Profile: Chona C. Pradas

About Chona C. Pradas : My name is Chona Cuadrillero Pradas, Im Married,I have Four Sons,I was born on the 30th of June 1967 in Baybay,Carrascal,Surigao del Sur,We are 12 Siblings in the Family and both my Parents are Proud Fish Vendors.My daily income isn't enough to sustain our needs at young age we are already accustomed living in a poor life.We help our Parents sell fish and we often went to the shore to help fisherman carry their rope/boats to land.We used to sleep on an empty stomach and often times our breakfast is in lunch.But despite living a poor life,my Parent always encourage us to go to school and finish our education.They always told us that the only inheritance that they could left us is education and that never take that away from us. During my childhood, I am always excited and fascinated on reading comics magazines but most of the time I draw and tinker things to my liking I love drawing,making small crafts. During my Elementary life at Carrascal Elementary School my teacher stumbled upon my talent during our break me and my classmates decided to have fun drawing thingson the board and when our teacher arrived at school room.She noticed all the drawings and emmediately ask who draws those fegures on the board.She ask me if I could join the school division competition and represent our school.at first I declined since I don't really believe that I am good in drawing .Eventually ,I agreed to join the competition after my teacher spoke to my parents.I practice every night and after school while being guided by my teacher and despite having the lack of confidence all our hard works was paid of when I won the Competition.
During my highschool years at Carrascal Municipal High School, my classmates bought me food sometimes is compensation when I draw for them sprcially during school projects that involves drawings.Despite the struggles I continue to strive and eventually in 1985 I graduated.after graduating in high school I apply as a housemaid so I can sustain my needs and prepare for college .I also temember applying as an apprentice for Sir Terry Urpina on his Art Studio in Madrid,Surigao del Sur.his meduim is Charcoal and I gain knowledge and Techniques my apprenticeship. Continuing college,I spent college year at Surigao del Sur Institute of by Tehnology,Cantilan,Surigao del Sur (now known as Surigao del Sur state University) during commission drawing. as. An extra to support my studies .unfortunately I only reached first year in college an I had to stop due to financial problem and also to give way to our eldest brother .Since I am no longer studying .I apply locally as a housemaid to the kind and generous family of Pimentel and my boss took as to manila where I met my husband Cesar Pradas.He works as a family driver on the place I worked and we got married in 1988. In 1992 I remember working as an apprentice for Sir Roger San Miguel,there I saw different arts, paintings and mediums. He was one of the people that further sparks my interest on arts and drawings. I remember being with different students who I believe are very rich.He ever promised me that if I finishing the course He will give me work and position on his own Art Gallery.I ended up not finishing the course and stop coming to the training due to financial problem. Life is hard in manila but my love for Arts and Drawings din't falter.back then,my neighbors paid me for my work.I draw charcoal portraits and draw for their child's school projects.I also transformed plastic bottles and plastic straws into a flowers and sell them. I always got sick in manila and after giving birth to my fourth child me and my husband decided to go back and move to the province. i then decided to continue my studies at Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College,Cantilan Campus,Surigao del Sur. I rxperience some bullying during those time.Students often told me that I should focus on raising my children and that I am as old as Their mother to be going to school .but my eagerness to finish my studies and my passion with Arts become my pillars and with the words that me and with the moral support of my husband ,my children,my siblings,my friends and relatives .I pursue and fineshed my degree in Bachelor of Science and Industrial Technology.Major in Architectural Drafting at the age of 40.after graduating.I ended up working as a government employee in Provincial Planning and Development Office,PPDO at Capitol,Province of Surigao del Sur as Draftsman-III and met good people. I've always been inspired by the works of famous artist by the likes of Frida Kahlo,Michael Angelo, Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Picasso.As a mother we gave our attention and raising them and provide all the essential things the needed. I might have aside my passion for Arts and Crafts but that doesn't mean I forgot .When I've gained more confidence over my skills .I put up an Art Exhibit to showcase my skills and art pieces during "Araw nan Surigao del Sur' in 2011. I made portraits of different known individuals and made paintings on different tourist spots as well some of my Art pieces have been sold and it boost my confidence even more. Arts has been part of me eversince I was a little girl I still watch videos online to gain additional knowledge and techniques to further enhance my skills.When my children are old enough.I start investing materials and continue to pursue my passion .I started to teach kids and youth the basics in drawing and create crafts from recyclable materials.I provide all the materials for them and teach them for free.because I remember what it was like when you don't have the financial capacity to have those materials. I am now a volunteer at Vicente T. Pimentel Jr. Foundation and their support .I continue to do my passion and impart my knowledge to enterested and curious individuals .who share the same passion as mine .what I share them might not be the best in the industry most of it you could say as basic or intermedeate .but believed these fundamentals that I am teaching them will eventually led to something they can be proud of doing. To some ,doing Arts and Crafts might be boring ,messy and time consuming .but to the eye of many it is a masterpiece and beauty .Arts isn't just creatinng someting or putting colors to a canvas or draw figures on a medium .Arts is the manifestation of your imagination and Emotion .creating and sharing your Art pieces can influence a person. You'll never know a simple piece of your Artwork can change a person.Just like how piece of comic book sparks my love for Arts and Crafts. Through hardwork,perseverance and faith in God,We can live our Dreams.

 

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