On the 7th day of April 2021, Monette Coloma, a 3rd year student from the College of Fisheries, earned the top spot in the Artistic Mask Making Contest of DMMMSU – SLUC’s Cultural Unit celebration with the theme “DMMMSU Amidst Pandemic: Recreating Resilience and Celebration of Hope.”

Coloma stood out among nine participants from different colleges. Her entry was made of palapa or the leaf of a coconut tree. Also, she used paint remainders from her uncle and the rest was her water color. She explained how she purposefully hand-sewn the katcha cloth at the back portion of the mask that made it wearable. “Eco-tourism ang dating. At kahit pa pandemic, tuloy pa ang pag-arangkada ng DMMMSU,” she added. The totality of concept, colors, and creativity resulted her to triumph.”

Throughout my entire experience upon making [the] artistic face mask, I asked for God’s guidance until i finished my work. I was very excited because it made me think and imagine, how will I connect it with the theme? Then I was reminded of what is happening in our surroundings during this difficult time,” our winner said.

She also shared how Dr. Andie Tadeo inspired, encouraged, and supported her in joining the competition. According to her, the creativity and resourcefulness within her was kindled during the creation process.

By Lorren Dalo