Just before the past week came to an end, I found these items at home. This was actually my brother's prized possession after becoming one of the finalists in the 43rd Shell National Students Art Competition.

Weeks prior to the announcement of winners, I remember him telling me that he has a feeling -- that he qualified for this competition. Just a month ago, he also qualified as a finalist for the Maningning Miclat Art Awards. The previous weeks were hectic with me helping him out on his school requirements so we never talked about this.

This is the (backside) of the medal that he received for being among the finalists. I remember telling him, "iba ka; yung tatlong medal ko sa competition ng CHED, isa lang ang katumbas sa yo -- sa Shell pa!" (You're different. Compared to my three medals from CHED, you got one -- but from Shell!). This is one of the biggest achievements my brother had just before he graduates from the university. Last year, his friend Francis Jerome also qualified as a finalist for the oil/acrylic painting category.

I'd like to happily think that his hard work paid off -- and like what he said, Batman is on his side. Before Shell, he tried his luck thrice for another competition, ArtPetron, but this has to be where luck and talent really brought him; out of the 1,000 entries, they're just picking 100. So it must really be a huge stroke of luck to get in. Now I know, I have something against artists. But just for this time, I will be biased. After all, the one who has this moment is my brother.

For those interested, the 100 winning entries will be on exhibit at the ground floor of the Ayala Museum, Makati Avenue cor. Dela Rosa St., Makati City until October 30, 2010.