NCCA's Heneral Tuna Fan Art Contest Illuminates Filipino Values Through Digital Art
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| Winning entry from Anna Rina Oncog of Bohol |
November 2023 marked an eventful month for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), as they embraced Filipino Values Month with a series of activities celebrating the core principles shaping Filipino society. Among these festivities, the second edition of the Heneral Tuna Digital Poster Making Contest emerged as a highlight, showcasing outstanding digital art from young Filipino talents across the country.
The contest aimed to interpret the theme "Filipino Values for the Common Good" through the lens of Heneral Tuna, the charismatic blue alien cat from NCCA's animated and book series. Open to high school and college students, the competition attracted a remarkable 220 entries from 56 cities and provinces nationwide, reflecting the vibrant creativity of Filipino youth.
The grand prize was awarded to Anna Rina Oncog, a talented artist from Bohol, whose winning poster beautifully intertwined Heneral Tuna with Filipino cultural elements, such as the iconic jeepney and pagmamano. Lorenzo Angelo Maranan of Baguio City secured second place with his monochromatic masterpiece, offering a realistic portrayal of Heneral Tuna and the Earthlings of Barangay Hiraya. Khem Mary Abalos from Antipolo City claimed third place, illustrating Heneral Tuna as an integral member of Barangay Hiraya, immersed in local traditions and values.
The NCCA and its panel of judges faced the challenging task of selecting three winners from the plethora of impressive entries. The competition showcased not only artistic talent but also a deep understanding of Filipino values expressed through various artistic styles.
The winners received more than just accolades; Anna Rina Oncog received a grand prize of PHP10,000, while Maranan and Abalos were awarded PHP7,500 and PHP5,000, respectively. In addition to the cash prizes, each winner received a certificate and special tokens from the NCCA in acknowledgment of their outstanding achievements.
The fan art contest was just one of the many activities included in the NCCA's celebration of Filipino Values Month. This year's festivities were enhanced by the launch of the Heneral Tuna children's book series, co-published by the NCCA and Aklat Alamid, and a new partnership with the Knowledge Channel to broadcast the Heneral Tuna episodes.
The Heneral Tuna animated and picture book series serves as a delightful medium to showcase how Filipino values are interwoven into daily life. Through entertaining and meaningful stories, the NCCA aims to uphold, instill, and promote these values to a new generation of Filipinos.
For those intrigued by Heneral Tuna's adventures on Planet Earth, regular updates can be found on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Follow the charismatic blue alien cat to stay connected with his hijinks and valuable lessons on Filipino values.
The Heneral Tuna Digital Poster Making Contest stands as a testament to the rich talent and creativity of young Filipinos, showcasing their ability to express and celebrate Filipino values through digital art. The success of this competition reflects the commitment of the NCCA to instill pride in Filipino culture and values, ensuring they endure through the generations.

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