Three artists emerged as top winners in the First National Painting Competition jointly organized by the Andrea Domingo Foundation Museum of Philippine Arts and Culture (MOPAC) and the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP).
According to MOPAC Chair Andrea Domingo, 13 additional artists were recognized with honorable mentions in the competition, which drew 220 painting entries from across the country.
The works were judged on December 5 by a distinguished panel composed of renowned artists Romulo Galicano, Fil de la Cruz, and Mario de Rivera. The awarding ceremony was held at MOPAC in the City of San Fernando on December 12.
In her message, Domingo shared that she and her husband, Rolando, established the foundation three years ago out of a deep belief that young Filipinos should be exposed to and become more aware of the country’s rich artistic heritage and cultural traditions. She also described MOPAC as the fulfillment of a “45-year-old dream.”
“Finally, we are able to hold this competition. It is quite an amazing experience to see how much talent, intelligence, and creativity exist in our society. We would like to continue supporting the arts and artists for as long as we can,” Domingo said.
Opened on June 4, 2023, MOPAC houses an extensive collection of works by National Artists, including Fernando C. Amorsolo, Carlos V. Francisco, Victorio C. Edades, Vicente S. Manansala, Cesar T. Legaspi, Hernando R. Ocampo, Arturo D. Luz, Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Ang Kiukok, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Jose T. Joya.
The museum also features works by Presidential Medal of Merit awardees such as Anita Magsaysay-Ho and Mauro “Malang” Santos.
Its second building showcases a diverse array of cultural artifacts, including Metal Age pottery, religious sculptures or santos, excavated Chinese tradewares, Spanish-era jewelry, pre-war furniture, and tribal cultural objects from the Cordilleras and Southern Philippines.
MOPAC is located across St. Scholastica’s Academy in Barangay Agustin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
