Malasiqui student wins International Peace Poster Award
FOR 13-year-old James Tamondong, the path toward international recognition at the Lion’s Club International Peace Poster Contest wasn’t always smooth.
In fact, there was a moment when he and his art tutor, Jay Visperas, were ready to call it quits. But perseverance led Tamondong to become the fourth Filipino to win the prestigious International Merit Award .
Tamondong, a Grade 7 student at the Malasiqui Catholic School, is known not only for his artistic talents but for his achievements in other extracurricular pursuits, from playing the drums to competing in karate.
“I’ve been with James since he was six,” said Visperas, James’ art tutor and coach and a teacher at Canan Elementary School in Malasiqui. “We’ve worked together on several contests, and over the years, I’ve seen him grow not just as an artist, but as a person. He’s dedicated and has an incredible work ethic.”
Their journey to the International Peace Poster contest was filled with doubt. “We almost backed out,” Visperas recalled. “There was so little time to train, and we were both swamped with other responsibilities. But James, being the positive one, pushed me to continue. He told me, ‘Let’s try. This might be my last chance to join.”
James had reached the age limit — 13 years old — making this his final year to participate in the Lion’s Club competition.
His Peace Poster depicted children from different races holding hands, a symbol of unity amid a backdrop of shattered glass and symbols of destruction: war, hunger, and division. A dove, a universal symbol of peace, soared above the children.
On a Saturday, March 29, James was announced the winner at the Calasiao Sports Complex.
“To see one of my students achieve something this big — it’s a dream come true,” Visperas said.
James, too, reflects on his win with a sense of deep gratitude. “I wouldn’t be here without Sir Jay’s guidance. We were almost ready to quit, but we kept pushing,” he said, adding that this win is not just for him but for everyone who supported him along the way.
“I’m especially thankful to my parents, Norilyn and Jimmy Tamondong, who always believed in me, and to the Lion’s Club International District 301-C for giving me the opportunity,” he said. (Eva Visperas)
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