(Santiago, 03 October 2020) – As part of the Philippine Embassy in Chile’s continued engagement with the Filipino community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Embassy launched a series of painting, poetry and essay writing contests for the 860 Filipino nationals in Chile with the theme: AKO (PINOY) SA PANAHON NG COVID-19 SA CHILE. The Embassy hoped that the contests would serve as a good, community-based coping mechanism for Filipinos, especially for those residing in communities under quarantine and those bearing the heavy socio-economic toll of the pandemic. The event culminated in a simple awarding ceremony—with limited guests, full social distancing and wearing of face masks/shields—at the Chancery on 03 October 2020. The ceremony was followed by lunch for the winners, judges and special guests.

The project exceeded all expectations in terms of the number of entries (6 paintings, 13 poems and 12 essays) and Seen and Liked votes for the People’s Choice Awards totaling 1,064 for the paintings and 2,226 for the poems. Aside from allowing the Embassy to engage with its community amidst the lockdown and quarantine, it also served as a time of self-introspection for the participants on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of faith, family and friends to Filipinos as highlighted in all the entries, underscored in different forms of art, what make Filipinos resilient during these difficult times.

The winners for the painting category are Mr. George Lumanga Antonio (1^st place), Ms. Evangeline Ortiga Solis (2^nd place and also winner of People’s Choice Award) and Ms. Lovelyn Embate Acanto (3^rd place). The second People’s Choice Award was given to Ms. Shiela Maglaya.

Winners of the poetry writing contest include Mr. Ariane Joy Bobillo Segubre (1^st place), Ms. Kjaryl Angela Yee Lobaton (2^nd place and winner of People’s Choice Award) and Ms. Edna Pagayon Sareno (3^rd place and also winner of People’s Choice Award).

Filipino community members Ms. Minette Caldito Urmatan (1^st place), Ms. Rubie Fernandez Antonino (2^nd place) and Ms. Adelfa Arao Pescador (3^rd place) where the overall essay writing contest winners.

Poetry and essay writing contest winners were given the opportunity to read the entries.  The ceremony was emotional for many who underwent difficulties, with one winner in tears as she read her winning essay in front of all.

The Ako (Pinoy) sa Panahon ng COVID-19 sa Chile also serves as a preparatory take-off event for celebrations being organized by the Philippine Embassy and the Chilean Embassy in Manila next year as part of the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. END