Cebu Artist Wins Big at Dinagsa Festival

Cebu-based artist Jayson Droña’s oil painting, “Mga Kamay ng Pag-asa,” claimed the grand prize at the Dinagsa Festival 2025 Visayas-Wide Painting Competition held at Cadiz Arena on January 22.

Now in its fifth year, the competition’s theme was “Pagsibol sa Kabihasnang Pamumuhay” (Visayan Life).

Droña’s artwork, painted on a 26 x 32-inch canvas, captivated judges and spectators with its realism and emotional depth.

Competing against 299 entries from across the Visayas, his piece stood out for its detailed craftsmanship and powerful message of solidarity in adversity.

The painting depicts hands from diverse backgrounds holding symbols of hope, illustrating the shared strength and aspirations of Visayan communities.

Droña, a licensed mechanical engineer from Danao City, Cebu, explained that the hands represent every individual’s role in building a better future.

“It’s a call to action, reminding us that even in hardship, hope thrives when we come together,” Droña said.

He added, “The hands that hold our culture and heritage showcase steadfast faith, bountiful harvests, colorful traditions, creativity, and diligence—the elements that bring light and hope to our lives.”

The painting incorporates symbols representing Cebu’s Sto. Niño and rosary, Bacolod’s MassKara Festival, Bohol’s coconut shell cup, Cadiz’s dried fish, Iloilo’s hablon fabric, Capiz’s shell, Ormoc’s pineapple, Southern Samar’s fish trap, and Northern Samar’s tuba (coconut wine).

Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. praised the participants in the Visayas-wide painting contest, calling it an extraordinary gathering of artists from across the region.

“It’s not easy to gather artists from different provinces in one event. But we made it happen. Art unites us, and this competition proved its magic,” Escalante said.

Droña received a cash prize of PHP 200,000 and a trophy, marking a milestone in his career as a full-time artist. His achievement brings pride to his hometown and serves as inspiration for aspiring artists in the Visayas.

Other winners included Hondrey Debalucos (Cebu), second place, PHP 100,000; Paul Jhon Cabanalan (Iloilo), third place, PHP 50,000; Matthew Henry Jusayan (Sagay), fourth place, PHP 40,000; and Marvin Lomosad (Siquijor), fifth place, PHP 30,000.

The competition showcased regional culture, tradition, and resilience through the lens of art, drawing entries from across the Visayas.

The panel of judges included distinguished artists Cid Reyes, Ron Lopez David, Dopy Doplon, Otto Neri, Alladin Antiqueño, Emmanuel Garibay, and Isabel Diaz.

As the Dinagsa Festival celebrates Cadiz City’s vibrant culture, “Mga Kamay ng Pag-asa” stands as a poignant reminder that art transcends borders and speaks to universal truths.