Belen Festival's criterion on the artistry of structural elements was the bone of contention in this year's visual tilt, which highlighted the clash between modernism and the conventional in decor and structure, made the competition more engrossing, exciting and unpredictable.
The modernistic work of acclaimed doctor and visual artist, Dr. Carlo Que for the Christian Young Adult Fellowship (CYAF), took the competition by storm. Art aficionados and selfie enthusiasts flocking to CYAF's Belen to appreciate a magnificent piece of art, at opening date last December 10, 2014 after a short program at the City Plaza, was indicative of things to come.
CYAF's number one finish in the first judging was not solely borne out of Dr. Que's visual art savvy, but largely due to early preparation that gave ample time for him to play out his artistic imagination to reality. He believes that giving one's best shot from the outset, rather than improving one's work over time, is preferable. To him, artistic innovation is something that should not be rushed for it takes time to polish that gem of an idea and make it a tangible masterpiece.
After its initial success everyone thought that CYAF's passage to the championship was already sealed, but that was about to change in the 2nd judging with the emergence of a potential dark horse. Very few noticed that the distinctly conventional Belen entry of Brgy. Ubos - with a church facade and stained glass parol - that placed 4th in the first judging had the trappings of a winner, but obviously it was not ready for the initial judging session.
However, Brgy. Ubos made an all-out effort to improve its marked deficiencies in visual artistry and theme presentation. And when the much awaited 2nd judging came, lo and behold its transformation was total and complete.
The darkened church facade became a visual feast and the drab tarpaulin drop banner that interpreted the theme: "Fostering an Investment-friendly Environment for Development" was replaced with a 3D presentation of a budding metropolis with lots of greeneries. The rest was history with the Brgy. Ubos grabbing the limelight and overtaking its vaunted rival.
However, the debacle in the first judging had far reaching consequences for Brgy. Ubos to keep its run for the championship alive. CYAF, who returned to its winning ways in the 3rd judging via a split decision, was crowned the 2014 Belen Festival champion with Brgy. Ubos settling for 2nd place. BNHS, a perennial champion who won the event three times in a row settled for 3rd place
In the end Dr. Que's dictum that early preparation really pays is a fact of life we cannot do without, if we want to succeed in every endeavor we choose to undertake.
As usual there were disappointments, surprises, the inability to accept the judges' decision and more importantly unpredictability that make up for an exciting and eventful competition. But, giving our constituents and visitors happiness, something to root for and a visual experience like no other, to compliment the Christmas Holidays made us all winners. Congratulations.