Designated as the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines, Bohol takes pride in its commitment to conserving the natural and cultural heritage of this paradise.

The island abounds in karstic geosites such as caves, sinkholes, and cone karst, including the famous cone-shaped Chocolate Hills in the center of the geopark.

One of the highlights of this year’s Sandugo sa Bohol is “Geosites sa Bohol: Pinta sa Sugilanon,” a contest-exhibit that channels the raw, ancient earth of Bohol through the hands of its local artists.

Visual Arts Committee Chair Lucell Larawan, who spearheaded this event, sees it as a conversation between the ancient forces that formed these geosites and the dynamic, modern expressions of Boholano artists interpreting them.

Larawan describes the event: “This is not just an art competition; it’s an alchemy of geology, culture, and creativity, transforming the very soil and stone of Bohol into visual narratives that speak to both the heart and the intellect.”

Seventeen Boholano painters had one month to create their masterpieces for this beautiful geopark. The qualifiers drew lots for their assigned geosites at the CCAD Office on June 8. The resulting 3 by 4 feet acrylic on canvas paintings, whether hyper-realistic, abstract, or distorted, retain essential features of the geosites and will be on exhibit from July 18 to August 10, 2024, at the New Capitol Building lobby.

Winners of the competition were announced on July 18 at the New Capitol Building lobby.

This year’s Geosite Painting grand winner was Francis Chris Pagulayan with his masterpiece depicting the Maribojoc Marine Uplifted Terrace, earning him a trophy and P30,000.

Second place was awarded to Victor Kim Naquila for his depiction of Banacon Mangrove Forest, receiving a trophy and P25,000.

Third place went to Mary Grace Florida for her painting “Light of Hope: Hinagdanan Cave,” earning her a trophy and P20,000.

Consolation prizes were awarded to Nica Marie Olaivar (Can-umantad Falls), Allysa Jane Reyes (Danajon Dreamscape), Susan Soliva (Loon Uplifted Marine Terrace), Louie Guibone (Batungay Cave), Alexis Casimsiman (Mystic Lamanok Point), Junrio Cabahug (Balicasag: A Journey to Geopark), and Christian Seville (Batungay Cave). They received a certificate and P5,000 each.

The winners were meticulously chosen based on the criteria of creativity and interpretation (50%), originality (20%), and technical skill (30%).

This event was made possible by the Provincial Government of Bohol through the Center for Culture and Arts Development under the leadership of Emerson Pinos and the Bohol Art and Cultural Heritage Council under the leadership of Argeo Melisimo.

Board Member Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor, Chairperson of the Committee on Culture and Arts, graced the event with an inspiring message: “Not only to see the beauty of the geosites from our naked eye but also to see and appreciate the beauty of Bohol Geosites through the perception of Boholano artists.”

Villamor was joined by her committee vice chair, Board Member Lucille Lagunay, who vowed to fully support Boholano artists through legislative measures.

The exhibit showcases Bohol’s most iconic geosites: the majestic Chocolate Hills, the mysterious depths of Hinagdanan Cave, the rare Danajon Double Barrier Reef, and the ancient Alicia Schist formations. Alongside these, the artists have also rendered the serene Canawa Cold Spring, the enchanting cave pools of Anda, the historical Manahaw Cave, the tranquil Loboc River, and the lush Banacon Mangrove Forest, among others. Each site, with its unique geological and cultural significance, serves as a muse for the artists.

“Geosites sa Bohol: Pinta sa Sugilanon” also serves as a spark for community involvement, cultivating pride and a collective recognition of the unique qualities that make Bohol a natural treasure.

In addition to celebration and engagement, this exhibit has a deeper purpose: raising awareness. In a world where conservation and sustainable development are vital, art serves as a powerful tool to highlight these important issues.

As Bohol establishes itself as a center for natural beauty and artistic creativity, events such as “Geosites sa Bohol: Pinta sa Sugilanon” are essential in defining the region’s cultural identity and enhancing its tourist attractions, as highlighted in the strategic development roadmap of the Aumentado-Balite administration, driving Bohol’s economy forward. (PIMO/ML)