Global Art Philippines awards winners of 2016 national competition

Jugglers, trapeze artists, acrobats and tightrope walkers made an appearance through colorful and whimsical drawings in the recently concluded 2016 Global Art Philippines National Competition organized by Global Art Philippines. Held at the SMX Aura in Taguig City, the annual competition was participated in by 200 students coming from all 12 branches of Global Art located in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, General Santos and Pampanga.

Anchored on the theme The Wonderful World of Circus, the artworks featured creative expressions from the eyes of the young participants and their unique skills in drawing, painting, coloring and composing visual elements which are at the core of Global Art’s international art program.

Category A winners (from left) Beatrice Ashley Ko, 2nd  Runner-up Sofia Madriaga, Champion and Amy Li, 1st   runner-up

Category C winners (from left) Christine Zhuang, 1st runner-up  Angeli Domini Lim,champion and Hannah Ong, 2nd runner

Established in 1999 with the objective of enhancing children's learning disciplines so they will become more creative in their everyday lives, Global Art transforms the way students learn art through a progressive, age-appropriate curriculum designed around their individual abilities.

Category A grand champin Sofia Madriaga with her artwork

The competition was divided into several categories. Winners per category were named as the “Best of the Best,” but only one was adjudged grand champion, 1st Runner up and 2nd Runner Up per category. Grand champions are Sofia Danielle Madriaga from Global Art Del Monte (Category A, 4-6 years old); Grace Merari Saw from Global Art Ortigas (Category B, 7-9 years old); Angeli Domini Lim from Global Art Davao, (Category C, 10-12 years old); and Marco Luis Gonzales from Global Art Makati  (Category D 13 years old and above).

Aside from the title of Global Art Phils. champion, trophy and prizes, the winners will also represent Global Art Philippines to the Global Art International Level competition in Guang Zhou, China on December 3, 2016.

Category B grand champion  Grace Merari Saw working on   her  artwork

Earning one’s stripes

At Global Art, students are taught the value of commitment, perseverance and sacrifice along with creative techniques.

“Just like acquiring any other skills in life and being good at it, children have to understand that it is fun and very rewarding to win but you also have the commitment and sacrifice a lot of things such as play time, TV time, gadget time or hanging out with friends or even your rest time. But in the end, it will sure be worth it,” says Yenny Saw,  manager of  Global Art &  Creative Philippines.

Spontaneous self-expression is another thing that is instilled among Global Art students who are given the  freedom to express their own ideas and drawing styles.

Category C Grand champion Angeli Domini Lim with her   artwork

 Painting with confidence
Category D champion Marco Luis Gonzales, 13, started with Global Art five years ago. He said that art enables him to express his emotions and learn other cultures.
“Seeing that my family would accept and clap for me no matter what place (prize) I got, made me overjoyed personally. Winning the competition means embracing a new challenge and I feel more confident because I know my teachers and family are at my back,” said Marco.

For seven-year-old Sofia Danielle Madriaga, Category A champion, her love for art came naturally. According to her parents, her free time is often spent doing free-hand drawing, painting, coloring and just practicing at home.

Like any first-time participant, Sofia was feeling anxious and worried thus she was not expecting to win. “She tried joining for the first time and just wanted to enjoy the experience. During the competition, she felt scared and uncomfortable. She also did not have complete materials but that did not stop her from doing her best. The opportunity to showcase her talent and winning is very rewarding,” beamed Sofia’s mom Rizie Madriaga.

Meanwhile, Angeli Domini Lim, Category C champion, focus and discipline won it for her. “I practiced as much as I can before the competition. Winning at the national level made me more confident now.”

Category D grand champion  Marco Luis Gonzalez working   on his artwork

Category B winner Grace Merari Saw prepared for the competition a month ahead by devoting 2-4 hours a week to practice. “I hoped to win but not as the grand champion. I thought I would only win the top artist,” Grace said. “The rewarding part is to be a part of the competition where the best students strived to win and I ended up winning the biggest prize. I feel more confident now knowing that when I try my best, there is always a chance.”

Global Art Philippines accepts students as young as 3 years old. The multi-level programs allow each art enthusiast to learn at their own pace and use their own ideas to create an artwork.


For further information and inquiries on Global Art Philippines and the International Art Competition, visit or call their main office at Unit 101, Sekai Center, 368 Ortigas Avenue corner Madison Street, Greenhills, San Juan; Tel no. 726-0435. Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/globalartphil or visit their website at www.globalart.com.ph