To highlight the contribution of women to the development of Mandaue City, the Zonta Club of Cebu II holds a 10-day exhibit of some of the entries of the WOMANDAUE painting competition.
“Today marks a significant occasion. We come together not only to celebrate the painting competition with the theme ‘A Landscape of Women Who Move Mandaue,” said Dr. Elsa Basubas, chair of the Abay Sa Kahayag Committee of Zonta Club of Cebu II. “This theme encapsulates the essence of recognizing and honoring the invaluable contribution of women to the cultural, historical, and societal richness of our beloved community.”
Abay sa Kahayag Chairman Dr. Elsa Basubas
Dr. Basubas, speaking during the exhibit’s launch on Friday, December 8, 2023, highlighted how women, through their resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit, have woven themselves into the very fabric of Mandaue. They have enriched the community with diverse stories, traditions, and experiences.
Atty. Regal M. Oliva, Zonta Club of Cebu II Internal Vice President, emphasized the club’s commitment to turning this theme into a visual reality through the medium of visual arts.
Zonta Club of Cebu II Internal Vice President Atty. Regal Oliva
“Women play a vital role in the formation and movement in the development of Mandaue city and we give tribute to them. Without women, nothing would have moved; there’s no movement, no oil to move the engine of Mandaue City. Even in our council, almost half of the positions are women,” Atty. Oliva said.
(L-R) Mandaue City public information officer Ms. Karla Victoria Cortez, Abay sa Kahayag Chairman Dr. Elsa Basubas, Mandaue City Councilor Cynthia Remedio and Zonta Club of Cebu II Internal Vice President Atty. Regal Oliva
First Prize Winner Jerson Calo’s “Empowering WoMandaue”
Second Prize Winner Rolando Yakit’s “Tigluto ug Lamiang Bibingka sa Mandaue”
3RD Prize Winner Aedam Javier’s “Panahi ug Trapo”
This initiative is part of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, spanning from November 25, 2023, to December 12, 2023. The competition awarded P100,000 for the first prize, P50,000 for the second prize, and P25,000 for the third. Jerson Calo’s “Empowering WoMandaue” secured the first prize, followed by Rolando Yakit’s “Tigluto ug Lamiang Bibingka sa Mandaue” in second place, and Aedam Javier’s “Panahi ug Trapo” claiming the third prize.
The seven finalists
The seven finalists were each awarded P10,000. These include “WoMantawi Climbs To the Top” by Roxanne Normandia; “The Heroines of Mandaue City” by Genevieve Carumba; “Bingka sa Mandaue Vendor” by Virgilio Ybanez; “Subtle Influence: A Delightful Legacy” by Ruena Fat; “The Silent but Powerful Force behind Mandaue City” by Lordzell Perez; “Unity through Women’s Organization to End Violence Against Women and Children” by Alfredo Bitoon Jr.; and “Kababayen-an: Suga sa Pinuy-anan, Dan-ag sa Dakbayan” by Wilfredo Canete Jr.
Ms. Karla Victoria Cortez, Mandaue City public information officer who represented Mayor Jonas Cortes, noted the importance of the activity.
Mandaue City public information officer Ms. Karla Victoria Cortez
“Today’s gathering not only celebrates past successes but also serves as a reminder that gender-based violence still threatens us. Surrounded by paintings depicting our ongoing fight, we acknowledge that violence against women of all ages persists. So today, and every day, let’s tap into the core of our activism, recognizing that the power to end violence lies within each of us,” Ms. Cortez said.
“Our collective commitment has led to the success we achieved. Rooted and upheld in the intrinsic worth of our womanhood. We define it ourselves, not allowing others to dictate our narrative,” she added.
Mandaue City Councilor Cynthia Remedio noted that the city under the leadership of Mayor Cortez, with the Zonta Club of Cebu II through its Abay sa Kahayag program, continues to work together for a peaceful, resilient, and violence-free Mandaue.
Mandaue City Councilor Cynthia Remedio
“May these artworks serve as a reminder that each brush’s stroke carries a message of resilience, empowerment, and a collective goal to end violence against women,” said Zn. Marietta P. Malinao in her closing remarks.
Zonta Club of Cebu II External Vice President Marietta Malinao
Maristela Rallos
Maristela Rallos, who helped organize the painting competition, said over 100 artists joined the competition. The basis for judging includes creativity, relevance to the theme, and impact, among others, she said.
The competition was open to everyone and the artists who joined included senior high school student and even professional artists. The paintings were identified only through numbers.
The board of judges includes Maris Holopainen, owner of Qube Gallery; Prof. Javy Villacin, a UP Cebu Fine Arts faculty member; Allen Arvin Tan, fair director of Tubo Cebu Art Fair; Edwin Ao, fashion designer and faculty member of CITU College of Arts, Sciences and Education; and Ms. Maia Franco, external vice president of the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation Inc.