Winners of 2019 MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila released

MullenLowe Group Philippines recently announced the winners of the 2019 MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila, the Philippine staging of the acclaimed arts and culture program from the United Kingdom.

From numerous entries spanning visual art, photography, fashion and industrial design, just 10 were shortlisted with six prizes awarded to artists whose work conveyed a unique social message, had an outstanding process and demonstrated innovation.

From a shortlist of 10 artists, six prizes were given out. The winners are:

2019 MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila Grand Prize Winner: Jerome Lorico, “The Labyrinth”
2019 MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila Runners Up: Wika P. Nadera,“Passion, Place, Privilege” Mamuro Oki & Abraham Guardian’s, “Mama! Mama!I Feel Quaint”
2019 YourNOVA Award: Ken Samudio, “Below Sea Level”
2019 Unilever #Unstereotype Award: Maco Custodio’, “Lalapatos”
2019 Meralco Spark Prize: Maco Custodio “Lalapatos”

As winner of the 2019 MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila, Lorico, a designer and formerintern to Alexander McQueen, will receive a short-course scholarship donated by leading art, design and performance college, Central Saint Martins, University of Arts in London.

Lorico said, “I’m thankful for this honor. I’m sure that I will be able to learn a lot, not only from the University, but from the city itself.”

“Everyone’s just so talented and everyone gave their best,” said top photographer Mark Nicdao, who judged for the ceremony at the newly-opened Kondwi, a restaurant-gallery in Poblacion, Makati.

Special prizes were awarded by MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila partners, Unilever and Meralco. The Unilever #Unstereotype Award recognized inclusive, forward-thinking creative work that breaks away from limiting and outdated stereotypical gender portrayals while the Meralco Spark Prize was awarded to work that sparks creativity, innovation and embodies the company’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.

Unilever Philippines Media Director Dennis Reyes said, “Unilever is a global supporter of emerging creative talent and the MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila represent Filipino artistry that deserves a bigger, global audience.”

Tony Valdez, VP for Marketing and Customer Solutions of Meralco added, “I think it’s important that we support these talents. It’s a very impressive first batch!”

Alan Fontanilla, Managing Director of  MullenLowe Group Philippines said, “It’s been a very successful launch for these awards in Manila and we are excited to see it grow next year as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original MullenLowe NOVA Awards programme.”

Photo caption: L-R: Maco Custodio, Jerome Lorico, Wika P. Nadera, Abraham Guardian of Ha.Mu and Mamuro M. Oki of Ha.Mu