The three-week-long Genesis: New Wave portfolio exhibit and expo came to a close with its highly anticipated awarding ceremony on Aug. 5 at the 5th Floor Theater of the D+A Campus (DAC). Just as the New Wave genre pushed the limits of music in the ‘80s, Genesis: New Wave gave recognition to this third term’s portfolio students from Benilde’s Multimedia Arts program.

The Multimedia Arts Portfolio exhibit’s goal is to recognize exceptional student portfolios in the Multimedia Portfolio Preparation and Exhibit Design subject (MMPPEXD). Students are guided by their respective professors to produce a portfolio during the term in line with their upcoming Multimedia Arts On-the-Job Training (MMA-OJT).

SYNCH Studios, a student-led agency managed by students from the Project Management for Multimedia (MMEPRMN) course, organized the Genesis: New Wave event. It consisted of an exhibit from July 18 to Aug. 5 held at the 10th Floor of the D+A Campus, where students taking MMPPEXD display selected artworks from their portfolios. 

Additionally, there was a set of Artist Talks on July 30, featuring Multimedia Arts alumni such as visual artist Jer Dee and brand strategist Saki Elbambo. But the activities didn't end there; there was also a New Wave Expo, a three-day art market from July 30 to Aug. 1 where MMPPEXD students sold their art through stickers, prints and similar merchandise at the 12th Floor Cafeteria of the D+A Campus. 

Upon registration, attendees were given a free lightstick and stickers as a preview of what was in store. Inside the theater, you’d be transported back to the ‘80s: electronic music filled the air as the stage was adorned with colorful shapes, amplifiers and television sets. 

Ms. Vanessa Puente, a Multimedia Arts professor for the MMPPEXD course, kicked off the event with her opening remarks. She noted how “[...] New Wave as a genre had bold experimentation at its time,” and compared it to how Multimedia Arts students do the same with their art. She then made a call to action to artists: “Please use your skills to make a difference!”

The Hot Six finalists were the students with the best MMPPEXD portfolios of the term. This included ID119 students Charles Suba and Isaiah Alcomendras and ID121 students Christian Lerona, Juliana Santiago, Arabella Ramos, and Mary Joy Velarde, the Editor in Chief of Ad Astra, the Benildean Press Corps’ sister organization.

This was followed by an introduction of the panelists for this term’s portfolio exhibit awarding: Wave Digital’s Branding Director Adrian Paredes, Creative Director Gian Carlo Nealaga of Dentsu Creative, Straightforward’s Art Director Makie Cruz, PINO Studio’s CEO and Design Lead Rocky Alli, and Litlab Studios Advertising Director Miggy Mercado. 

While the Hot Six’s panelists were evaluating each finalist, a new segment, The Prime Awards, highlighted the different areas of multimedia arts, announcing a winner for each multimedia aspect. Other students had the chance for the spotlight which included the following:

Best in Motion Graphics and Best in 3D Art - Jeremiah Anilao, ID121

Best in Photography - Christian Raymond Lerona, ID121

Best in Illustration - Janela Bianca Arena, ID121

Best in Graphic Design - Vincent Ryan Yap, ID121

Best in Video Production - Jan Jurell Alix, ID120

After celebrating the achievements of the The Prime Awards winners, it was time to shift gears and keep the energy flowing. As an intermission from Benildean homegrown indie alternative band, Definitely! Not January rocked the theater with a set that covered both OPM and ‘80s music. 

Next, a glimpse into the creative industry was shown in The Panel’s Choice Awards. Each company representative looked for something different. For some, it was visual storytelling, while for others, they sought potential team members. As they announced each name, they gave advice not only to their picks but also to aspiring creatives. 

The Panel’s Choice Awards

Dentsu Creative - Juliana Santiago and Mary Joy Velarde

Lit Lab Studio - Mary Joy Velarde and Christian Lerona

PINO Studio - Mary Joy Velarde and Christian Lerona

Straightforward - Charles Suba and Mary Joy Velarde

Wave Digital - Christian Lerona and Mary Joy Velarde

Anticipation then filled the air as there was one more award before the Top Hit Artist was revealed. During the exhibit, students and visitors were given the chance to vote for their favorite portfolio. The People’s Choice Award was given to ID121 student Pia Denise Andrade for garnering the most votes.

Finally, the moment everyone waited for: The Top Hit Artist award, which was given to Mary Joy Velarde. Her portfolio showcased works across different mediums, with a highlight being her eye for graphic design seen in her magazine layouts and various publication materials for Benildean events. With that, the awarding ceremony came to a close with a speech from Multimedia Arts Program Chairperson, Ms. Katrina Juane. 

As the Genesis: New Wave exhibit concludes, the dynamic spirit of the students continues. This term’s theme ushered in a “new wave” of groundbreaking, unique artists– and this is only the beginning of their Multimedia Arts journey. 

Visit the official website for Genesis: New Wave to browse through the students’ portfolios and know more about the event. You can also check out the MMA Portfolio Facebook and Instagram for future updates.