We were just about to head to the grocery store when something colorful caught our eyes,, a crowd gathered at the front area of the Guimaras Provincial Capitol. Curious, we stopped by, and we’re so glad we did.. We had stumbled upon “Duga kag Mantsa” the on-the-spot collaborative painting competition that’s part of the Dragon Fruit Festival 2025.
This year’s theme? Nature-made art
🎨 What is "Duga kag Mantsa"?
In Hiligaynon “duga” means the juice you get when you squeeze fruits or leaves, while “mantsa” is the stain it leaves behind. And that’s exactly what the competition is about,, creating stunning artworks using natural pigments extracted from: dragon fruits 🐉🍉, bugnay (wild berries) 🍇, wildflowers 🌸, grass and leaves 🌿...
No synthetic paints, no commercial colors. Just the rich, raw, earthy beauty of nature.
High school students from various schools across Guimaras participated in this eco-conscious art challenge.. Each group worked collaboratively on large canvases, using bamboo sticks, brushes, and even their fingers to paint.. They crushed fruits, squeezed leaves, and dabbed petals,, turning juice into paint, and stains into stories..
And the results? Absolutely breathtaking.
Each painting was a heartfelt tribute to Guimaras,, its people, its landscapes, and its booming dragon fruit industry. From vibrant baskets of freshly harvested dragon fruits to depictions of unity, music, and joy,, every piece reflected pride and creativity.
What stood out was not just the technique, but the storytelling. You could see:
Farmers in the fields, baskets overflowing with fruit
Musical notes dancing around festival dancers and farmer
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Community members sharing harvests with big smiles
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Mountains, windmills, and lighthouses of Guimaras as backdrops
Children holding dragon fruit seedlings — a symbol of hope and sustainability
Every piece had soul. And knowing that it was all created with natural stains and dyes made it even more impressive.
What started as a quick grocery run turned into a beautiful cultural experience... We were truly moved by the passion, talent, and environmental consciousness of these young artists...
“Duga kag Mantsa” is more than just an art contest,, it’s a celebration of nature, community, and the creative spirit of Guimaras youth. It’s a powerful reminder that art doesn’t have to be expensive or synthetic to be beautiful — sometimes, all you need is a bit of juice, a little stain, and a whole lot of heart.
📍 Seen at: Guimaras Dragon Fruit Fest 2025 – Year 4 📅 Where: Provincial Capitol Grounds 🎨 Highlight: Duga kag Mantsa Natural Art Competition
Thank you so much for reading. I'll be sharing more of our Dragon Fruit Festival experience soon. Have a wonderful day 🌞
Texts and pictures by @vvodjiu
