Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo today congratulated 18 year-old Filipina , Ms. Anna Pamasa, the National Winner of the Latino Art Beat Art Competition in Chicago, “whose achievement serves as an inspiration for all our compatriots residing not only in the United States but also all over the world.” The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago reported to Secretary Romulo that Ms. Pamasa was honored by the Chicago City Council in a resolution presented by Mayor Richard Daley during the Council Session on 1 September 2004.

According to Consul General Blesila C. Cabrera, young Filipina artist, Ms. Pamasa was described in the Municipal resolution as “an artist of exceptional skill” and congratulated her on her impressive achievements. Consul General Cabrera witnessed the presentation of the Resolution by Mayor Daley. She congratulated Miss Pamasa for her achievements and for the honor she brings to the Philippines and to the Filipino-American community. “Miss Pamasa came to Chicago from the Philippines in the early 1990’s with her parents and brother”, according to Consul General Cabrera.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo expressed his appreciation of her work and sent his profound congratulations through Consul General Cabrera. The art competition for student artists is offered to secondary school students in Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Chicago. “Miss Pamasa’s artwork entitled Maria, My Friend’s Grandmother will be featured prominently in the official City of Chicago Poster for Hispanic Heritage Month, which is scheduled for unveiling by Mayor Daley on 22 September 2004. She won over 500 entries”, according to Consul General Cabrera.

In October, Miss Pamasa will be presented Cash Scholarship to Columbia University in Chicago, where she will study fine arts. “ She was well publicized when Hollywood celebrity Brad Pitt purchased two of her art works, much to her delight”, Consul Cabrera averred. She landed on the front-page story of the Chicago Sun Times issue 1 June 2004.