A Filipino from Paete, Laguna has carved a name for himself in the ice sculpting arena after bagging the jury’s prize in the 28th Edition of the International Ice Carving Competition in Valloire in France.

Rogel Cabisidan’s masterpiece called “Sitting” also won the public prize in the competition, besting 19 other ice sculptors from around the world.

Cabisidan’s piece was an eye catcher because of it’s high-precision spike hair and the ice stayed transparent.

“Sinabi ng jury na dapat yung ice ko transparent. Ang mga jury kasi gusto nila abstract. Ako naman ang gusto ko realistic. So pinaghalo ko yung abstract at realistic. Buong tao, pero 'yung katawan niya cube-cube siya tapos yung buhok niya diretso. Tapos, minentain ko yung transparent. Ayun, lahat ng jury sabi nila ang ganda ng ginawa ko,” Cabisidan said in a video call interview.

The outdoor competition was held from January 15 to 18. Participants worked on transparent blocks of ice. They used different techniques and more precise tools to keep the ice transparent despite changing temperature and weather.

The Pinoy said he has been joining competitions since 2012. Although he received several awards for his art, this is the first time that he received the first prize.

The second and third place winners of the Jury Prize are “Ours des Cavernes” by Stephane Rabusseau of France and “Flight of Fanacy” by Glebos Tkachenko of Denmark.

Cabisidan learned about the art of carving at age 14 in his hometown in Paete, Laguna. He graduated with a diploma of Hotel and Restaurant Management in Laguna and worked as a sculptor/decorator in a well-known hotel in Manila. He also competed and won different carving competitions in the country.

He currently works for a shipping company in France. It was in France where he tried to learn more about the art of carving not just ice, but also of wood, fruits, vegetables, chocolate and polystyrene. His works were featured in a 5-star hotel in Monaco and other big events in the south of France.

“Message ko sa mga kababayan ko, sa kapwa ko artist, ipagpatuloy ang pag-uukit kahit anong material pwede. Tuluy-tuloy lang ang pag-ukit para magkaroon ng maraming kaalaman,” he said.