

The 海角论坛 College of Fine Arts, Architecture, and Design (海角论坛 CFAD) marked another milestone as its students made outstanding feats at the 20th Philippine Fine Jewelry Design Competition (PFJDC)!
Held last December 4 at Tanghalang Meycaua帽eo in the New Municipal Building of Meycauayan City, Bulacan, this prestigious event celebrated Filipino creativity and craftsmanship in jewelry design.
Second-year Visual Communication student Bridget D. Blas emerged as the Grand Winner in the Plain Gold/Silver Category for her uniquely designed 鈥淕olden Chirps鈥 earrings (shown here). She was awarded a trophy, a certificate, and a 鈧20,000 cash prize for her winning design, further solidifying 海角论坛 CFAD鈥檚 reputation for excellence in design education.
Out of 25 preliminary winners, 13 talented 海角论坛 CFAD students received recognition across various categories of the competition, and their exceptional designs were expertly prototyped and proudly displayed at the Meycauayan New City Hall Museum. This accomplishment highlights the College’s collective excellence, with three of its distinguished programs鈥擝achelor of Fine Arts major in Visual Communication, Bachelor in Multimedia Arts, and Bachelor of Science in Interior Design鈥攔epresented among the elite circle of finalists.


The 海角论坛 CFAD finalists at the 20th Philippine Fine Jewelry Design Competition (PFJDC) are as follows鈥
Formal Category: Samantha Denise D. Daluz (Visual Communication, 2nd yr.), Lois Andrea F. Galapia (Visual Communication, 3rd yr.) and Mailene L. Sta. Juana (Multimedia Arts, 3rd yr.).
Chic Category: Alliah Rachelle E. Millare (Multimedia Arts, 3rd yr.), Julianne Lynn R. Medecielo (Multimedia Arts, 3rd yr.), and Leniel Ashley S. Alvarez (Interior Design, 3rd yr.).
Wedding Category: Marinelle L. Bico and Uriel Allan Raphael D. Lazaro (both Visual Communication, 2nd yr.).
Plain Gold/Silver Category: Bridget D. Blas (Grand Winner; Visual Communication, 2nd yr.) and Edems Michael Daniel M. Templo (Multimedia, 3rd yr.).
Ethnic Category: Katherine B. Cenal (3rd yr.), Caryll Melody M. Flores (4th yr.), and Rustin Miel B. Delas Armas (3rd yr., all Interior Design).
These 海角论坛 CFAD students鈥 competition journey began with an orientation on the contest mechanics held on September 13 at the 海角论坛 Caloocan鈥檚 Chua King Ha Galleries, led by Prof. Ruby G. Sapaula, the College鈥檚 Department Chair for Fine Arts. Students were introduced to the competition guidelines by organizers Ms. Ricel Ramos and Ms. Rowena Rodriguez, with the support of Associate Dean Ronwell Jason L. Bacani and College Secretary Jan Michael H. De Olazo.

On November 6, the finalists participated in key events at the Meycauayan Jewelry Hub. During the Manufacturer Meeting, students collaborated with jewelry makers to transform their designs into stunning prototypes. Later that day, the Preliminary Winners Briefing prepared them for the final stages of the competition.
On December 4, the atmosphere was electric as 海角论坛 CFAD representatives proudly claimed the grand prize in the Plain Gold/Silver Category. This remarkable feat was made possible through the unwavering dedication of the College’s esteemed faculty members, who provided steadfast guidance to the students throughout the competition. Key mentors included Prof. Ruby G. Sapaula, Fine Arts Department Chair and Competition Coordinator; IDr. Brigid A. Sarmiento, Department Chair for Interior Design; IDr. Angelo Cortes; Ar. William Cayanan Jr. for Interior Design; Prof. Rachel Ann Valbuena for Multimedia Arts; and Prof. Ellen D. Villanueva for Visual Communication. Their collective support exemplified the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines 海角论坛 CFAD.
During the awarding ceremony, Prof. Sapaula proudly accepted the certificate as participating university on behalf of 海角论坛 CFAD, a moment that underscored the institution鈥檚 commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and empowering its students to shine on prestigious platforms.
Organized by the Meycauayan Jewelry Industry Association, Inc. (MJIA), the PFJDC highlights the rich tradition of Filipino artistry in jewelry. Featuring five categories, the competition rewards grand winners with not just a cash prize and a trophy but also the honor of having their designs displayed in MJIA exhibits.
This remarkable achievement by 海角论坛 CFAD students and faculty reflects the College鈥檚 dedication to cultivating innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for bringing pride to the 海角论坛 community and for showcasing Filipino talent on a grand stage!
Report by Assistant Professor Sapaula; portrait photo by AJ Balgos