57ᵗʰ Shell National Students Art Competition ‘Lika na, Likha pa ng Obra’ Competition Unveils 15 Winners
Manila, Philippines – Fifteen talented Filipino artists across the country emerged as winners of the recently concluded 57ᵗʰ Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC), a platform celebrating and nurturing the artistic talents of the Filipino youth. This year's competition showcased a diverse range of powerful stories told through art pieces that reflect the richness of our culture, the resilience of the Filipino spirit, and the hope for a brighter future.
For over half a century, Shell NSAC has been a vital platform for young Filipino artists to showcase their talent. “Shell has been here for 110 years and for more than half of that time, we’ve run this particular competition because we all know that Filipinos are very, very artistic. ,” Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) Vice President of Corporate Relations Serge Bernal said.
“The theme for the 57th year of Shell NSAC is an open invite. It does not actually put a standard theme for our artists. What caught my attention is that when you open up a theme this way, you’re not prescriptive on the artist and you’ll see that everything is about the future. May pag-asa ang Pilipinas. (There is hope for the Philippines),” Bernal added.
‘Lika na, Likha pa ng Obra’
With the theme ‘Lika na, Likha pa ng Obra,’ the 57th Shell NSAC reflects the journey of Filipinos, whose grit, resilience, determination, and collaboration have driven remarkable progress and turned aspirations into realities. While much has been accomplished, the journey continues, with a long road ahead. Rooted in tradition and community, the theme highlights how Filipinos will keep celebrating success and overcoming challenges as one nation, drawing strength from past achievements and a shared hope for the future.
In celebration of the energy company’s 110-year presence in the country, the 57th Shell NSAC highlights the Filipino people’s power to drive positive change. The youth were challenged to reflect on progress and transformation in their art, drawing inspiration from culture, traditions, values, and people to showcase Filipino potential in personal growth, community development, and nation-building.
Esteemed Panel of Judges
The 57th Shell NSAC engaged an esteemed panel of seasoned artists and leaders in the art community as judges across various categories. For the Photography category, Edwin Tuyay, Jorell Legaspi, and Ardie Lopez brought their expertise. In Digital Fine Arts, Ross Capili, Lex Kabigting, and Karlo Victoriano evaluated submissions. The Watercolor category was judged by Nemi Miranda, Thomas Daquioag, and Antipas Delotavo. For Oil/Acrylic works, Rolando “Olan” Ventura, Nestor Olarte Vinluan, and Imelda Cajipe-Endaya offered their insights, while Michael Cacnio, Daniel Dela Cruz, and Ram Mallari, Jr. presided over the Sculpture category.
As one of the judges in the competition, Vinluan shared his advice to the young artists, “First, practice is the key. You always have to have time for your work. Second, persevere in your craft. And third, always look around. Be observant. Be sensitive to the things around you. Notice movements, patterns. Make connections with your environment. Have an open mind. And to see things through a child’s eye.”
Supporting the judging process were Virtual Screeners, including Karen Ocampo Flores and Ferd Angelo Failano for Sculpture, Oil/Acrylic, and Watercolor; Edwin Loyola and Wesley Gelo Almazar for Digital Fine Arts; and Jophel Botero Ybiosa and Luis Martinez for Photography. Overseeing all categories as an onsite screener was Jamel Joseph Obnamia, with Arvin Santos participating as an onsite artist judge.
57th Shell NSAC Winners
Sculpture Category
The first-place award under the Sculpture category was given to “Higit pa sa Ginto ang Hulmang Pamana” by Jason Mendoza of Sorsogon State University. This clay sculpture honors Paradijon, Gubat, Sorsogon’s pottery tradition, gold.
In second place is “Pundasyong Buhat ay Pag-asa” by Juan Miro Magbuhos of the University of Santo Tomas. This art piece celebrates the often-overlooked pillars of Filipino society—jeepney drivers, farmers, fishermen, and teachers—who embody dedication and resilience.
“Taong Bahay” by Vian Celio Pacheco of the University Santo Tomas is ranked third in the sculpture category. This piece depicts a person shaped like a house, symbolizing family roles where everyone contributes equally to building a home.
Photography Category
The first-place winner under the Photography category is “Tungo sa Bagong Bukas” by Wenzel Andrei Bolo of Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila. This image contrasts the Filipino society’s rich tradition with its journey toward progress, symbolized by the student walking toward light, representing youth as a force for positive change.
The second-place winner is “A Gesture of Solidarity” by James Bulaga of Caraga State University - Cabadbaran Campus. This photo reflects the Filipino spirit of solidarity, reminding the artist of school days when friends shared pencils, symbolizing generosity and togetherness.
The third place was awarded to “Tayaw” by Aldrin Sally of Saint Louis University. This image of the festival highlights the importance of cultural preservation among youth, who are encouraged to uphold their heritage while embracing future success.
Digital Fine Arts Category
The first-place winner under the Digital Fine Arts category is “Dingding” by Clarence Dingding of Caraga State University - Cabadbaran Campus. This digital artwork transforms the walls of a modest home into a vibrant canvas of a child’s scribbles, symbolizing the love and support guiding this young artist toward a brighter future.
The second-place winner is “Bayan Bayanihan” by Christian Ver Labana of Eastern Visayas State University - Tacloban Campus. This digital art depicts Filipinos’ resilience and unity, with vibrant colors and interconnected forms symbolizing the collective strength that drives national progress.
The third-place winner is “Yapak sa Dilim” by Melvin Francis Ocado of the Technological University of the Philippines - Manila. This digital artwork portrays worn-out sandals glowing like gold on a path of resilience, each step illuminated to reflect dedication and hope amid uncertainty.
Oil/Acrylic Category
The first-place winner under the Oil/Acrylic category is “Rip the Cocoon to Witness the Flapping” by Luigi Galo of the University of the Philippines – Cebu. This artwork depicts a figure creating on a canvas, symbolizing growth and self-reflection, challenging viewers to consider how comfort zones may limit true engagement with the world.
The second-place winner is “Kaylan pa Kaya Matutuldukan” by James Molina of the University of Northern Philippines. This pop-art piece with stippling shows four Filipinos around a jar, with symbols of unity, hope, dreams, and guidance toward a brighter future.
Third place is awarded to “The Harmony in our History” by Mylene Ruth Mabules of the University of Rizal System - Angono. Set on a theater stage, this artwork portrays Filipinos as active participants in a cultural journey, blending past, present, and future, and embodying the resilience and creativity inherited from their ancestors.
Watercolor Category
The first-place winner under the Watercolor category is “Karamay Ang Sining” by Vince Noel Valdesco of Bulacan State University. This watercolor painting shows an elderly musician and farmer surrounded by band musicians, symbolizing the empathy, solidarity, and unifying power of art in Filipino culture.
The second place is awarded to “Symbols of Strength” by Aira Mae Guamos of Cavite State University - Main Campus. This artwork features a Filipina under the protective wings of the Philippine eagle, symbolizing strength, resilience, and the enduring role of women in Filipino heritage.
Lastly, the third-place winner is “Hiraya” by Lynn Cristine Ang of the University of the Philippines - Los Banos. This painting, dedicated to the artist's nephew who reignited her passion for art, reflects her belief in nurturing children’s creativity and helping their dreams become reality.
Bernal said, “We had over 2,300 entries this year. We’re trying to reach out to more schools. As you can see, it’s truly a national competition. We’ve had entries from Mindanao and north of Luzon.”
The top 7 artworks per category are on exhibit at the Ayala Museum until November 22, 2024. And to further their support of the Shell National Student Artist Competition, Ayala Museum gave all finalists free Teen Circle membership.