Photos, paintings depict roles of women in society

CEBU CITY – The 25 finalists in the Musings on Women Photography Contest are on display at the Ayala mall along with the paintings on the same theme of over 100 artists all over the country.

The finalists were chosen from more than a hundred photos submitted by Cebuano photographers.

The paintings, meanwhile, will be on sale.

According to Filna Espina, the chairperson of the Musings on Women Photo Competition, the contest is a project of the Zonta Club of Cebu II.

“We hope that through the photo contest and art exhibits we send a strong message on how essential the roles of womenare in society and how equality among gender can enhance community building,” Espina added.

Vying for the Top 3 spots and big cash prizes are: “Age & Contentment”, “First Teacher,” “Braving the odds”, “Fighter,” “It’s never about money, it’s all about passion”, “Pot of Gold”, “Guitana, Student Athlete”, “PAF 15 Strike Wing Belle”, “Too High, Airforce Pilot on a mission,” “Endure the Pain”, “Rice Field, Tubohan Field,” “Ang Tingsi ni Nanay among kalipay”, “Hiros”, “Hablon Weaver,” “Lanzones Vendor,” “Fish Vendor,” “Teacher,” “Sports Team Work,” “Sastre,” and “Ivatanin Batanes.”

Zonta Club Cebu II President Marilou Canizares said “Musings on Women” is one of the activities of Abay sa Kahayag’s18-Day of Activism against gender-based violence.

Canizares said artists from the Aninaw Art Collective, Aroma Art Atilier, Bohol Artists Collective, Cebu Artists Inc, Mugna and Pintal are taking part in the exhibit.

Proceeds from the sale of the paintings will fund the club’s projects, she said.

People who view the exhibit can vote for the best photo in the People’s Choice, an adjunct category to the official judging criteria.

Winners of the photo contest will be announced on Dec. 5 after the Symposium on “Redefining the Meaning of Gender” at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, Canizares said.