Personal Encounters: Music, Art and Dance Festival 2014

I transferred to a new company in July of this year. It was a perfect and timely decision not only because my previous company recently pulled out investment in the country, but also for the reason that the change was definitely one I have hoped and prayed for. I am not referring to monetary compensation (although this of course, is such a welcome adjustment hehehe...) but rather, the nurturing quality of life that my new company offers to its team members. Life does not only revolve around work in that workplace! There actually is, LIFE!

The company, a highly esteemed and established institution, foster a culture of "building lifelong relationships..." that creates a community where one feels a sense of belonging.... like a family you can trust.

It values people as a competitive advantage with the highest ethics and regard for "What's right for the customers." It encourages leadership and embraces diversity and inclusion.

It supports other social communities to pay it forward and give back. Initiative is appreciated and volunteerism is a big thing!

There are "interest clubs" within the community where team members can showcase and hone their talents. One of them is the Music, Art and Dance Club. It was during a lunch break with my trainee batch mates sometime in August that we saw a booth set up on a lounge outside the cafeteria on the second floor to promote this year's Music, Arts and Dance Festival. The event was initially scheduled from September 15-19, 2014. We eagerly approached the booth to sign up as members as my batch mates have talent for dancing and singing (Me, I have all passion and appreciation for the crafts! LOL!). I really thought I was signing up for the club membership when I scribbled my name on a form provided until I saw the flyer that said I just entered into a competition! Oh my! Good thing there was Arts Category hahaha! So, let it be! I joined the Non-Representational (Abstract) Art Competition.

"Hands of Time"
Acrylic on Boxed Canvas 3 X 4 feet
Entry titled by the Event Organizer

The Art Mechanics Category were as follow:

1. Art pieces must perfectly captivate the company's Vision: "We want to satisfy all our customers financial needs and help them succeed financially." and Values: People as a competitive advantage, Ethics, Whats right for customers, Diversity and Inclusion and Leadership.

2. Art Category has three divisions:

a. Mixed Media (Representational) refer to a work of visual art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. For example, work on canvas that combines paint, ink, decoupage, collage, board, metal and cloth are allowed. However, use of liquid, seeds, anything perishable or easily decomposes is strictly prohibited. Required size is 3 feet X 4 feet (horizontal or landscape orientation), weight should not exceed 5 kilos and thickness should not exceed 6 inches.

b. Nonrepresentational (Abstract) Division should use oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas and watercolor only. Required size is 3 feet X 4 feet (horizontal or landscape orientation), weight should not exceed 5 kilos.

c. Sculpture Division must be done by accepted medium such as metal (steel, brass, copper, aluminum and bronze), hardwood (Narra, Mahogany, Yakal, etc.) and stone (marble, granite, limestone, etc.) terracota and solid glass. Required size is 24 inches X 48 inches, weight should not exceed 50 kilos. However, use of anything perishable or easily decomposes is prohibited.

3. Art category is open to individuals or groups.

4. Registration is open until August 8, 2014. Team members/Group Leaders will be sent a separate email should organizers need more information.

5. All entries will be displayed at the 2F cafeteria from September 15-19. Announcement of winners on September 19, 2014.

6. Entries must be the the artist's or group's original work and must have not been exhibited before, nor revised, awarded a prize in another contest.

7. Entries must be submitted at 2F Media Room on or before September 10, 2014, Wednesday, from 5:00 P.M. to 2 A.M. only. Entries must be signed by the artist or group leader but the signature should be covered with masking tape prior to submission to conceal artist's identity.

8. All major prizes winners will automatically become properties of the company and will be displayed in the office. Other intellectual property rights provisions will be discussed to all winners separately.

9. Judges can decide not to award prizes to any entry that does not meet certain artistic requirements. All decision made by the judges are final and irrevocable.

10. Criteria for judging:

Relevance to Theme: 20%

Overall Workmanship: 20%

Use of Elements: 10%

Composition: 10%

Originality: 10%

Quality: 10%

Audience Vote: 20%

Oh Em... the competition organizers were surely serious! I was glad I was able to satisfy the mechanics although pressed for time because I had to order my canvas to customize according to specification. The festival was moved to a later date, October 6-10, 2014 but thankfully, I was able to meet the September 10 deadline.

Champion, Art Category :)

Awarding Ceremony with the Club's Chairwoman

With supportive leaders and mentors; my Team Leader not in the picture but likewise, appreciated.

During my art theme's conception, I had the most harsh critiques who I think were the original devil's advocates from Torture Island (My mom was the ring leader!) but admittedly their blunt and honest opinions brought out the best! :) My entry was displayed during my 2-day off so I was not able to see it immediately but my supportive Wave 2 batch mates took pictures of it and privately messaged me on Facebook to send the photos! The voting also started during my rest day and I am very grateful to another Wave 2 batch mate who sent email blast to campaign for my entry. Lastly, I feel blessed for the love and support of my team mates and leaders who also campaigned and voted for my art piece.

By the way, the Champion for the Acoustic Category also came from our team!