Ignacian Marian Artists Demonstrate Creativity, Artistic Abilities in Poster Making Contests

Ignacian Marian artists of St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc. (S.M.C.B.) demonstrated their creativity and artistic abilities, earning placements in the poster-making competitions of the Baliwag City Private Schools Association (BaCiPriSA) Meet, Oct. 8.

In the preschool category, Aeris Klaire Hidalgo placed 11th. Meanwhile, Monique Evangelista earned 13th place in Level 1, while Giliana Andrea Millar placed seventh in Level 2. 

In the Junior High School category, Eko Maria Manaloto placed sixth, and Rica Marie Gatmaitan earned seventh place in the Senior High School (S.H.S.) category. 

Representing the school across different competition levels, the Ignacian Marians translated ideas about community, social development, and Filipino identity into visual artworks, highlighting the role of art in expressing meaningful messages and reflecting the values of society.

For Ms. Manaloto, her artwork centered on the theme of community, portraying a colorless girl holding a lamp to symbolize how a single spark of hope can bring color, growth, and success to the people around her.

“The contrast highlights how an individual’s positive light can illuminate and transform the collective spirit of the people,” Ms. Manaloto explained.

Her concept drew inspiration from her own community and the shared values of unity and resilience that shape its people.

She also credited the guidance, compassion, and encouragement of her teachers and family for helping her develop the idea and translate it into an artwork.

However, working within the competition’s two-hour time limit proved challenging, as she had to manage her time carefully while ensuring that every stroke remained deliberate and expressive.

To prepare, Ms. Manaloto dedicated hours each day to practicing, exploring different concepts, and improving her techniques.

She also acknowledged the support of her mentors, fellow competitors, and family in building her confidence before the competition.

Despite not earning a higher placement, Ms. Manaloto expressed pride in her accomplishment, emphasizing that reaching a goal she once considered distant made the experience meaningful.

“Today’s progress becomes tomorrow’s foundation to build even greater success,” she said.

She further described the competition as a significant milestone in her artistic journey, reflecting on how she had developed from working with pencil and paper to exploring vibrant colors and different artistic mediums.

Meanwhile, Ms. Gatmaitan’s artwork highlighted the advancement of technology while preserving the traditional way of life of Filipinos.

Although she could not recall the exact wording of the competition’s theme, she remembered that it revolved around social development and Filipino unity.

Inspired by the Filipino people’s ability to embrace technological advancements while upholding their culture, traditions, and values, Ms. Gatmaitan sought to portray the relationship between progress and cultural preservation.

Nevertheless, the limited time presented a challenge. With only two hours to complete her poster, she was unable to apply a second layer of paint or finish outlining her work.

Despite these constraints, Ms. Gatmaitan remained grateful for the opportunity to compete against student artists from various private schools in Baliwag City, viewing the experience as an opportunity to test her abilities and showcase her talent.

“It was a valuable experience that allowed me to challenge myself and showcase my skills,” Ms. Gatmaitan said.

In preparation for the competition, she practiced watercolor painting for four days, focusing on refining her skills with a medium she was already familiar with.

Her preparation allowed her to approach the competition with a clearer understanding of her techniques, even as she worked within the time limit.

As a graduating student, Ms. Gatmaitan also regarded her participation in the S.H.S. category as a meaningful opportunity to represent S.M.C.B. and gain valuable experience before completing her secondary education.

Both student artists emphasized the importance of preparation, perseverance, and support in pursuing artistic growth.

Their experiences also reflected how competitions provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves, learn from limitations, and gain confidence in expressing their ideas through art.

Through their participation in BaCiPriSA, the Ignacian Marians demonstrated that artistic achievement extends beyond rankings.

Their works and experiences highlighted the power of creativity to communicate messages about community, cultural identity, and progress while encouraging young artists to continue developing their craft.

As they carry these experiences forward, the student artists embody S.M.C.B.’s commitment to excellence, using their God-given abilities to inspire others and represent the school’s white and blue banner with pride.