Directories Philippines Corporation (DPC) and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) recently concluded its 25th Visual Arts National Competition for the 2011-2012 DPC-PLDT Telephone Directory Covers with a prestigious awarding ceremony done at the National Museum last February 3, 2011. This year’s theme centered on BRIDGING FILIPINOS TO THE WORLD, where the students were challenged to capture the essence of technology as the bridge that connects Filipinos to convenience, quality of life, and global opportunities. DPC and PLDT received 70 painting in various media from 24 schools nationwide. These entries to the National Competition were the winners in their respective school contests. The entries were judged by a prestigious panel of artists and critics on February 1, 2011. The panel of judges were headed by Mr. Frederico Amat, a former employee of DPC who was one of those who started the Visual Arts Contest 25 years ago. Other judges were Mr. Ben Cabrera, National Artist for Visual Arts; Mr. Mon Orlina, renowned sculptor; Mr. Ginnny Cruz, overseer of the Collection of the BSP Museum; and Mr. Cid Reyes, known artist and famous critic. The Grand Winner was Mr. Jeminic Real from the University of Northern Philippines in Ilocos Region.  His work entitled Mga Linyang Tulay ng mga Pilipino will be featured in the cover of the 2011-2012 Metro Manila Directory which will come out this June.  The winning paintings, as well as all the 69 entries to the National Competition will be displayed at the National Museum for the whole month of December.  The recently concluded 25th Visual Art National Competition jointly sponsored by Directories Philippines Corporation (DPC) and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company announced 5 winners and 3 honorable mentions.  The winning paintings will grace the covers of the DPC-PLDT Telephone Directories Nationwide starting from June 2011 until May 2012.  (see related article) - link to DPC-PLDT announces winner of the 25th visual arts contest The winning paintings and the artist interpretations are below: GRAND PRIZE "Mga Linyang tulay ng mga Filipino" Jeminic Real University of Northern Philippines Jeminic believed that children do not know how to lie, nor hide their feelings. They are transparent and easy-to-read. Therefore, he featured a child in his painting because he believed he will be able to send his message across: the optimism that the Filipinos will reach their dreams through technology. The abstract lines at the background represent technology, symbolizing that it is a place where discrimination does not exist. SECOND PRIZE "Bagong Baro" Archie Luigi Oclos University of the Philippines Archie interpreted this year’s theme by painting a regular Juan Dela Cruz dressed in a traditional Barong (Philippine National Costume), but with a design that shows technology, instead of the usual ethnic patterns.  He was then inspired by the movie Matrix and used a similar background for the painting.  However, instead of random data, he used words that show the importance of technology.  In fact, technology can also be spelled from the words.  Finally, the world in the hands of Juan dela Cruz has a big map of the Philippines symbolizing that the Philippines can reach all sides of the world. THIRD PRIZE "One Click" Jommer Louie Bolesa University of the East – Caloocan Jommer painted a self-portrait, and expressed how technology is used in his daily life.  A topic very close to his heart, he expressed that technology can make life easy for just about anyone, especially those who lacks the financial capabilities.  With the help of the Internet, anyone can educate oneself even without being able to afford books.  They can also communicate to others by using PC-to-mobile applications to send SMS or even talk to people abroad, and generally make life easier with just One Click. FOURTH PRIZE "Share Your Peace" Ma. Margarita Aurora Chavez University of Sto. Tomas Margarita’s believed that as technology advances, one is able to share to the rest of the world.  She wanted to send a message that this freedom to express oneself should not be abused.  Therefore, she used the dove to symbolize both freedom and peace.  In the background, she also used a banig(weaved  mat) to symbolize the Filipino culture as it evolves digitally.  The banig also symbolizes unity. FIFTH PRIZE "Handshake to the World Through Technology" Jerome Quinatadcan Adventist University of the Philippines For Jerome, he believed that with technology, the world becomes smaller and the people in it becomes closer.  It connects Filipinos to other races, and allows the Filipinos to be known. FIRST HONORABLE MENTION "Bridge for Rent" Ronante Maratas FEATI University Ronante painted what he believed was the real color of the Internet.  It is colourful and full of roads and information that seems abstract to the regular guy.  He also painted how easy it is to access the Internet through the Internet shops.  This was symbolized through the roads in his painting. SECOND HONORABLE MENTION "Shoutout: Pinoy Ako!" Dale Erispe Technological University of the Philippines Dale emphasized in his painting that he is proud to shout to the world that he is Filipino.  To him, shouting is a symbolism of power and communication.  Therefore, his painting expresses that power to communicate to whatever part of the world through technology.  He also used the symbolism of the hands holding each other to show connectivity, cooperation, collaboration and unity. THIRD HONORABLE MENTION "Sa Pamamagitan ng Teknolohiya Makikilala Ako Bilang Pinoy" Jommer Louie Bolesa University of the East – Caloocan John Michael painted a child holding the world to convey the message that through technology, the Filipinos will be known, and will serve as the bridge for the future of the youth.