AN ALUMNA of the Centro Escolar University won first place in the Sining Filipina, the first all-female arts competition in the Philippines held last month.

Maria Gemma Suguitan-San Jose, a book author and artist, was recognized for her entry “Layers of Experiences” in the Non-Figurative category.

Suguitan-San Jose bested other 732 art entries nationwide and bagged P250,000 as cash prize.

According to CEU, Suguitan-San Jose’s artwork speaks of “an empowered woman who is made wiser and tougher by various experiences wherein she has learned lessons from.”

She continues to describe a woman by saying that “those imprints help her face the trials she encounters in life. She is not perfect, but does her best every time. Failing, for her, is always an opportunity to learn and become better. She weeps, but does not give up. Instead of drowning into self-pity, she finds ways to overcome and rise above difficulties.”

Her art piece “is made with layers of imprints from the tip of skewers and also “a compelling message that woman power equips generations; with what they need in order to build a strong nation.”

As part of Women’s Month series of activities of SM Supermalls, the inaugural event of Sining Filipina is a combined celebration of art, empowerment, and creativity among Philippine women artists.

It also aims “to provide an avenue for all Filipina in the country with extraordinary talents.”