Igniting the Flame of Filipino Creativity through “Alab”: The 58ᵗʰ Shell National Students Art Competition
For over seven decades, the Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) has been a driving force in nurturing the artistic potential of the Filipino youth. As the longest-running student arts competition in the Philippines, it continues to empower young artists to shape the cultural landscape of tomorrow. Since its founding in 1951, the Shell NSAC has been a launchpad for many of the nation’s most iconic artists, such as National Artists like Jose Joya, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Ang Kiukok, and Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, along with contemporary talents like Ronald Ventura and Leeroy New.
This prestigious competition not only celebrates the remarkable skills of student artists but also sparks the creative energy that contributes to a more vibrant and forward-thinking society. Through the years, Shell has continually expanded the scope of the competition, encouraging artistic innovation and opening new avenues for creative expression. With every new theme, students are invited to experiment, break boundaries, and ultimately, reflect on the world around them.
The 58th Shell NSAC carries the theme “ALAB” – a powerful representation of the passion, hope, and purpose that drives today’s generation of artists. The theme calls on young Filipino creators to reflect on the fire within them that fuels their artistic journeys and to share the stories behind their inspiration. Through their works, we uncover a shared vision of a brighter tomorrow, driven by the collective power of creativity. As the flames of individual passion come together, they illuminate the path to a progressive Philippines.
Are you a student artist with a story to tell? Join the 58th Shell NSAC today and let your ALAB shine!
58ᵗʰ Shell National Students Art Competition: Illuminating ALAB — The Inner Fire of a New Generation
Each year, the Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) becomes a window into the spirit of the Filipino youth—bold, creative, and driven by purpose. For its 58th year, NSAC celebrates ALAB, the inner flame that fuels the dreams, courage, and imagination of student artists across the country.
As the awarding ceremony approaches, Shell proudly presents this year’s winners—15 remarkable young creators whose works reflect passion, resilience, and the enduring hope that lights the path toward a stronger Philippines.
OIL–ACRYLIC CATEGORY
Artists use bold strokes and vivid palettes to turn emotion into powerful visual stories—each canvas a burning expression of conviction and creativity.
Judges: Raul Isidro, Raul Lebajo, Nestor Olarte Vinluan
1st Place — Usok na Nagiging Buhay
Artist: Ruth Cenas, University of the Philippines – Mindanao
A child draws by candlelight as smoke transforms into the image of the artist they dream to become. Despite society’s doubts, the small flame becomes a symbol of imagination and the courage to pursue one’s calling.
2nd Place — Raniag ni Maskbayan (The Light of Futurity)
Artist: Don Ace Rabbon, University of Northern Philippines
A reflection on childhood as preparation for leadership. With arts, sciences, and values as their core, children become the guiding light for themselves and the nation.
3rd Place — The Flame Within
Artist: Vilia Crestene Gelaga, Cebu Technological University – Argao
The flame emerges from the paintbrush—a symbol of an artist’s inner spark and youthful hopes that continue to light her path forward.
WATERCOLOR CATEGORY
Through delicate washes and fluid movement, watercolor artists show that ALAB can be gentle yet deeply moving—glowing softly through every scene.
Judges: Renato Habulan, Nemi Miranda, Thomas Daquioag
1st Place — Odyssey of the Scrap Mariner
Artist: Jonnas Almazar, Bataan Peninsula State University
A toy boat made from scraps becomes a grand vessel through a child’s imagination—proof that resourcefulness and hope can turn limitations into possibilities.
2nd Place — Two-Big
Artist: Irish Fernandez, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
A figure braves the rain in a bright yellow coat—ALAB personified as courage that shines through life’s storms.
3rd Place — Kinsenas
Artist: Keth Byonnsey Estilo, EARIST
A father welding for his children’s future becomes the flame of the household—his labor igniting dreams of education, love, and brighter days ahead.
SCULPTURE CATEGORY
Young sculptors transform raw materials into symbols of memory, struggle, and hope—shaping the inner fire into tangible forms that endure.
Judges: Paul Albert Quiaño, Salvador Alonday, Ram Mallari Jr.
1st Place — Pinagtagping Piraso
Artist: Ivan Joysen Del Rosario, Rizal Technological University
A grandmother with Alzheimer’s sews pieces of fragile fabric—each stitch a fight against fading memories, held together by the enduring warmth of love.
2nd Place — 0.02g
Artist: Jusun Joshua Estoce, University of Santo Tomas
A farmer kneels before a grain of rice, its tiny weight symbolizing the immense burden carried by those who feed the nation.
3rd Place — Paglayag Tilupad
Artist: Gian Paolo Marchadesch, University of the Philippines – Diliman
A paper boat transforms into a vessel that rises—echoing Filipino dreams that transcend hardship to reach open skies.
