The town of Sibonga in Cebu recently became a vibrant hub for faith-inspired creativity and heritage conservation. The Visual Artists of Sibonga, in a landmark partnership with Our Lady of the Pillar Parish and backed by the Sibonga Local Government Unit, successfully launched their inaugural Visayas-wide Painting Contest. The event culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the "Faith & Art" Exhibit for a cause on December 6, 2025.
A Contest for a Cause: Blending Heritage and Art
This unique initiative has a clear and noble goal: to generate funds for the ongoing renovation of the historic Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church and Parish Convent. To achieve this, organizers conceived a regional competition that challenged artists from across the Visayas. Their task was to reimagine and reinvent the classic ceiling paintings inside the church, originally created by early 1900s artist Raymundo Francia.
The exhibit proudly features works from some of Cebu's most respected master artists, including Kimsoy Yap, Adeste Deguilmo, Celso Pepito, and Jun Impas. These luminaries also served on the contest's panel of judges alongside Prof. Jay Nathan Jore. Together, they evaluated numerous interpretations of biblical themes, seeking pieces that reflected both technical skill and profound conceptual depth.
Celebrating the Winners and Their Masterpieces
The judges faced a difficult task but ultimately selected standout winners who received significant cash prizes from private sponsors. Adrian Perolino from Carcar City captured the coveted first place and a prize of P100,000. His winning piece, a moving depiction of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick on linen and fabric, masterfully uses light and shadow. It poignantly captures the Filipino tradition of "udiyo" or "biatiko," where a family gathers in prayer around a sick loved one as a priest administers sacraments.
Luckyshia Canonigo from Minglanilla secured second place and P75,000 with a self-portrait interpreting the Sacrament of Penance. Artemio Anga, also from Carcar City, took third place and P50,000 with his fresh take on Adam and Eve. Each top winner also received special trophies crafted from locally sourced Manatad stones.
Thirteen talented finalists were also recognized, each receiving P5,000 and a certificate of achievement. The finalists are:
- Lordzell Perez (Minglanilla)
- John Paul Abejar (Talisay City)
- Jerson Caco (Cebu City)
- Wilfredo Canete Jr. (Talisay City)
- Mario Lindo Anuada (Carcar City)
- Rogelio Estudillo (Cebu City)
- Alfrero Bito-on Jr. (Danao City)
- John Monique Inion (Dalaguete)
- Revnan Dingal (Samboan)
- Roberto Agas (Minglanilla)
- Leonardo Siscar (Buruanga, Aklan)
- Roberto Olvido (Minglanilla)
- Jason Ejes (Cebu City)
Supporting Art and Preserving a National Treasure
Organizers emphasize that the exhibit is more than just an art show; it is a concerted community effort to raise awareness about the urgent need to preserve a vital piece of history. The Sibonga church is a Level 2 historical site as declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Constructed from 1866 to 1898 using stone and coral, it stands as a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture in the region.
All artworks displayed in the gallery at the old parish convent are available for purchase, with all proceeds directly contributing to the church renovation fund. Organizers encourage visitors traveling south to make a stop and explore the exhibit. They also hope people will take time to admire the original ceiling artworks inside the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church that inspired the competition.
This groundbreaking project successfully merges cultural promotion with heritage conservation. It provides a powerful platform for Visayan artists while mobilizing community participation to safeguard a historical landmark for future generations.
