On Saturday, April 26, nearly 1,000 artists from across the Philippines gathered for the 20th GSIS National Art Competition—a historic turnout for the prestigious event.
What a sight it was—masterpieces making their way across the country by tricycles, private cars, taxis, and even delivery services like LBC and Lalamove. Artists traveled from as far as South Cotabato, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, and Palawan, all hoping their works would captivate the judges. Many had shipped their pieces to meet Saturday’s deadline, dreaming this would be the year their art would make an impact.
This year’s competition, in partnership with the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), saw a record number of entries. “It’s not just about the numbers,” said AAP president Fidel Sarmiento. “The quality of work keeps getting better. This is the first time we’ve received 1,000 entries and we have only two categories: representational and non-representational.”
Artists of all ages and from all walks of life began lining up early, some arriving as early as 7 a.m. The line snaked through the GSIS complex, all the way to the gymnasium, where security ensured each piece was carefully checked in. The sidewalks were strewn with discarded bubble wrap and paper covers, cleaned up later by GSIS janitors.
“This is part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) program,” said Raymundo Palad, GSIS Museum director, who oversaw the smooth operation of the day. “Finalists will be announced by mid-May, and the winners will be celebrated in June as part of the GSIS anniversary.”
With a record prize pool of P2.555 million, the stakes were high. The grand prize winner would walk away with P600,000—the largest cash award in the competition’s history. Second place would earn P500,000, while third place would take home P400,000. Five honorable mentions would each receive P100,000, and 17 finalists would receive P15,000 each.
“The judges will certainly have a tough job ahead of them,” Sarmiento smiled. “There’s so much to admire in this year’s submissions.”
AAP treasurer Monette Alvarez pointed out one piece that just entered the gym for submission—a meticulous representational canvas. “Look at those faces — faces within faces,” she said, impressed by the depth and imagination on display.
“You never know what the judges will be drawn to,” explained AAP secretary Margarita Lim. “Judges are rotated every two years to keep the competition fresh and fair.”
By midday, the GSIS gymnasium had transformed into a vibrant showcase of Filipino creativity. The bleachers were lined with 36 x 48-inch canvases, while the floor was covered with rows of paintings. As the 5 p.m. deadline neared, more pieces were still arriving, adding to the excitement and energy of the day.
In one corner of the gym, artists led by Fidel Sarmiento created and donated pastel works for the Paint It Forward project. “The chosen pieces will be framed and gifted to teachers across the country during National Teachers’ Month in May,” Palad explained.
Many of today’s leading artists began their journeys at the GSIS Art Competition, namely, Toti Cerda, Randalf Dilla, Max Balatbat, Noli Manalang, Edu Perreras, Samuel Penaso, and Eman Santos.
Several artists from Sunshine Place, a senior wellness center in Makati, also submitted their obras, hopeful they would make it to the top 25, as members like Vicky Pollisco, Joyce Ashworth, and Irene Ibanez had done.
For Vicky Pollisco, a prolific visual artist who periodically enters the competition, it’s all about enhancing creativity and healthy competition. “It’s also an opportunity to see the artistic expressions of others,” she said.
Joyce Ashworth echoed this sentiment, noting, “Joining GSIS has been a huge learning experience. It’s more than just a competition—it’s a space to channel passion, meet like-minded individuals, and rediscover joy through art. Every year has been a step forward for me, both personally and creatively.”
AAP officers, standing, from left, Angelito Florencio, president Fidel Sarmiento, Roger Santos, Danilo Santiago. Seated, from left, Lulu Olan, Monette Alvarez, Margarita Lim, Ral Arrogante
“This is one of the major national competitions that AAP is fully involved with,” said Sarmiento, who, along with his fellow officers, is working to “bring art to the people, for the people, and by the people.” The AAP board members include Roger Santos (vice president), Margarita Lim (secretary), Monette Alvarez (treasurer), Danilo Santiago (PRO), Angelito Florendo (auditor), and board directors Rica Rosario Ong, Lulu Olan, and Ral Arrogante.
For a whole day, the GSIS gymnasium buzzed with artistic energy—a temporary gallery filled with dreams, talent, and the hopes of 1,000 creative minds.
