The Czech Embassy Manila unveiled the works of various university students aged 16-21 that participated in the art exhibit entitled Sining Cesko:My Czech Art . The art competition’s theme “The Czech Republic through My eyes” exhibit and awarding ceremonies was held at the Atrium of SM Mall of Asia last October 8, 2011.

The student artists were given the creative freedom to use any art medium and material of their choice in creating their artwork. Adding to the creative challenge was the required use of at least one (1) indigenous Philippine material in portraying the artist’s reflections on and perspective of Czech culture and traditions.

Sining Cesko:My Czech Art is a celebration of the Czech Republic’s unique culture and the Philippine’s rich heritage through a showcase of the Filipino youth’s creative artistry.

The exhibit opening was highlighted by the awarding ceremonies, which also featured Czech and Philippine dances performed by the De la Salle – College of St., Benilde’s Romancon Dance Company, a participant in the 2011 Setkani Festival in Brno, Czech Republic. They performed Czech Polka and Binasuan. Binasuan, involves 3 drinking glasses that a Binasuan dancer gracefully balances on her head and in the palms of her hand as she moves. This dance originated in the Pangasinan province.

The art exhibit will be open to the public from October 6 until October 12, 2011 at the Atrium of SM Mall of Asia; October 17-25 in SM Megamall and November 7-12 at the Podium.

Sining Cesko does not only celebrate the Czech culture and traditions, thru our young Filipino artists, it also highlighted the rich culture of the Philippines. Touches of Filipiniana indigenous materials can be seen in all 22 entries on exhibit. The artists creatively integrated abacca, seashells, buri, sinamay, capiz, bamboo, coconut shells, ube leaves and coffee in creating their Czech art.

The top three winners were:
1st - Alfredo Martinez – “My Perspective”, coconut shell - PUP Sta. Mesa
2nd - Anna Karina Jardin – “Prague Mama”, woven mat, shells, chipwood - LYCEUM
3rd - Carla Gamalinda – “Strange and Beautiful”, capiz shells - UST

They each received a certificate, a gift bag, a Czech commemorative coin, a trophy, a cash prize and 2 tickets each to polarity. (A collaborative show between Polecats Manila and the Manila symphony Orchestra).

The Finalists were:
Rhuskin Alejandro – “Czech, my heart thru my hand”, coffee - PUP
Tyrone Elpa – “A day dreamer”, woven mat and abacca - UST
Francia Franco – “Wonderland”, abacca - UST
Michael Adrian Sarangan- “Heart of Unity”, ube leaves - LYCEUM
Celine Adrian lee – “Postage Stamp”, banig and buri leaves - UST
Renante Matienzo “Czechovlovakian Culture in My Eye”, bamboo, abacca twine, sinamay, woven buri - ST BENILDE RIZAL

The art competition judges were Ms. Monika Kazdova, Third Secretary & Consul, Head of the Cultural Section, Czech Embassy Manila; and Ms. Millie F. Dizon, Vice-President for Marketing and Communications, SM Supermalls.

Guest judges were Ms. Christina Dy. CCP 13 Artists Award 2009. Artist at Silverlens Galleries. Founder and Director of Polecats Manila; Ms. Samantha Galvez Lorenzo. Hampstead School of Art and Central St. Martins. Art teacher and Curator at Village Art Gallery; Mr. John Paul 'Lakan' Olivares. Production Designer, Graphic Artist, Full-Time Faculty of Art History and Art Production Techniques at Far Eastern University.