1 March 2021, Ottawa – The recently concluded 43rd Winterlude Festival saw veteran Filipino-Canadian ice sculptors Antonio Baisas and Ross Baisas bag first and second place, respectively, in the first ever National Ice-Carving Competition.

The Festival saw seven of Canada’s top ice sculptors competing simultaneously from their cities to submit entries on the theme “winter fun.” The sculptors were each given eight blocks of ice and 28 hours to complete their creations.

Representing Gatineau, Quebec, Ross produced an ice carving of a snowboarder in action aptly called “Adrenaline Rush.” Antonio, representing Ottawa, Ontario, sculpted “Pit Stop,” a scene depicting a boy taking a break mid-journey to feed his reindeer.

The Baisas brothers grew up in the town of Paete, Laguna, known for its long tradition of wood carving. At the turn of the century, they both moved to Canada where they eventually became known for their intricate ice sculptures. Since then, they have competed throughout the country, the USA, and in Europe, garnering accolades along the way.

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Philippine Ambassador to Canada Rodolfo Robles congratulated Antonio and Ross for their latest accomplishments, noting the talent and skill required to produce their works. “I thank you for bringing the wood carving tradition of Paete to new heights and I hope you continue to share your talents with Canada and the rest of the world,” he remarked.