MANILA, Philippines - More world-class Filipino artists in the footsteps of today's maestros. Thus, former President Fidel V. Ramos lauded the winners of the Philippine Art Awards (PAA) 2010 national competition held recently at the National Museum.

They are Augusto Elopre; Rodney Yap; Marvin Chito Natural; Rodelio Cerda; Joey Cobcobo; Dexter Sy; Maximino Balatbat II; and Crispin Villanueva Jr.

Other than the published prizes of a total of R1.06 million in cash, an all-expense paid trip this September to Shanghai, China to attend the World Expo and Art Fair for the eight winners, and being able to keep their winning works, they were also presented with trophies designed by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva.

“The quality of the entries are fast improving through the years, not only in terms of craftsmanship, but more interestingly, in terms of the guiding creative philosophy of the artists as well,” said National Artist Ben Cabrera, a member of the panel of judges in this year’s finals.

Other members of the judging panel are art critic and author Cid Reyes, Lopez Museum director Mercedes Lopez-Vargas, UP College of Fine Arts dean Tina Colayco, former Ayala Museum and Asia Society director Sonia Ner, visual artist Jose Tence Ruiz, and Vargas Museum curator Patrick Flores.

“The Philippine Art Awards is very fortunate to have the various art organizations, art community leaders and local museums in the regions, the National Museum, Asian Tigers Lane Moving Philippines and Contemporary Art Philippines magazine, who believe that art competitions do not only enliven the visual art community, but also contribute to the development and enrichment of Philippine culture,” PMFTC Inc. President Chris J. Nelson said.

The eight winning works together with the 32 other regional finalists from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are on view at the North Gallery, 4/F of the Museum of the Filipino People.