Cebuano artist wins big at Dinagsa Festival’s Visayas-wide painting tilt

Cebu-based artist Jayson Droña’s “Mga Kamay ng Pag-asa” claimed the grand prize at the Dinagsa Festival 2025 Visayas-Wide Painting Competition held at Cadiz Arena on Wednesday, January 22.

The art contest, an instutution in Cadiz for five years now, themed: “Pagsibol sa Kabihasnang Pamumuhay” (Visayan Life).

Droña’s realistic artwork, painted in oil on a 26 x 32-inch canvas, captured the hearts and imaginations of judges and spectators alike.

It bested 299 other entries from across the Visayan provinces.

Droña’s keen eye for details, and ability to evoke emotion through art was notable.

More than just a work of art, his astonishing art piece reflects a powerful commentary on the importance of solidarity in the face of challenges.

It features hands from diverse backgrounds depicted in action: holding symbols of hope.

This visual representation highlights the collective strength and shared aspirations of the Visayan communities.

Droña, a licensed mechanical engineer from Danao City, Cebu, explained that the hands in his painting symbolize every individual’s role in building a better tomorrow.

“It’s a call to action, reminding us that even in times of hardship, hope thrives when we come together,” he added.

“The hands that hold our culture and heritage showcase steadfast faith, bountiful harvests, colorful traditions, creativity, and diligence – the elements that bring light and hope to our lives.”

The winning art piece incorporates images representing Cebu’s Sto. Niño and rosary, Bacolod’s Masskara Festival, Bohol’s coconut shell cup, Cadiz’s dried fish, Iloilo’s hablon fabric, Capiz’s shell, Ormoc’s pineapple, Southern Samar’s fish trap, and Northern Samar’s tuba (coconut wine).

Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. hailed all participants in this Visayas-wide painting contest – the first in Cadiz and on Negros Island.

He termed such as an extraordinary derby of visual artists, considering that artisan-contentants were from different provinces in the Visayas Region.

“Not easy to gather them in one sitting. Impossible to think, perhaps. But we did it. We succeed. Really, there is magic in an art. Art unites us. Unbelievable, but it happened now -tested and proven,” Escalante stresses.

Meanwhile, Droña was awarded a cash prize of P200,000 and a trophy, marking a significant milestone in his career as a full-time artist. His success not only brings pride to his hometown, but also inspires aspiring artists throughout the Visayas.

Other winners included Hondrey Debalucos (Cebu), who took second place and received P100,000; Paul Jhon Cabanalan (Iloilo), third place, P50,000; Matthew Henry Jusayan (Sagay), fourth place, P40,000; and Marvin Lomosad (Siquijor), fifth place, P30,000.

This year’s competition drew entries from across the Visayas, each exhibiting regional culture, tradition, and perseverance.

Distinguished judges included Cid Reyes, Ron Lopez David, Dopy Doplon, Otto Neri, Alladin Antiqueño, Emmanuel Garibay, and Isabel Diaz

As the Dinagsa Festival continues to highlight Cadiz City’s thriving culture, “Mga Kamay ng Pag-asa” serves as a moving reminder that art can transcend borders and speak to universal truths.* (Bilis Cadiz)