What’s a weekend without some art? Last Saturday, I was invited to attend the culmination of the Annual Don Papa Rum Art Competition at the Art Fair Philippines 2020. Returning to the Art Fair for its annual art competition, Don Papa Rum rallied local artists and their impressive line-up of artworks, with a culmination event held last Saturday, February 22 at The Link Ayala Car Park in Makati City.
Now running for the fifth year with its theme “Flora and Fauna of Sugarlandia,” the competition continues to tap into the creative genius of the local art scene as they showcase their interpretation of Don Papa Rum’s brand story. The island of Negros, colloquially known as Sugarlandia, finds richness not just in its sprawling sugarcane fields, but also in the diversity of its foliage and wildlife—the perfect formula for inspired works of art.
Upon arriving at the venue, I couldn’t help but immediately go around to check out the art pieces that made it to the top 10. They were displayed on the surrounding walls and were the first thing you’d see going in. To say that I found myself in awe is an understatement.
The event wouldn’t be complete without the cocktails of course, which definitely is a perfect match to the particular style of art presented on sight, just like wine is to literature.
With so many creative talents who showed their support for this year’s art competition, Don Papa has recognized two distinct artists: Joseph Ingking who won both People’s Choice & Artistic Merit Awards with his “Flora Fauna de Sugarlandia” theme, receiving PHP 10,000 and PHP 50,000 respectively for each category. Also recognized for his work “Eden” is Daryl Feryl, who bagged the first-ever Masskara Award with a take-home prize of PHP 25,000, for truly capturing the essence of Don Papa Masskara.
Finally, Geovanni Abing, represented by Talimbaw Art Gallery, bagged the grand prize for this year’s competition with his theme “Timeless Landscape”, a stunning 3×5 collage and acrylic on canvas with an archival coating that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Sugarlandia.
“My artwork portrays Sugarlandia as a magical place pulsating with life and floating over a sea of clouds. A place that governs mankind,” according to Geovanni Abing, when asked about the inspiration behind his work of art.
Winning this year’s art competition means that Geovanni Abing will enjoy a month-long artistic sojourn in Barcelona—a city dotted with creative and cultural expressions at every turn. Airfare, accommodations, and allowance will all be provided by the Bleeding Heart Rum Company for a truly remarkable experience. His winning design will also be brought to life through special edition canisters which will be sold in limited quantities worldwide.
This year’s Art Competition was made possible by Don Papa’s partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, pulling in some of the most respected personalities in the art industry such as Tina Colayco, Maja Co, Lisa Periquet and Architect Manny Miñana.
“We’re very pleased with this year’s outcome and the number of talented individuals who participated has been overwhelming. This year’s grand winning piece serves as a testament that we have an abundance of untapped artistic talents that we can be proud of. And The Bleeding Heart Rum Company is thrilled to be at the center of the emerging local art scene in the Philippines,” says Erica Larkins, Don Papa Rum’s brand manager for the Asia Pacific.
It was a very close and intimate event and I had a really great time. I guess at the end of the day it’s always nice to see people get together and celebrate their love of art. Absolutely excited to see next year’s top 10!
To know more about Don Papa Rum and the Bleeding Heart Rum Company, read up on more details from their website, www.donpaparum.com, and you may also follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
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