OFW mother inspires winning entry, 'Nak, Uuwi Na Si Mama', in national art contest
,
by Balikbayan Store
1 min reading time
Edward Russel Romero, a talented student from the University of the Philippines – Cebu, won the second prize in the watercolor category at the 56th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC). His watercolor masterpiece, “Nak, Uuwi Na Si Mama“ (“Child, Mom’s Coming Home”), is a heartfelt tribute to his mother, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), whose sacrifices have greatly influenced his education and artistic pursuits.
Romero’s piece captures the profound emotions and anticipation of reuniting with a loved one after long periods apart due to work abroad. He expressed his mother's impact on his work, stating in When In Mani8la report, “She’s super proud because she was my inspiration.”
The artwork embodies the duality of his mother’s life, depicting her deep faith and her role as an educator. At its heart, it illustrates their emotional reunions, a scene familiar to many families of OFWs. Romero shared, “When my father passed away, my mother upheld our family and also worked overseas. This artwork is my appreciation and tribute to her diligence and perseverance abroad to provide for us and ensure our education.”
Romero's use of watercolor lends a delicate yet powerful expression to his narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on the sacrifices made by mothers worldwide. His work stands as a testament to the resilience, love, and selflessness of mothers everywhere, making it a particularly poignant piece for Mother’s Day reflections.
