College, University of San Carlos, and University of Santo Tomas.

The winners would not only bring honor to their respective schools, but also supplementary cash prizes. Of the eight winners to be chosen, the grand prize winner would be featured as the art cover for the Metro Manila phone directory. The second prize winner would be used for the Cebu directory, the third prize winner for Davao’s, and so on, following the demographic ranking of PLDT directories nationwide.

The grand prize went to Julian Eymard D. L. Paguiligan of Bulacan State University for his 27.5” x 34.5” watercolor portrait titled “Ika-25 ng Pebrero 1986.” The judges were unanimous in declaring this entry as the top winner, before arguing (not so heatedly, we must add) over the next two prizes.

Second prize eventually went to Dionamyr S. Ceria of Technological University of the Philippines for “Alaala,” which was nearly the same size as the top winner. Third prize was garnered by Lexter B. Longalong of Philippine Women’s University for his 29” x 29” oil on canvas titled “Iniwang Pamana.”

In fourth place was Franz Nikko P. Lacsina of Far Eastern University for “Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kapayapaan,” a 24” x 24” collage. In 5th was Chris M. Espectato of Adventist University of the Philippines for his 29” x 29” mixed media entry titled “Cory:  Inang Nag-aruga ng ating Demokrasya.”

The 1st honorable mention was awarded to Michael E. Casuipit of University of the East-Caloocan for “Gunita,” a 29” x 29” oil painting. The 2nd honorable mention was gained by Jareds C. Yokte of University of Northern Philippines for “Pamana,” a 29” x 29” oil on canvas. And the 3rd honorable mention was given to Dave Arjay A. Tan of University of the East-Caloocan for “Tribute to Cory Aquino,” oil and acrylic, 29” x 29.”   

The prizes were awarded last Wednesday, Feb. 3, also at the Museum of the Filipino People, where all the entries have since been on display. Representing the Aquino family at the awarding ceremony was Tita Cory’s grandson Kiko Aquino Dee, who was accompanied by some members of the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Foundation, including Boom Enriquez, project director for community development, iamninoy-iamcory Movement, BSAF.

PLDT vice president for customer service Cesar Enriquez welcomed the guests, while Directories Philippines Corporation (DPC) president Ricardo D. Bautista delivered brief remarks, an excerpt of which follows: 

“Over the past 24 years, we have challenged young artists to visualize themes that have varied from overseas Filipino workers to the environment, from children’s games to the changing marketplace. Without fail, artists representing schools from Metro Manila and the provinces have risen to the challenge with fresh ideas and original creative executions.

“This year, I am told, there was a significant increase of entries at the level of school eliminations. The finalists employed a broad range of tools and techniques — from traditional oil, acrylic and watercolor to wood etchings, solar painting, and the use of unconventional material, such as eggshells, ribbons and plastic toys.

“The sustained enthusiasm and creativity generated by this competition speaks volumes of the artistic talent out there and the quality of mentorship offered by schools of fine arts around the country....

“This time around, we have presented our young artists with a different kind of challenge. For only the second time, the theme of the competition touches partly on an individual person: former President Corazon Aquino.  

“If you recall, her passing last August was greeted by an outpouring of love and gratitude on the part of Filipinos from all walks of life. To my generation, it was very clear why we were celebrating her life, since we witnessed first-hand how she championed democracy, people empowerment and integrity in governance — against all odds.

“But we were curious why Filipinos who had not yet been born during her rise to the presidency took part in honoring her last August. We wanted to know what Cory Aquino means to young Filipinos and, through the medium of visual art, what they feel is her legacy to them.

“This theme also presented quite a challenge to the judges, who had to evaluate how well each artist was able to go beyond creating an embellished portrait of Cory Aquino and to express something that connects with his or her personal dreams and values. 

“Last week, our beloved President Cory would have celebrated her 77th birthday. Let tonight’s awarding ceremonies, therefore, be a tribute to her memory. And may the outstanding works of our young artists help serve to keep her spirit alive among all of us in the years to come.”

Indeed, once again, Mabuhay si Tita Cory! Her image, her images, can only remain with us as talismans with which to effect and manifest gracious good conduct, supreme heroism and courage, and abiding faith in the Filipino.