Another Filipino talent, Maritess Van Viannen, shared in this accolade last April 13 at the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo Da Vinci in Milan. 

The 6th Leonardo Da Vinci International Prize was organized by Effetto Arte, which is dedicated to promoting, publishing, and exhibiting art in different venues worldwide. 

The foundation collaborates with Italian art critics such as Salvatore Russo and Francesco Saverio Russo, who also curated the Leonardo Da Vinci International Prize. 

Questions recently loomed regarding the legitimacy of the award, with allegations of questionable selection processes and participant payments casting shadows over the event. 

Yet Vitor and Van Viannen remained steadfast in their perspective, seeing this recognition as a validation of their artistic prowess and a platform to showcase Filipino talent. 

Vitor elucidates the intricacies of the award, dispelling doubts and urging fellow artists to cultivate a positive mindset amidst challenges. He said the amount artists pay is a contribution for the Contemporary Celebrity Masters book and the official event catalog.  

"As you can see here in the awarding, they’re giving two books. The books are not free, if you like understand in publishing and promotional materials. For me as an artist, you really need to plant a seed if you wanted to harvest. For me iwasan, po natin ang negative mindset," he said.