Six Pinoy kids from all over the UAE were recognized for their keen eye for design and creativity as they were hailed the winners of the “What’s Your Dream House” poster and miniature house making competitions organized by the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE) 2022.
The ‘What’s Your Dream House’ competition was conceptualized by New Perspective Media, organizer of PPIE 2022, to get schoolkids involved in the dream of every Filipino family abroad – to have a house in the Philippines that they can call their own. The purpose of the inaugural competition is to teach young students the importance of envisioning their dream home and the value of unity and togetherness among people.
Twenty-four kids from all over the UAE across educational institutions including Al Alfiah Private School, The Philippine Global School, Far Easter Private School, and The New Filipino Private School participated in the competition.
Judges for the two-day competition include Manny Arbues, Regional Head of Ayala Land, Inc.; Architect Arnold Datu, Chapter President of the United Architects of the Philippines – Abu Dhabi Chapter; Engr. Ruffy Niedo, Director for Membership Development of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines – UAE Chapter; and Abdulhamid Bandon, Filipino Vlogger behind MPD – Pinoy Feed Dubai.
Winning entries were selected based on their creativity based on the concept and execution, clarity of Message based on the theme and execution, their originality, as well as through onsite votes.
For the 1st-3rd grade category for the poster-making contest Far Eastern Private School’s (FEPS) Eirah Thomas bagged first place followed by Raffy Genel Namoc who is also from FEPS.
Eirah, who won the Poster-Making Contest for 1st to 3rd grades, said that his work is inspired by his hardworking parents specifically his dad who designs buildings. He hopes that he too will live in a comfortable home of his own in the future.
“I felt excited to draw my future house. When I grow up, I want to live in a house with a nice garden with my family,” said Eirah.
Fiona Laysa from FEPS bagged the top place for the 4th-6th grade bracket, with Paula Arduo bagging 2nd.
Fiona said that she got inspired by Japan’s aesthetics and design which she adored when she watched anime shows.
“The story behind my posted is an adult finding comfort in the little things like plants surrounding the house and owning a cafe. I felt comfortable becasue I drew and painted these kinds of houses often and felt satisfied when I finished the drawing,” said Fiona.
The “What’s Your Dream House” competition also awarded Grace Ramos from New Filipino Private School who bagged the top spot at the Miniature House-Making Contest Winner for Grades 7 and above. She was followed by FEPS’ John Carlo Arellano in 2nd place.
Grace revealed that she drew inspiration from her family, as she visualized giving them a modular home that provides warmth and comfort in their lives depending on their needs at the time.
“This is the house I would like to build for them. I dreamed of a house that dynamically converts to a more functional home with our family needs, as it can make a bigger space when needed and has an additional function of providing shade when spending time outside with family members,” said Grace.
“When I was making this miniature house, I felt so happy and delighted as I imagined my family living inside the dream house I was building for them,” she added.
The “What’s Your Dream House” contest was launched in celebration of the 8th edition of the PPIE, and to raise awareness among young students about the significance of having and visualizing a dream house in their lives, and considering the house or their home as a defining symbol of togetherness.
