RP Student Awarded in 11th International High School Arts Festival in Tokyo
Fifteen-year old Edwin Marzan Bergaño, Jr. of Baguio City National High School has been awarded a medal and certificate for winning a “Special Prize to International Artist” at the Awarding Ceremony of the 11th International High School Arts Festival organized by the International Foundation for Arts and Culture of Japan (IFAC). The Festival’s awarding ceremony was held on 29 July 2010 at the Ueno Seiyoken in Tokyo.
The International High School Arts Festival is an annual event that showcases the talents of young people from different countries in visual arts. It is intended to promote goodwill and understanding among participating countries through the medium of art. This year’s festival was participated in by high school students from Japan, Myanmar, Ireland, Laos, Vietnam, Egypt, Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Israel, Singapore, Australia, UK and the Philippines.
Participating in the Festival for the first time, the Philippines submitted 9 paintings created by high school students Edwin Bergaño, Jr. John Lauren Bacay, Stepfani Ann Almazan, John Paul Aro, Mahaysha Kitma, Kyle Vizcarra, Ray martin Yodong, Eric John Rodriguez and Marvin Bacinillo. Edwin’s painting entitled “The Other Side of Myself” was selected by a panel of judges headed by Ambassador Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. as the best Philippine artwork.
The Filipino students’ paintings were displayed along with artworks created by high school students from the abovementioned countries at the Ueno Royal Museum. This year’s Festival runs from 29 July to 2 August 2010.
During the Awarding Ceremony, IFAC chairman Dr. Haruhisa Handa praised the high level of artistic skill shown by Edwin and the other students. Each winner received his prize from the representative of his embassy in Tokyo. In accepting the award, Edwin thanked those who helped nurture his talent as well as IFAC and others who made it possible for him to come to Japan to receive his prize. Minister Gina A. Jamoralin, who represented Ambassador Domingo L, Siazon, Jr. at the Awarding Ceremony expressed the hope that Edwin will continue to develop his God-given talent.
