Painter: Never give up

CEBU, Philippines - For six long hours, Emar Lacorte squatted on the Plaza Independencia grounds, his right hand clutching a paint brush as he masterfully sketched the façade of one of Cebu’s oldest historical structures – the Fort San Pedro.

Lacorte’s masterpiece topped those of 96 other artists from Cebu, Leyte and Cagayan de Oro who took part in the on-the-spot painting competition yesterday sponsored by the Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Office.

The competition was the main highlight of the Arts Week which leads to the Cebu City Charter Day anniversary celebration on February 24.

After the awarding ceremony, Lacorte, 37, told reporters he has been painting since a child but it has not been an easy life for him as an artist.

“Mao ra gyud na akong panginabuhian unya lisod gyud ang kinabuhi usahay kay di ka mahalinan (Painting has been my sole source of livelihood and it’s tough because you don’t get clients at times),” he said.

But in the midst of adversity, Lacorte persevered.

“Bisan sa kalisod nga naa ko’y pamilya, bisan sa lisod sa kinabuhi, nanlimbasog gihapon ko. Wala ko nagpadala sa kalisod. Akong gihimong inspirasyon akong pamilya (Despite the hardship in life, I strived. I did not mind the adversities. My family served as my inspiration),” said Lacorte who was beaming after receiving prizes that included P50,000 cash and a certificate.

Taking home the second and third spots were Clint Normandia and Virgilio "Billy" Pomida Jr. who won P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.

Normandia’s painting was inspired by the lush scenery and historical value of the Plaza Independencia.

Pomida’s work, meanwhile, showed the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, its belfry taking a prominent spot in the painting.

Pomida, member of the executive committee of National Committee for Culture and the Arts, came all the way from Baybay City in Leyte to join the contest.

He said he was thankful for painting contests as they allow him to widen his network of artists.

Balbino “Ka Bino” Guerero, Cebu City Museum in-charge, said he was overwhelmed by the public reception of the Arts Week, especially considering that this is the first time CHAO is initiating the event.

He recalled what happened during the Balak Night last Tuesday when only three people registered to join online but many volunteered and participated during the actual night.

Councilor Margot Osmeña, deputy mayor on tourism, challenged the CHAO to be dynamic in initiating more “creative” activities.

She said the Cebu City government must show both the old and new Cebu.

“Although we are proud that there are many things Cebu is known oldest for (like Cebu City as the oldest city and Fort San Pedro as the oldest fort in the country), we can’t keep saying that,” Osmeña said.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who was just discharged from the hospital yesterday after suffering stomach cramps early morning Thursday, said he was surprised of the turnout yesterday.

“That is the role of the government, to give things for the public to be interested in something aside from the usual basic services,” he said.

The winning paintings yesterday will be turned over to the Cebu City Museum. — Vania Mae B. Lim (FREEMAN)