AGMRMF Sponsors Miniature Belen Contest

The Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes Memorial Foundation, Inc. (AGMRMF) and the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. enjoined Aklanons or residents of Aklan, 17 years old and above to join the "Miniature Belen Contest" with the theme "Belen" Minatuodtuod nga Kahueugan it Paskwa".
This contest aims to highlight and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as depicted in the Belen or Nativity Scene, with Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the first Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This contest aims to celebrate the Filipino, particularly Aklan culture, on how we celebrate Christmas and to bring out the creativity and artistry of our people by their use of indigenous (or found local materials) in the making of the Belen.
The prizes are:
First Prize - P5,000
Second Prize - P3,000
Third Prize - P2,000
5 consolation Prizes - P500 each
Plus Certificate
Deadline for submission of entries is on or before December 12, 2006. Announcement of Winners/Awarding and Opening of Belen Exhibits is on December 15, 2006 at 3:30 P.M. at the Museo it Akean.
"Belen is a local Filipino term that came from the word "Bethlehem", the place where Jesus Christ was born, and the first Christmas. In Philippine tradition, this nativity scene with the baby Jesus lying in a lowly manger and Mary and Joseph beside him is depicted in a tableau. Sometimes, to complete, it shows also the shepherds, the three kings, animals, the angels and other characters.
MECHANICS OF THE CONTEST:
1. The contest is open to all Aklanons, or residents of Aklan (who are either students, out-of-school youths, professionals, craft enthusiasts and artists.) ages 17 and above.
2. The theme for this art-craft contest is "Belen: Minatuodtuod nga Kahueugan it Paskwa". Entries must feature the Nativity Scene, with Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the central characters.
3. The contestants must work on a surface measuring 24x24 inches or 2x2 feet. The height should be proportionate to the base design.
4.Application Forms are available at the Museo it Akean at Martelino Street, Kalibo, Aklan.
5. At least 75 percent or 100 percent indigenous materials must be used such as fibers, fiber cloth, dried leaves, seeds, stones, barks. Plastic materials are not allowed. Lighting fixtures are encouraged.
6. Participant must submit only one entry.
7. All entries must be original and has not been previously exhibited/revised/awarded a prize in any contest.
8. Participants must submit the following:
* Accomplished Application Form
* 2"x2" colored ID photo with the applicant’s name on the back.
9. All entries must be properly labeled with the following:
* Artist Name
* Title of Entry
* Medium (materials used)
10. Entries must be submitted on or before December 12 (Wednesday), 5 p.m. at the Museo it Akean.
11. Criteria for Judging:
40% - Adherence to the theme (Interpretation of the Spirit/essence of the theme)
30% - Creativity (The artistic way of creating and presentation of design elements such as colors, form, textures, balance, etc.)
30% - Ingenuity (The inventiveness/originality of design execution using indigenous materials.
12. Announcement and Awarding of winners and Opening of the Exhibit will be at 3:30 P.M. on December 15 at the Museo it Akean.
13. All the entries will be exhibited at the Museo it Akean until the Ati-Atihan Season, January 23, 2007. Pull-out of non-winning entries will be on January 23 (Tuesday).
14.Winning entries shall become the property of the organizer.
15. The organizers will not be held responsible for the loss of entries, or any damages suffered by them during the handling due to force majeure. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com