Picture of Joseph Erwin Valerio (photo: joseph valerio)
Education
He studied high school in Biñan National High School and college in Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School of Arts and Trades (JZGMSAT).
Joseph has always been fond of drawing when he was young. His teachers would say, "Drawing na lang ng drawing yang si Joseph".
He found difficulty in his studies because he's father is just a carpenter. Joseph wanted to take fine arts in college, but his father advised him to enroll in a more practical vocational course instead. He enrolled in an electrical course. Joseph's love of arts is always in his heart. Even in school, Joseph's drawings had been appreciated by his teachers and classmates through the plates and circuit plans he submitted.
Life and Struggle
Joseph also used his artistic talent to financially help his family. He submitted his artworks in a comic publishing house. And when his salary is not enough, he worked part-time as an assistant shoemaker in a neighborhood shoe shop. Back then, the neighbors weren’t that too friendly to Joseph. Joseph was being bullied by them because of his polio-stricken legs. Joseph was called with many names by his neighbors. But he remained resilient and patience. Joseph dreamt that someday, they would look up to him.
Discovery of New Medium of Art
Joseph’s family was a victim of typhoon Ondoy. Joseph’s family saw nothing but dirt and sand after the flood. One day when he was playing and sifting in the sand, he imagine and think that he can do something with it. That's how Joseph began to learn sand art. He can draw anything using the sand as his medium.
Talentadong Pinoy Contest
Although Joseph had a polio, it didn't hinder him pursuing his dreams. One day, as he and his family watched the "Talentadong Pinoy" talent show in TV5, his family convinced him to join the contest. Joseph was hesitant at first. But he thought of himself, "why not give it a try?". Win or lose, he didn't lose hope for the contest even he is a polio victim. He just wanted to share to all Filipinos and to the whole world that whatever you are, disability is not a reason to hinder a person in pursuing his dreams.
During the series of eliminations of Talentadong Pinoy, Joseph the Sand Artist won until he reached the finals, "Hall of Famers" round where all of the best talented Pinoys are showing of their best potential.
On the final event of the contest (March 13, 2011), the Talentadong Pinoy with Ryan Agoncillo as the host, decided the "Philippines' Ultimate Talentado" who was no other than, Joseph the Sand Artist with the real name "Joseph Erwin Valerio".
Here's the video performance of Joseph Erwin Valerio during the Talentadong Pinoy Battle of Champions 2011 on March 12, 2011:
In the contest, Joseph was very thankful to God and to Talentadong Pinoy. As the grand winner, Joseph received several awards such as a transferrable scholarship grant (at Immaculate Concepcion International), a brand new car (Chevrolet Cruze), a 1 million pesos cash (tax free) and one of a lifetime opportunity to represent the Philippines as one of the representatives to the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood California.
When Joseph won as the Philippines' Ultimate Talentadong Pinoy 2011, his dream was fulfilled that his neighbors would look up unto him.
2011 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA)
In July 22, 2011 (US time), in the the World Championships of Performing Arts 2011, Joseph joined and competed with the variety of talented performers around the world. When performing his one-of-a-kind artistry, Joseph animated a sand art of the "Titanic" movie with "My Heart will Go On" as the background music. Using the sand, he drew the Titanic ship with 2 faces of the lovers, "Jack and Rose". The performance is so heart-melting. The duration of performance is limited for only 60 seconds which is one of the contest rules strictly enforced.
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