DIGITAL FINE ARTS CATEGORY
Using technology as their medium, digital artists reimagine ALAB—crafting fresh worlds and emotions through pixels and light.
Judges: Jose Tence Ruiz, Ross Capili, Pablo Biglang-Awa Jr.
1st Place — Sagwan Math-tatag!
Artist: Adam Martin De Leon, University of the East – Caloocan
Inspired by his work in education technology, the piece champions the mission to make math accessible, empowering children to dream bigger.
2nd Place — This Flame Remembers Me
Artist: Sofia Frances De Guzman, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna
A visual journey back to one’s inner fire—the heart that waits patiently for its artist to return.
3rd Place — Moving Stories
Artist: Amos Ulang, University of the Philippines – Diliman
Life in motion becomes art. These everyday scenes, full of culture and connection, become the source of the artist’s purpose.
PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY
Photographers freeze fleeting sparks of everyday life—revealing hope, passion, and quiet flames that shine brightest in real moments.
Judges: Edwin Tuyay, Luis Martinez, Wig Tysmans
1st Place — Alab: A Burning Vision of Hope
Artist: Jerry Balanay, Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology
A painter works by candlelight—proof that even a single flame is enough to ignite a world of possibility.
2nd Place — Hangga’t may Liwanag
Artist: Jason Mendoza, Sorsogon State University
A brightly lit barbershop glows through the shadows of a busy street—symbolizing passion, community, and the persistence of everyday heroes.
3rd Place — The Flame Within
Artist: Shainne Ayap, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
A student immersed in a book is illuminated by golden light—a quiet fire of desire, life, and passion that transforms learning into purpose.
HONORING EXCELLENCE AND PASSION
This year’s winners receive:
- 1st Place: ₱60,000 cash + Shell NSAC shirt & jacket + plaque
- 2nd Place: ₱40,000 cash + Shell NSAC shirt & jacket + plaque
- 3rd Place: ₱30,000 cash + Shell NSAC shirt & jacket + plaque
- Top 4–20: ₱2,000 cash + NSAC shirt + Certificate of Participation
Additionally, the schools of all first-place winners receive a ₱20,000 Faculty Development Grant, recognizing the mentors who help kindle artistic brilliance.
The 58th Shell NSAC once again reflects the brilliance of a generation whose creativity is matched only by their conviction. Their works illuminate stories of families, communities, and dreams—proof that when every young Filipino shares their flame, the whole nation shines brighter.
This is ALAB—alive, fearless, and burning toward a better tomorrow.
Lighting the Way: The Sponsors and Partners Powering Young Filipino Artistry at NSAC 2025
The 58th Shell National Student Art Competition (NSAC) stands as a tribute to the creativity, vision, and passion of the Filipino youth. More than a contest, it is a collaborative effort—uniting individuals and institutions in support of a generation using art to imagine and shape a brighter future.
This year, as we celebrate the inner ALAB of young creators—the spark of passion, purpose, and hope that fuels their work. We also recognize the invaluable contributions of those who make this platform possible. Their belief in the power of Filipino artistry brings life to this annual celebration of talent and vision.
We proudly acknowledge our sponsors, whose generous support ensures that student artists across the country have the opportunity to tell their stories and share their unique perspectives: Boysen Philippines, IFEX, Airspeed.
We also extend our deepest thanks to our institutional and cultural collaborators, who help cultivate and connect artistic communities nationwide: Aquino Center and Museum, Artist Welfare Inc., Orange Project, Gravity Art Space, Cebu City Museum, Clark Museum and 4D Theater, GK Gallery Tagaytay, GK Gallery Cadiz, Galerie Joaquin, Thombayan Art Space, Arts Geek Manila, Ayala Museum, Bahay Modernismo, Tandang Sora Women's Museum, The Quezon Heritage House, Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), Anima Art Space, Museo Iloilo, and the National Museum of the Philippines.
Together, we are able to empower young artists to dream boldly, create meaningfully, and inspire deeply. Shell NSAC becomes more than a platform—it becomes a movement, igniting the future of Filipino art.
ALAB: Awarding Ceremony Highlights
Every artist begins with a spark. At the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition, that spark became Alaba passion shared by thousands of young Filipino artists across the country.
58th Shell National Students Art Competition
Read the transcript
Read the transcript
Title: The 58th Shell NSAC Docu AVP Edit-down
Duration: 3:01 minutes
Description:
The 58th Shell NSAC Docu AVP Edit-down showcases the milestones of the competition in year 2025.
The 58th Shell National Students Art Competition celebrates ALAB — the passion that drives artists to create. Thousands of young Filipino artists showcased works in various mediums, expressing strong personal and social awareness. Judges praised the depth and growth of this generation’s art. For 58 years, the competition has continued to honor Filipino creativity, proving that as long as artists carry ALAB, their stories will live on through art.
