AFTER a month and a half worth of extensive training in different areas of art, Valenzuela shines a spotlight on young artists for the finale of the city’s summer art workshop, the Arts in the City 2025 Recital Day.
Simultaneously, the city government led by Mayor Wes Gatchalian with the city’s first lady, Tiffany Princess, honored young ‘Valenzuelano’ writers and their original works by crowning the finalists of the ‘Susulat Ako’ 1st Valenzuela Story-writing Contest.
Several young talents and artists blossomed during the annual free art workshop, the Arts in the City (AITC): Valenzuela Arts Workshop 2025 which ran all throughout the summer.
These sessions were facilitated by professional and hands-on mentors who guided the young Valenzuelano trainees during the month-long workshop held at the Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence.
Running on its 18th year, the Arts Workshop aims to enhance art appreciation among the youth, by providing opportunities for free training and unleashing their skills and potential prowess for any art form, Gatchalian said.
The local government also featured the creativity of young Valenzuela writers through the 1st Valenzuela Story-writing Contest.
A comprehensive writing workshop was also held before the contest proper.
The contest yielded a grand winner who received a P20,000 cash prize, a laptop unit, and an additional P10,000 for his/her school; two honorable mentions who both received a P10,000 cash prize and an additional P5,000 for their respective schools.
There were also two special awards which were granted as well, namely, the Mayor’s Choice Award and Best Effort Award.
Mikhaila Avendaño of Valenzuela National High School was crowned as the grand winner of the story writing contest, recognized for her remarkable piece: ‘Ang Taling Hindi Maitali.’
Meanwhile, Einjhelle Mishz Delos Santos and Beatriz Allondra Magallanes, both hailed from Gen. T. de Leon National High School, were awarded Honorable Mentions.
A revolutionary project of first lady Tiffany Gatchalian and the Valenzuela City Library, the ‘Susulat Ako’ aims to develop the writing skills of the children and reflect their creativity and authenticity through their work.
With these two art programs that concluded, it is proven that the life of art – in all of its intricacies and forms — is well-thriving and continuously celebrated in the City of Valenzuela.
