TF cartoonist wins Sto. Niño logo tilt

CEBU, Philippines — The unveiling of the official logo of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the image of Santo Niño de Cebu in 1521 was one of the highlights in the grand launch of the “Sto. Niño at 500” last Wednesday.

The FREEMAN editorial cartoonist Ramesh Rosello’s masterpiece was chosen as the official logo for one of the grandest celebrations in Cebuano history.

Rosello is feeling blessed and humbled that the child Jesus has given him the opportunity to create the official logo of the 500th year of his arrival.

“It was an online logo-making competition and we know for a fact that there are lots of new aspiring and more impressive graphic artists in our country today,” said Rosello.

He admitted he was not confident with his entry, but Señor Santo Niño has his own way of showcasing the talent he had always possessed.

“I was already conditioning my mind to accept that my chances of winning was so thin, so I tried not to dwell on winning but on just serving and sharing my skills to the holy infant,” he shared.

Rosello, who is a devotee of the holy child, said the “challenge of consistency” has inspired him to join the contest since he was also given the privilege to create the official logo for the 450th Kaplag celebration, finding of the holy image of Señor Santo Niño, in 2015.

The logo Rosello had created for the “Sto. Niño at 500” has a shape of a pentagon. Each side represents the five colourful Catholic centuries in the Philippines with the graphical image of the Santo Niño being held by the Almighty father in a 500 form. The map of Cebu Island symbolizes the cradle of Christianity of the country. The three waves signify Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao while the sailing galleon represents the continuing journey of the Filipino Christian faith.

“Much of the challenge lies more on finding quality time to finish the artwork, on the technicality of the shapes and forms of the logo and not on the concept. My idea has long been constructed in my mind but putting them to graphical figures was the hard part of the logo,” said Rosello.

He said this feat is one of the most memorable because he was able to share the moment on stage with his family which he considers “very endearing.” This success, according to him, will always be dedicated to his family and friends.

Rosello’s advice to all the creative out there, especially the young ones, is to concentrate on loving your craft.

“All your days of hard work, practices, efforts, and determination are sometimes useless if you don’t put your heart on what you do,” said Rosello.  GAN (FREEMAN)