The 58th Shell NSAC Docu AVP Edit-down Transcript
[Background music plays]
Mellow
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Close-ups action/abstract shots*: brush dipping into paint, camera shutter click, clay being shaped, tablet pen sketching, a drop of watercolor spreading, etc.
[Text displays]
The passion that drives creation…
Every artist begins with a spark — that moment when something inside says, “create”.
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Quick cuts of past and new NSAC artworks
[Text displays]
This is ALAB
This is ALAB.
ALAB is passion — burning fiercely in the heart of every artist who dares to imagine and create.
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Fast cuts of clips/pics of past NSAC winners, current participants, progress shots
[Text displays]
The heart behind every masterpiece.
And this year, ALAB brought together a new generation of creators — each one finding their own reason to keep that passion alive.
[Animated sequence]
Animation of the ALAB key visual
NSAC 58 KV
[Text displays]
Across mediums and across the country, every young artist carried the same spark — their own ALAB.
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Animated map of the Philippines lights up region by region.
[Text displays]
And for the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition, thousands then shared their ALAB through:
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Animated map of the Philippines lights up region by region.
[Text displays]
And for the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition, thousands then shared their ALAB through:
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Cut to shots (PER CATEGORY)
[Text displays]
Watercolor
Oil & Acrylic
Sculpture
Photography
Digital Fine Arts
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Short shots of the judge’s speaking, but focused more on B-roll (artwork closeups, judges reviewing, etc) with their audio overlaid.
[Text displays]
The works showed a lot of personal consciousness, social consciousness, the plight or the situation where we are in now – [our] shared realities, struggles which we constantly have.
[Interview Soundbite]
Sculptor, Sculpture Category Judge
Paul Albert Quiano
The works showed a lot of personal consciousness, social consciousness, the plight or the situation where we are in now – shared realities, struggles which we constantly have.
[Text displays]
I would tell them to read, to live, and not [to] worry about commercial success, because ironically, commercial success comes after you’ve read and you’ve lived. I would [also] say: get involved with something bigger than yourself, and your art will reflect that.
[Interview Soundbite]
Visual Artist, Digital Fine Arts Category Judge
Jose Tence Ruiz
I would tell them to read, to live, and not [to] worry about commercial success, because ironically, commercial success comes after you’ve read and you’ve lived. I would [also] say: get involved with something bigger than yourself, and your art will reflect that.
[Text displays]
I’ve been judging student competitions for maybe 20 years, and already, I saw the difference. These entries today are much stronger.
[Interview Soundbite]
Photographer, Photography Category Judge
Wig Tysmans
I’ve been judging student competitions for maybe 20 years, and already, I saw the difference. These entries today are much stronger.
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Video transition, short shots of the judge’s speaking, but focused more on B-roll (artwork closeups, judges reviewing, etc).
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Montage of artworks, judging moments, participants smiling. The NSAC 58 KV/poster/backdrop
Hands packing up art tools, cleaning brushes, etc*
[Text displays]
For 58 years, the Shell National Students Art Competition has celebrated Filipino passion – a passion that creates, connects, and inspires.
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Fast montage or rewind of everything that happened in the year/video: judging, submission of artwork, art in progress, etc – momentum builds with rhythmic music and quick cuts.
[Text displays]
After a season full of ALAB, we asked:
[Animated sequence]
How do you describe the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition?
[Text displays]
How do you describe the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition?
[Animated sequence/Visual]
Fast-cuts of interviewees giving their one-word answers.
[Text displays]
[Ross Capili, Visual Artist, Digital Fine Arts Category Judge] Promising.
[Renato Habulan, Visual Artist, Watercolor Category Judge] Improvement.
[Edwin Tuyay, Photojournalist, Digital Fine Arts Category Judge] Authentic.
[Ram Mallari, Jr., Visual Artist, Sculpture Category Judge] Vigilant.
[Raul Isidro, Visual Artist, Oil & Acrylic Category Judge] Improvement.
[Pablo Biglang-Awa Jr., Visual Artist & Filmmaker, Digital Fine Arts Category Judge] Unexpected.
[Raul Lebajo, Visual Artist, Oil & Acrylic Category Judge] Magaling.
[Luis “Dindo” Martinez, Visual Artist & Cinematographer, Photography Category Judge] Inspiring.
[Animated sequence/Visual]
The NSAC 58 KV/poster/backdrop
Hands packing up art tools, cleaning brushes, etc*
[Text displays]
As long as there is ALAB in the hearts of artists, the Filipino story will continue to live on – told, felt, and reflected through art.
[Animated sequence]
The NSAC 58 KV
[Animated sequence]
Sponsors and Partners logos
[Text displays]
Sponsored by:
In partnership with:
[Animated sequence]
Shell CBB
[Background music fadeout]