By Nestle G. Taala

Mr. Bejay P. Songcog with his masterpiece.

Mr. Bejay P. Songcog, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Batch 2020, was the Grand Winner among more than a hundred participants during the ART SURGE 2021 International Online Painting Competition held on August 28, 2021.

Having created an artwork with a medium of acrylic paint on stretched canvas with a size of 17.5in x 22.5in, Mr. Songcog shared that “the process of creating such a masterpiece wasn’t that hard to conceptualize but the time and resources is the challenge due to limited working time to finish my artwork in submitting it on the said deadline.”

While the world continues to deal with the pandemic, Mr. Songcog believes that the best way to move forward is to get inspired and be creative. Thus, the said competition has given him an opportunity to practice and showcase his God-given talent to inspire and motivate other young artists around the globe.

Mr. Songcog is grateful to have won the competition. He shared a simple reminder from Twitter, “Artists are not like athletes we cannot win gold. We cannot beat other creatives. We cannot first. Sport is objective. Our craft is subjective. Creating to be the best is a waste of energy. Instead, create to connect to the people who need you. Because they’re out there. Creat in your way, because there is no right way. Take the pressure off, and focus on your unique brand of magic.”

The Centralian artist would like to “thank God for this another achievement and blessing, my ever-supportive and proud parents, and friends who never get tired and believe in my capability. The Central Echo staff, EIC Kathleen Celestine Frugalidad, Mab Ban (the model) Onesiforo Berina Jr., Jared Songcog, Jirah Songcog, Beverly Egay, teachers and friends, Jessa Mae Pacto Solis, Jorgeth Dalofin Rien Mesias, my supportive bffs, thanks a lot.” He also acknowledges the ART SURGE 2021 team, Artsea Lab, Artdialogo Asia and FSMMI for the opportunity given to artists like him to showcase and share their talent.

ART SURGE International Youth Day Conference is a platform for creatives to connect and/or reconnect in the new normal and highlight the value of creativity and talents to weave inspiring stories and perspectives that can reshape and impact the world today. ArtSEA and Artdialogo Asia and their program supporters; the National Youth Council Singapore, ASEAN Youth Forum, Rotary Club of Bandar Utama, K Biz, Paragon International University, Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop Inc., in the Wild, World Youth Alliance, 23 Sampaguita Creative Space, and IPeace (Indigenous Peoples Education for Art, Culture and Empowerment) collaborate to highlight creative leadership and youth development through an artistic and creative lens.