More Than Words: Enlightening Minds with Research, Enriching Hearts with Art
Amidst the gentle rustle of writing in papers and clattering of keyboards, Communication Research students continue to unveil what lies beyond the depths of the studies they navigate. Meet Marko Sarmiento, a fourth-year Communication Research student at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), who is bound to unleash his talents of writing research papers, while astounding everyone with his captivating visual arts and charming voice.
Passion to Profession
Even before he stepped foot in the realm of Communication Research, Marko had always shown enthusiasm towards the different art forms, which flourished through the years by exploring them since elementary school. He took inspiration from her sister, who is good at singing, which helped him to practice his vocals.
At a very young age, he had already grown accustomed to the visual arts, yet he did not pay attention to them. He believed his talent for it would always be open and readily available whenever needed. Within the visual art sphere, his talent for painting granted him the ability to work freelance until his mentor moved to a different house.
He ensured that he had another outlet to express his creative side. As he found another avenue to channel his creativity, and it was when he became a member of the radio broadcasting team of their school in the 5th grade. With perseverance, their team represented the National Capital Region at the 2013 National Schools Press Conference in Ormoc City, Leyte. Considering that he is among the first-time participants in their radio broadcasting team, he has already won the most prestigious competition for elementary school journalism. This was a testament to his tie with art, specifically the liberal aspect.
In his time in high school, Marko continued to immerse himself in different artistic endeavors. This time in the field of performing arts by participating in the Tanghalang Filipino Club, a school theater arts organization. His passion for art guided him in selecting different college programs at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. His first choice was BS in Architecture, but his score in Math fell short of the program. His second option was Bachelor of Performing Arts, followed by BA in Broadcasting. Despite all these programs, he chose to take up a BA in Communication Research, which became his current home.
Marko also experienced a love-hate relationship with the program, sometimes making him wonder whether he is on the right path. However, throughout the years, he felt so much love towards communication research that he would reassure his younger self that choosing this program would kindle something brighter within him, shaping him into the person he aspires to be.
Where Artistry Meets Research
One of the highlights of Marko’s singing journey is his sister sparking his passion for singing. This led him to find his own voice in the world of music. Surprisingly, he did not even know he had any talent at first—he simply fell in love with singing for the sheer joy of it, discovering along the way that his passion lies not only in arts but also in singing.
Having immersed himself in theater during high school, this eventually became his preferred form of expression and his fondness for singing remained. From those early days, his passion for singing began to flourish, yet little did he realize the talent hidden deeper within his vocal cords. To him, singing was merely a pastime, a source of joy and comfort. And so, the journey continued, each note a stepping stone towards a destiny he had yet to fully grasp. Now, as the chapters unfold, his melodic journey persists, a testament to the resilience of passion and the discovery of hidden talents.
The Department of Communication Research (DCR) organizes various events, particularly through its affiliated organization under the College of Communication (COC), namely the PUP Circle of Research Enthusiasts (CORE). Notably, on May 9, 2022, the said event was titled 'MUSIKLAB: The CommRes Festival of Talents,' in line with SINAG BUGHAW: The 2022 Communication Research Month. This event aimed to showcase the extraordinary talents of CommRes students. Remarkably, Marko was one of the participants, contributing his unique skills and adding to the vibrant display of talent during the festival.
In addition to the PUP Circle of Research Enthusiasts (CORE) event on May 26, 2023, PUP CORE presented its first-ever short film titled 'Pagtapos ng Takipsilim' wherein Marko participated as an event performer.
However, Marko’s journey into the arts led him to prioritize other creative passages over singing. Despite the shift in focus, the resonance of his voice continued to linger within him, and the melody of his voice remained an integral part of his essence.
Transitioning from Theory to Masterpiece
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that continued to cause havoc in the Philippines and the PUP still not allowing students to have in-person classes, Marko found another venture to explore more in the world of art which allowed him to finally maximize and harness the endowment that was always beneath his shadow.
In his sophomore year, Marko bravely embarked on an unfamiliar route by participating in the National Research Council of the Philippines’ Kabataang Painting Competition in 2022. Giving credit to his mentor, who empowered and encouraged him to join the contest, giving him a memorable chapter, as his painting titled 'Pasan' was hailed first.
