MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino sculptor based in France has bested contestants from other countries and was hailed as “King of Ice Carvings” after winning the 28th Valloire International Ice Sculpture Competition in the southeastern city of Valloire Savoie.
Rogel Cabisidan, a native of Paete, Laguna, works as chef in a cruise restaurant in Lyon. He has been working in France for 8 years now.
Even as a kid, Cabisidan already loved carving and sculpting. He has worked using various media, including traditional materials such as wood and food items like fruits, vegetables, butter, chocolates, and cheese.
When he moved to France, he had the chance to try a new medium: ice.
His passion for his art was obvious in the works he has done. In a competition held last January 15 to 18, Cabisidan proved that even a Filipino who hails from a tropical country could become the king of ice – ice carvings, that is.
Cabisidan created a masterpiece he called “Sitting”, an abstract form of a woman with a colossal crown, sitting on a pile of ice blocks. She could be the Ice Queen, if you interpret the crown on her head.
“Nagustuhan ng judges kasi transparent ang yelo at walang crack kasi maganda ang temperature lalo sa gabi -12, -8 kaya na-maintain namin ang ganda ng yelo. Nag-stay kami hanggang 1 o’clock para kasi doon ang maganda ang yelo. Maganda magtrabaho kasi matigas tapos pwede kang magdikit ng yelo. Hindi siya matutumba kasi malamig,” Cabisidan happily explained.
For his masterpiece, Cabisidan bested 19 international ice sculptors who hail from countries like Denmark, Russia, and France.
Dubbed as the “King of Ice Carvings”, Cabisidan admits he is happy with the new title he got in this foreign country, but his heart remains 100% Filipino.
“(Of course, I’m very) proud, 100% proud Filipino!” he declared.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
Rogel Cabisidan, a native of Paete, Laguna, works as chef in a cruise restaurant in Lyon. He has been working in France for 8 years now.
 |
| Photo credit: Rogel Cabisidan / Yahoo! News |
Even as a kid, Cabisidan already loved carving and sculpting. He has worked using various media, including traditional materials such as wood and food items like fruits, vegetables, butter, chocolates, and cheese.
When he moved to France, he had the chance to try a new medium: ice.
His passion for his art was obvious in the works he has done. In a competition held last January 15 to 18, Cabisidan proved that even a Filipino who hails from a tropical country could become the king of ice – ice carvings, that is.
Cabisidan created a masterpiece he called “Sitting”, an abstract form of a woman with a colossal crown, sitting on a pile of ice blocks. She could be the Ice Queen, if you interpret the crown on her head.
“Nagustuhan ng judges kasi transparent ang yelo at walang crack kasi maganda ang temperature lalo sa gabi -12, -8 kaya na-maintain namin ang ganda ng yelo. Nag-stay kami hanggang 1 o’clock para kasi doon ang maganda ang yelo. Maganda magtrabaho kasi matigas tapos pwede kang magdikit ng yelo. Hindi siya matutumba kasi malamig,” Cabisidan happily explained.
For his masterpiece, Cabisidan bested 19 international ice sculptors who hail from countries like Denmark, Russia, and France.
Dubbed as the “King of Ice Carvings”, Cabisidan admits he is happy with the new title he got in this foreign country, but his heart remains 100% Filipino.
“(Of course, I’m very) proud, 100% proud Filipino!” he declared.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
