Hours before the announcement of winners in the 1st Sining Filipina, an all-female art competition in the Philippines, contestant Gem Suguitan (Ma. Gemma San Jose in the registration identification), wasn't expecting any higher award than a third prize as she was tipped off by some credible people within the contest organization.
Hours before the announcement of winners in the 1st Sining Filipina, an all-female art competition in the Philippines, contestant Gem Suguitan (Ma. Gemma San Jose in the registration identification), wasn't expecting any higher award than a third prize as she was tipped off by some credible people within the contest organization.
What Gem was excited and sure about was her being one of the finalists of the search.
Being given free round-trip plane tickets for two and hotel accommodation from the organizer were enough privileges for her.
What more if a red carpet was rolled as she stepped in the art exhibit venue in SM Aura in Taguig City?
"I was just thankful about the hospitality of the organizers," said Suguitan in our online conversation.
When her name was called as the First Prize winner for the Non-Figurative category, Gem was surprised and speechless but she was on her toes as well.
Her winning piece, "Layers of Experiences," on acrylic, won the Grand Prize.
"I didn't expect it. I was just happy I beat the deadline. I think it's luck and hard work," she said in an interview.
Sining Filipina is a project of SM Supermalls, BDO and Zonta International Makati and the Environs.