ILIGAN City ― Two students from Iligan City East National High School- Sta. Filomena bagged awards for National Arts Month's live painting contest here. Chemist N. Achondo, a Grade 9 student, garnered second place with his craft inspired by a woman who features various history and culture to emphasize that people should remember their history and culture. “Dapat ishowcase ang ating kultura bilang isang Pilipino para magkaisa tayo sa ating talento. Ipagmalaki natin ito upang maging maganda ang ating bansa,” he said. Achondo became interested in painting when he was 18 years old after seeing a particular artist's craft. He then communicated with him and asked for tips and strategies in creating art pieces. “Nag-ask ako kung pwede ako makahingi ng tips, tinulungan niya ako. Sinabihan niya din ako na ipagpatuloy ko ang passion sa pagguguhit dahil malaki ang mararating ko,” he added. Meanwhile, the grand winner Miller Bongcawil II, shared that he did not expect to win the contest. "Di ako makapaniwala kasi wala ako expectation sa self ko, basta makajoin lang ng mga ganitong contest. Ang akin lang, hindi ko aim na makaplacer kundi experience na makajoin ng contest na ganito," said Bongcawil who is a Grade 11 student. Miller bared that his artwork symbolizes an empowered woman. He wanted to portray that women are independent and should not be discriminated against in society. “Ito ay nagrerepresent sa kababaihan na independent. Umaalab ang buhok niya, may talents na nakapinta sa katawan niya. Iyong kalesa at okir inspired sa Iligan,” said Miller. Achondo and Miller both encouraged their fellow youth to pursue their passion and showcase it. “Sa ibang painters o willing magsimula sa pagmamalaki sa sariling talento, alam natin lahat na hindi madali maging artist dahil marami tayong dadaanan sa ating buhay. Alam natin na hindi ito madali. Kailangan na may tiyaga at pasesnsya sa ating ginagawa,” Achondo emphasized. Miller, on the other hand, encouraged the youth to continue their desire. “Sa mga kabataan, kung ano ang hilig mo ipagpatuloy mo lagi hanggang sa masanay ka at mainlove kana sa pagguhit o pinta na maging passion mo na sya,” he said. Joined by eight students and independent artists, the contest was initiated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation of Iligan Incorporated in celebration of the Arts Month held in Robinsons Place Iligan. (PIA-10)