57ᵗʰ Shell National Student Art Competition: "Lika na, Likha pa ng Obra" – A Celebration of Youth, Creativity, and Filipino Ingenuity
Art has always been a powerful lens through which we understand the world—its stories, its struggles, and its triumphs. This year, the 57ᵗʰ Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) brought together the vibrant voices of the Philippines’ next generation of artists under the evocative theme "Lika na, Likha pa ng Obra."
It's a call to action, a reminder that creativity has no limits, and that the future of art, as much as the future of the country, is in the hands of the young visionaries who dare to dream, to create, and to inspire.
The Oil/Acrylic category of the 57th Shell National Student Art Competition featured deeply resonant works that explored growth, struggle, and cultural continuity.
1st Place Winner, Luigi Galo, with his piece "Rip the Cocoon to Witness the Flapping", symbolizes the nurturing process of creation, likening it to tending a garden. His work invites reflection on personal and artistic growth, urging viewers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the transformative power of creation.
2nd Place Winner, James Molina, in "Kaylan pa kaya Matutuldukan", captures the Filipino struggle while offering hope for a better future. His piece poses the question of when the cycle of hardship will end, yet emphasizes the importance of perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity.
3rd Place Winner, Mylene Ruth Mabules, with "The Harmony in Our History", celebrates the continuity of Filipino culture through art. Her piece portrays Filipinos working together to build a sculpture, symbolizing how our shared heritage evolves and endures, passed down through generations of creativity and resilience.
In the Watercolor category, the winning pieces explored themes of community, strength, and inspiration.
1st Place Winner, Vince Noel Valdesco, with "Karamay ang Sining", depicts an elderly man symbolizing both a musician and a farmer, surrounded by a group of musicians. The piece highlights the power of art to unite and heal, reflecting the Filipino tradition of solidarity, especially in challenging times.
2nd Place Winner, Aira Mae Guamos, in "Symbols of Strength", shows a Filipina beneath the Philippine eagle, symbolizing the resilience and hope of the Filipino people, rooted in cultural heritage and reaching for a brighter future.
3rd Place Winner, Lynn Christine Ang, with "Hiraya", honors her nephew who rekindled her passion for art. The piece celebrates the importance of nurturing children’s creativity and turning dreams into reality.
The Sculpture category showcased works that celebrate tradition, community, and the power of unity.
1st Place Winner, “Higit pa sa Gitna ang Hulmang Pamana”, honors the pottery tradition of Paradijon, Gubat, Sorsogon. The sculpture features a spiral of hands, symbolizing the passing of skills across generations, with a child’s hand holding a pot to represent the inheritance of the craft. Flames surround the hands, signifying the transformative power of fire, while the base mimics a pottery wheel, embodying a legacy more precious than gold.
2nd Place Winner, Juan Miro Magbuhos, with "Pundasyong Buhat ay Pag-asa", honors the unsung pillars of Filipino society—jeepney drivers, farmers, fishermen, and teachers. Through their dedication, they guide future generations, creating a cycle of inspiration that fuels hope for a better tomorrow.
3rd Place Winner, Vian Celio Pacheco, with "Taong Bahay", depicts a house made of people, symbolizing the collective roles within a family. The piece challenges traditional gender roles and celebrates the equal contribution of all family members in building a home through mutual support.
The winning pieces Digital Fine Arts category, the winning pieces highlight themes of resilience, love, and unity.
1st Place Winner, Clarence Dingding, with "Dingding", depicts the artist’s childhood, where their parents' unwavering support nurtured creativity. The piece reflects how love and encouragement can help a child's imagination flourish, proving the power of belief in one's potential.
2nd Place Winner, Christian Ver Labana, with "Bayan Bayanihan", celebrates the Filipino spirit of resilience and unity, illustrating how Filipinos rise together and help one another in times of challenge, driving national progress.
3rd Place Winner, Melvin Francis Ocado, with "Yapak sa Dilim", features worn sandals leaving a glowing trail, symbolizing perseverance and hope. The trail of light represents the strength and guidance that lead us through
1st Place Winner, Wenzel Andrei Bolo, contrasts a traditional market with modern construction, symbolizing the balance between Filipino society's roots and its drive for progress. The figure walking toward the light represents the youth’s role in fostering hope and change.
2nd Place Winner, James Bulaga, with "A Gesture of Solidarity", captures the Filipino spirit of generosity and unity through a simple act of kindness, symbolized by an outstretched hand, reflecting shared responsibility and compassion.
3rd Place Winner, Aldrin Sally, with "Tayaw", taken during the Ayyoweng Di Lambak ed Tadian Festival, highlights the disconnect between the youth and cultural traditions due to technology, urging that we need not forget the past to embrace the future.
The 57th Shell National Student Art Competition has once again proven that the future of Philippine art is in good hands. It has given young Filipino artists a stage to create now and to create more.
If you are a student with a passion for art, a creative spirit, and a desire to make a mark, the 58th Shell National Student Art Competition awaits you. This is your chance to showcase your work, challenge yourself, and become part of a long tradition of Filipino artistry.