Filipino Young Artists Honored at 58th Shell National Students Art Competition

The 58th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) culminated in a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Ayala Museum in Makati, celebrating fifteen talented young Filipino artists selected from over 2,200 nationwide entries. This year's theme, ALAB, invited participants to channel their passion, purpose, and creativity, resulting in compelling expressions of hope, identity, and cultural reflection.

Jorell Legaspi, Senior Director for Arts & Culture at the Ayala Foundation, expressed pride in supporting the competition's mission to nurture future artistic talent, highlighting how these young creators continue to shape the nation's cultural fabric.

The judges, composed of renowned Filipino artists and cultural leaders, assessed submissions based on originality, technical skill, and their resonance with the ALAB theme. The judges recognized pieces that conveyed deeply personal narratives as well as broader social concerns, reflecting the vibrancy and challenges of contemporary Philippine society.

UP College of Fine Arts Dean Abdulmari "Toym" Imao Jr. remarked, "ALAB transcends mere passion; it represents purpose—art that bears witness and actively contributes to cultural development."

Watercolor Category

• First place: "Odyssey of the Scrap Mariner" by Jonnas Almazar (Bataan Peninsula State University), which celebrates a child's boundless imagination.
• Second place: "Two-Big" by Irish Fernandez (Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College – Main Campus), symbolizing hope and future aspirations.
• Third place: "Kinsesas" by Keth Byonnsey Estilo (EARIST), depicting a father-welder whose sparks reflect dreams for his daughters.

Digital Fine Arts Category

• First place: "Sagwan Math-tatag!" by Adam Martin De Leon (UE Caloocan), addressing the nation's challenges with math and the pursuit to uplift learners.
• Second place: "This Flame Remembers Me" by Sofia Frances De Guzman (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna), a tribute to resilience and rediscovery of purpose.
• Third place: "Moving Stories" by Amos Ulang (UP Diliman), inspired by everyday commutes and creative inspiration.

Photography Category

• First place: "Alab: A Burning Vision of Hope" by Jerry Balanay (Northwestern Mindanao State College), portraying creativity emerging from darkness.
• Second place: "Hangga't May Liwanag" by Jason Mendoza (Sorsogon State University), capturing community warmth in a busy barbershop.
• Third place: "The Flame Within" by Shainne Maica Ayap (Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas), featuring a young reader illuminated by inspiration.

Sculpture Category

• First place: "Pinagtagping Piraso" by Ivan Joysen Del Rosario (Rizal Technological University), a sculpture symbolizing a grandmother battling Alzheimer's piecing together fading memories.
• Second place: "0.02g" by Jusun Joshua Estoce (UST), highlighting the significance of a grain of rice and the struggles of Filipino farmers.
• Third place: "Paglayag Tilupad" by Gian Paolo Marchadesch (UP Diliman), symbolizing fragile yet determined Filipino dreams through a paper boat.

Oil/Acrylic Category

• First place: "Usok na Nagiging Buhay" by Ruth Cenas (UP Mindanao), depicting candle smoke transforming into a future artist's aspirations.
• Second place: "Raniag ni Maskbayan (The Light of Futurity)" by Don Ace Rabbon (University of Northern Philippines), reflecting children guided toward becoming bearers of light.
• Third place: "The Flame Within" by Vilia Crestene Gelaga (Cebu Technological University – Argao Campus), portraying youthful creativity and purpose.

For over 70 years, the Shell NSAC has fostered the artistic potential of Filipino students, serving as a platform that empowers young creators to imagine boldly and contribute meaningfully to the nation's cultural heritage. Shell Vice President for Corporate Relations Serge Bernal underscored the importance of these artists, stating, "Every young artist who paints, sculpts, designs, and creates strengthens the country's cultural identity and lights the way for generations to come."

Updates on exhibits, featured finalists, and upcoming events can be accessed through Shell Pilipinas Corporation's official website and social media outlets.