The piece that made him bring the bacon home is indeed so meaningful as it exhibited an image of Filipino people carrying the statue of Jesus of Nazareth and having a march in public. The achromatic details of the painting drew viewers into the middle figure, quickly capturing their attention with colors representing the social issues Filipinos face. Referring to Marko's portfolio, he wanted to show the Filipino trait that has become a culture already, which is the 'bahala na.'
Soon after winning his first-ever national contest, he also participated in the 1st MMDA National Art Competition. He ended it as a semi-finalist with his Young Igorot in Coney Island 21st Century painting. In this piece, Marko showcased the dark history of Igorots and their experiences by remembering through his artwork. Similar to his first piece, he also used acrylic on canvas.
His brilliant hands did not only give colors to the social issues he addressed through painting, but they also painted the whole university with pride, representing the name of Polytechnic University of the Philippines in both of the competitions he joined. Various articles gave a spotlight, earning recognition with his name and painting as the topic inside and outside the university. The Department of Communication Research has honored Marko by awarding him the Best Communication Research Student of the Year during the 2022 Sikat Awards led by the PUP College of Communication.
Encouraged once again by his mentor, Marko joined the Shell National Student Art Competition, the longest-running contest in the Philippines. Marko seized the opportunity to participate, as artists consider it one of the most prestigious competitions that has produced multiple national artists in the Philippines. The theme for the 55th Shell NSAC was Sulong Sining, which led him to make his art piece titled "Bahay-bayan." Marko's concept is rooted in his desire to see a future where no children must choose between practicality or their dreams.
Marko's painting brought him second place in the competition, which paved the way for more opportunities for his visual art side. His artwork is currently on display at the National Museum of Fine Arts, along with the other winners of the 55th Shell NSAC. The National Museum has invited him to speak at their upcoming event on June 21, 2024. Marko's latest activities in his painting endeavor are a milestone that influenced his journey as an artist and poise to unveil a colorful future.
From Artful Beginnings to Research Realms
“Kailangan talaga mahal mo yung ginagawa mo kasi kung mahal mo yung ginagawa mo hindi ka mapapagod, very fulfilling siya.”
[“You really have to love what you’re doing because if you love what you’re doing, you won’t get tired. It’s very fulfilling.”]
As expressed by Marko Sarmiento in an interview held in May 2024
Despite the demanding nature of being a CommRes student, with its intense focus on research and a continuous stream of papers, Marko exemplifies how passion and dedication can create a harmonious balance. He proved that if you love what you are doing, you will find the time because both your studies and passion for other talents are equally important. This underscores the relevance of prioritizing activities that bring joy and fulfillment, promoting a balanced lifestyle conducive to personal growth.
Amidst the flurry of his commitments, encompassing student life, artistic endeavors, ventures, internships, and part-time, Marko's adeptness not only showcases his passion's strength but also highlights his exceptional organizational skills and unwavering dedication. Balancing the demands of student life, and his other priorities in life requires more than just time management—it demands a deep-rooted commitment to excellence in every aspect of his endeavors.
Bridging Worlds of Art and Academe
“Be genuine with yourself and your craft. Laging susundin ang puso kasi never tayo magkakamali pag sinundan natin puso natin. Basta mahal mo ginagawa mo, eventually magppay off siya. Kung mahal mo ginagawa mo, mamahalin ka rin niya pabalik so magbblossom ka.”
[“Be genuine with yourself and your craft. Let us always follow our hearts because we will never be wrong by following them. As long as you love what you’re doing, it will eventually pay off. If you love what you are doing, it will also love you back, making you blossom.”]
Advised by Marko Sarmiento during an interview in May 2024
Through his captivating talents, he sheds light on social issues while keeping the Filipino culture and heritage alive. As his passions are put into place in galleries and prestigious museums, Marko's impact on the arts and society continues to transcend in the DCR community, elucidating a bright path for his future endeavors and the unseen talents yet to be discovered by other students.
Marko has become the living testament that the Department of Communication Research does not only hone the students' writing skills but also becomes the avenue to discover and navigate talents and potentials that create opportunities in the vast array of research. His dedication has set limits beyond the sky in linking research with various artistic disciplines.
Surrounded by research papers yet infused with vibrant strokes that uplift society, his work is a masterpiece deserving admiration — Marko Sarmiento.
