4 August 2010 - The Philippine Embassy in Japan reported that 15-year old Edwin Marzan Bergaño, Jr. of Baguio City National High School won the "Special Prize to International Artist" at the 11th International High School Arts Festival organized by the International Foundation for Arts and Culture of Japan (IFAC).
He was awarded a medal and certificate during the Festival's awarding ceremony, held on July 29 at the Ueno Seiyoken in Tokyo.
Edwin's painting entitled "The Other Side of Myself" was selected by a panel of judges headed by Philippine Ambassador Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. as the best Philippine artwork.
Participating in the Festival for the first time, the Philippines submitted eight other paintings created by high school students John Lauren Bacay, Stepfani Ann Almazan, John Paul Aro, Mahaysha Kitma, Kyle Vizcarra, Ray Martin Yodong, Eric John Rodriguez and Marvin Bacinillo.
The Filipino students' paintings were displayed along with artworks created by high school students from Japan, Myanmar, Ireland, Laos, Vietnam, Egypt, Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Israel, Singapore, Australia, and the United Kingdom at the Ueno Royal Museum.
During the Awarding Ceremony, IFAC chairman Dr. Haruhisa Handa praised the high level of artistic skill shown by Edwin and the other students. Each winner received his prize from the representative of his embassy in Tokyo.
In accepting the award, Edwin thanked those who helped nurture his talent as well as IFAC and others who made it possible for him to come to Japan to receive his prize.
Minister Gina A. Jamoralin, who represented Ambassador Domingo L, Siazon, Jr. at the awarding ceremony expressed the hope that Edwin will continue to develop his God-given talent.
The International High School Arts Festival is an annual event that showcases the talents of young people from different countries in visual arts.
The Festival is intended to promote goodwill and understanding among participating countries through the medium of art.
The Festival ran from July 29 to August 2. END