The "Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future" exhibit is happening now until April 3, 2025 at SM Aura in BGC, Taguig. | Click on the photo to watch the event's highlights!

Sining Filipina, the first and only national all-Filipina art contest in the Philippines, recently held the awarding ceremony and exhibit launch for its second edition at SM Aura.

With the theme "Her Earth, Her Future," Sining Filipina celebrates the creativity and vision of Filipino women artists, highlighting their unique contributions to sustainability and the environment. The art competition was open to both amateur and professional artists, empowering women in their artistic pursuits and providing them with a space to showcase their work. 

Last year, Sining Filipina had 72 finalists and six winners. This year, the exhibition features 52 finalists from across the Philippines, with works in acrylic, oil, and mixed media. Among them are 10 winning artists whose creations have been honored as the best of the best by a panel of distinguished judges that include Kenneth Esguerra (Ayala Museum senior curator and head of conservation); Tina Colayco (The Metropolitan Museum of Manila president and UP College of Fine Arts professor and former dean); Julie Lluch (multi-awarded sculptor, master of clay and terracotta); Mark Justiniani (renowned painter and installation artist); and Ma. Victoria Herrera (Ateneo Art Gallery director & chief curator, CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division former director, and Museo Kordilyera - UP Baguio curatorial consultant).

During a panel discussion, Zonta Club of Makati & Environs president Joanne Zapanta Andrada talked about what makes this year's competition different from the inaugural run of Sining Filipina. She said, "First of all, what we didn't get in quantity, we turned it into quality," adding that the two categories last year, figurative and non-figurative, were combined this year. "We felt that art is art, and we would like to have the piece judged by its essence regardless of what form it is. So, that's the big difference this year. And as a result, we have more winners, instead of six winners—three for the figurative and three for the non-figurative—now, we have 10." 

The winners for "Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future" are: 10th place - Meneline Wong for "Like the Sierra Madre," 9th place - Lea Marie Dacula for "Guardians of Tomorrow," 8th place - Monaliza Domer for "Ang Tunay na Kulay ng Bukang Liwayway," 7th place - Maria Gemma San Jose for "The Sustainability Leader," 6th place - Mary Joy Go for "Hiyas: Start Within Me," 5th place - Sunshine Vitto for "Salamin ng Kahapon," 4th place - Ma. Jezshell Nicole Asares for "Bayan ni Juana," 3rd place - Shara Mae Chan for "Pinagtagpi-Tagpi," 2nd place - Gleanne Gentizon for "Si Nanay sa Merkado," and 1st place - Jowee Anne Aguinaldo for "Panatagpi-tagpi" (who received Php250,000 and a custom-designed trophy). 

Metro.Style chatted with the top three winners of "Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future" about their inspiration for their artworks. Read on.

"Panatagpi-tagpi" by Jowee Anne Aguinaldo

First placer Jowee Anne Aguinaldo said, "Hindi ko talaga ine-expect na mananalo ako kasi lahat sila magagaling." Explaining the idea behind her piece and its title, Jowee Anne explained that she combined the concepts and words "panatag"—"which is peaceful"—and "tagpi-tagpi"—"which is parang patched together." She felt the idea of doing patchwork was perfect for the themes of womanhood and sustainability. Jowee Anne shared, "Nag-isip ako ng something na ginagawa ng mga babae—hindi ko naman sinasabi na lahat ng babae ito 'yung ginagawa pero typically babae 'yung gumagawa—which is 'yung patchwork." In 2023, she also won the grand award at an art and design excellence competition. 

Describing her "Panatagpi-tagpi" painting, she added, "Ang naging concept ko dito, 'yung mga babae, gumagawa sila ng massive patchwork na unti-unting kino-cover 'yung polluted landscape sa likod. Makikita du'n sa painting, malaki siyang patchwork, 'yung background niya, polluted." As someone who has participated in a conservation program in school and was constantly taught and reminded to recycle, she was inspired by the simple ways one can contribute to sustainability efforts. She told Metro.Style, "Du'n po nag-start 'yung inspiration na 'Ano bang dapat gawin na first step sa sustainability?'"

Jowee Anne, who considers her father her mentor in art, further said that she would like to dedicate this piece to, first and foremost, the women who are finding ways to help create a sustainable environment or future for the next generations. "After all, 'yung goal naman ng sustainability ay para gamitin natin 'yung mga needs natin na hindi mako-compromise 'yung future generation," she stated.

"Si Nanay sa Merkado" by Gleanne Gentizon

Her mom and all the women vendors/farmers working day and night just to provide enough support to their families inspired second placer Gleanne Gentizon to come up with the artwork "Si Nanay sa Merkado." The concept perfectly combines sustainability and the Women's Month celebration. "My personal experience inspired my artwork," she shared, complementing the relevance and essence of Sining Filipina's theme this year. 

Connecting the theme to her belief, Gleanne said, "Mothers, vendors/farmers of this society give shape, inspiration, and motivation to the women of tomorrow." 

Gleanne is a self-taught artist. Talking about her background in art, she mentioned, "I didn’t go to any proper art school. I just attended summer art classes way back in my elementary years. I basically learn art by just practicing by myself with a little help from people around me." This is a testament to how Sining Filipina achieves its goal of providing a platform for artists to showcase their work regardless of their background.

Asked about the message she wants to convey through "Si Nanay sa Mercado," Gleanne touched on resilience and championing sustainability, saying, "The message I would like to share to everyone, especially those who saw my artwork, is to reflect on things around you. Look back if you have to, and be aware of things that are happening, especially to our environment. A mother's sacrifice inspired my point of view to come to life. The yellow slippers represent the light our mothers gave us, the roses and white flowers embody the strength of love and purity they give, the hat embodies protection, and the crops feed our soul to become indestructible."

"Pinagtagpi-tagpi" by Shara Mae Chan

For third placer Shara Mae Chan, her mother also played a significant role in her Sining Filipina artwork, which she called "Pinagtagpi-tagpi."

She detailed, "I came across an article stating that the fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions, which significantly impacts the environment. This made me reflect on my mom’s craft as a seamstress, which then became the inspiration behind my artwork—'Pinagtagpi-tagpi.' Since I was young, I’ve watched her repurpose scrap fabrics and old clothes instead of throwing them away. She would turn them into rugs, tablecloths, and other furniture coverings. Her ability to breathe new life into discarded materials made me realize how women, in their everyday actions, contribute to sustainability. Seeing my mother’s craft in a new light, I was inspired to highlight how women like her unknowingly take part in sustainability."

Shara started accepting art commissions and joining art competitions in college, and from then till now, her boyfriend, an animation graduate, has served as her mentor. 

Ultimately, Shara Mae celebrates women's role in sustainability through her piece, highlighting their resourcefulness, ingenuity, and resilience. In her words, her creation is "an homage to upcycling." She mused, "The toiled hands of the dressmaker symbolize the labor, care, and creativity that go into every stitch—an act that not only sustains a livelihood but also contributes to a more sustainable future. Through skill and vision, women continue to weave a world where fashion and environmental responsibility coexist, proving that small, conscious efforts today can shape a better, greener future for the next generations."

Sining Filipina is presented by SM Supermalls and Chinabank for the benefit of the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation Inc.

The "Sining Filipina: Her Earth, Her Future" exhibit is happening now until April 3, 2025 at the U/G Main Atrium of SM Aura.