Young Filipino artist wins top prize in painting competition in Brunei

The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that a young Filipino artist won the top prize at the recent painting competition for children during the Celebrate the Sea Festival held at The Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam from June 07 to 09.

Ms. Jamia Mei Tolentino, a second year student at St. Stephen’s High School in Valenzuela City, was given the Outstanding Award for all categories and the first prize for the 13-to-15- years age category during the painting competition for children based on the theme ‘Sharks are Friends’ held on June 08. 

Brunei’s Industry and Primary Resources Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar personally awarded Ms. Tolentino the top prize during the Celebrate the Sea Festival Awards Night held on June 09. Ms. Tolentino is a budding young artist who has already won major prizes in other art competitions, such as the 4th Green Bees International Drawing Contest with the theme “Let’s Play Together,” the Children’s Care International Annual Drawing Contest held in Montreal, Canada with the theme “The Future of the World is its Children” and during the 10th Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enniki Festa Festival of Asian Children’s Art where she was awarded the Grand Prix award for her beautifully illustrated journal of daily activities. 

Brunei Darussalam organized this year’s Celebrate the Sea Festival to coincide with World Oceans Day, which is commemorated annually on June 08. The event aims to promote conservation, marine tourism, providing education and entertainment to create a greater awareness of the ocean environment. On World Oceans on Day June 08, the Brunei Government declared a ban on the importation of sharks fins and ban on all shark fins’ products in the country.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/dfaphl?fref=ts (June 14, 2013)