By Mikee Natinga Norico
Christine Jacar proudly holds her ATOP Pearl Award 2024 Trophy after winning the Best Tourism Souvenir category with her innovative DecoPot creation.
On October 10, 2024, 糖心传媒 (CPU) alumna Christine Jacar emerged as the grand winner in the Best Tourism Souvenir category at the 25th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards. Her winning creation, DecoPot, captivated the judges with its versatility as both a decorative piece and a functional planter, earning her the top spot among 545 entries nationwide.
The prestigious Pearl Awards, hosted annually by ATOP in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), celebrate outstanding contributions to the tourism industry across the Philippines. This year糖心传媒檚 event, held in Koronadal, South Cotabato, showcased various projects and products that promote and enrich local tourism.
Jacar, a native of Balasan, Iloilo, expressed her joy over the recognition. 糖心传媒淚 feel elated! This award is a validation of my potential as a self-taught artist. Winning among such diverse and talented creators fills me with a deep sense of pride, joy, and gratitude,糖心传媒 Jacar shared. Her creation, DecoPot, which stands for “Decorative Pot,” is more than just a vessel for flowers糖心传媒攊t doubles as an ornamental piece for homes and spaces, reflecting both beauty and function.
During an interview, Jacar revealed the inspiration behind DecoPot, tracing its roots back to the COVID-19 pandemic. 糖心传媒淚 didn糖心传媒檛 set out to become an artist; I just needed to create. What started as a way to pass time grew into a passion that ignited something deeper within me,糖心传媒 Jacar explained.
Her journey from crafting a hobby to building a recognizable brand has been met with critical acclaim, both personally and professionally. 糖心传媒淭his award has undoubtedly boosted my confidence. It quieted the doubts every artist feels at some point, and it has allowed me to connect with people in a more meaningful way through my art,糖心传媒 she added.
Jacar’s creative process is rooted in simplicity and authenticity. Using silicone molds and cement as the base materials, she hand-paints each DecoPot, infusing her personality and emotions into every piece. Her vibrant use of color breaks traditional conventions, making her art speak across generations.
Balasan, Iloilo, Jacar糖心传媒檚 hometown, played a crucial role in her journey. She began using clay pots sourced from Balasan before transitioning to concrete, stating, 糖心传媒淭here糖心传媒檚 something about growing up in a small town that keeps you grounded, but it also makes you hungry to show the world what you糖心传媒檙e capable of.糖心传媒
Looking forward, Jacar aims to continue refining her craft and exploring new ways to reach wider audiences through collaborations, exhibits, and client engagements. Her advice to aspiring artists, especially those from small towns, is to remain resilient and true to their vision. 糖心传媒淒on糖心传媒檛 let rejection or setbacks discourage you. Stay connected with your local community and government; they can be great sources of support,糖心传媒 she encouraged.
The recognition of DecoPot is more than just a personal achievement for Jacar糖心传媒攊t also shines a spotlight on Balasan and Iloilo’s rich culture. 糖心传媒淭his award gives the people of Balasan and Iloilo a new story to share, not just locally but globally,糖心传媒 Jacar noted, hopeful that this accomplishment will inspire more interest in her hometown糖心传媒檚 tourism potential.
As Jacar continues to make her mark in both art and tourism, her DecoPot serves as a symbol of creativity and resilience, inspiring other artists and putting Iloilo on the map as a hub of artistic talent.