
The 52nd Shell National Students Art Competition
As an artist, what ideas spark your creativity? What emotions move you to create your vision of a bright future? What nudges you to push the boundaries of possibility?
IMAGINATION.
This year, the Shell National Students Art Competition challenges you, the youth, to create works of art that will inspire people to believe in hope and change. We enjoin you to use your creative power to paint and sculpt your vision of the Filipino dream.
IMAGINE. An integrated and strong family.
IMAGINE. A sense of community and solidarity.
IMAGINE. A balanced coexistence between nature and humanity.
IMAGINE. A progressive society powered by clean energy.
IMAGINE. A nation of servant leaders and everyday heroes.|
IMAGINE…
Imagine Nation. Use your art to inspire love for country. Use your art to #MakeTheFuture.

Pilipinas Shell President and CEO Cesar Romero (2ⁿᵈ row, 6ᵗʰ from left) and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (2ⁿᵈ row, 7ᵗʰ from left) pose with the 12 winners of Shell’s 52ⁿᵈ National Students Art Competition, special guests, and other Shell executives during the awarding ceremony.
The Philippine art scene welcomes new talent as Pilipinas Shell awarded 12 student-artist winners at this year’s 52nd National Students Art Competition (NSAC). The twelve winners for oil/acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, and digital fine arts categories received their recognitions and showcased their artwork at the Glorietta Mall in Makati last November 11.
“Shell continues to invest in programs that promote social development, because we believe in the power of the Filipino youth. We believe that they can influence the country towards a better and brighter future,”
said Pilipinas Shell president and CEO Cesar Romero.
Also gracing the event was Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who praised the beauty of the students’ works and their contribution to the country’s rich art history.
“Filipino contemporary artists have long been making a mark in the international art world, and many of them started their careers in this competition,” mused Romulo-Puyat. “Looking at the creations of the students here, I think your next art work could very well start a revolution!”
Imagining the nation’s future in different mediums
The Shell NSAC winners were handpicked by painters and master artists who served as the critics and judges for this year’s competition. From over 1,000 entries, three winners from each of the four categories were chosen. Their artworks represent their creative take on this year’s theme, “ImagineNation.”
The following are the winners with the respective works and schools:
Oil/acrylic category:

1ˢᵗ Place: Rhichelle Kirk A. Tabanera of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for his work “Still Standing”

2ⁿᵈ Place: Nemesis B. Manahan of the Bulacan State University, for his work “Let There Be Light”

3ʳᵈ Place: Trinkher Q. Nogueras of the University of the East, for his work “Mag-aaral”
Watercolor category:

1ˢᵗ Place: Nicolle T. Plamer of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for her work “Gising Sanip”

2ⁿᵈ Place: Jarren V. Dahan of the University of Mindanao, for his work “May Layang Lumipad”

3ʳᵈ Place: Paul John V. Galagar of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, for his work “Pira-piraso”
Sculpture category:

1ˢᵗ Place: Justin Angelo D.G. Vital of the Bulacan State University, for his work “The Safe and Sound of Patong-Patong”

2ⁿᵈ Place: Wendi T. Patoc of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for his work “Pagsibol”

3ʳᵈ Place: Sherlyn A. Belga of Adventis University of the Philippines, for her work “Key Roots”
Digital fine arts category:

1ˢᵗ Place: Jemill B. Pangilinan of the Technological University of the Philippines, for his work “Rich Mind, Rich Land”

2ⁿᵈ Place: Keith Andrew M. Sescon of the University of the Philippines-Cebu, for his work “Transparency”

3ʳᵈ Place: Andrei Timothy D. Barrantes of the University of the East, for his work “The Maker”
Each of the winners received a cash prize, a plaque, and art material supplies care so they can continue their journey in their craft. The first place, second place, and third place winners received P60,000, P40,000, and P30,000 respectively. Winning works are on display alongside the top 100 submissions at Glorietta 4 from November 12 to 23.
Title: Shell 52nd National Students Art Competition
Duration: 1:44 minutes
Description:
Our youth's vision has the potential to inspire a future full of possibilities. We support these visions by providing a stage where they are free to express their artistic talents. See their masterpieces showcased in Shell's 52nd National Students Art Competition
Shell 52nd National Students Art Competition Transcript
[Background music]
Sound of Shell Orchestral Thematic
[Animated Sequence]
Series of artwork entries and NSAC participants during the event
52nd NSAC Judge
Nestor Vinluan
Every year is an interesting year for the Shell art contest. It helps in building the nation actually
52nd NSAC Judge
Toym Imao
Indeed this is a powerful medium of change that can affect people beyond the literal
52nd NSAC Judge
Cid Reyes
The youth of the country, the artistic succession, has never failed this country
52nd NSAC Judge
Toym Imao
If you have a firm grasp of your story telling, you can actually make it
52nd NSAC 1st Place Winner, Sculpture Category
Justin Vital
If we pursue our goals, we can help build our nation
52nd NSAC 1st Place Winner, Oil/Acrylic Category
Rhichelle Tabanera
Just have hope. We face problems everyday. Let’s always look at the bright side.
52nd NSAC 1st Place Winner, Watercolor Category
Nicole Plamer
As an artist, I made it through art. As a Filipino, we need to be aware of what’s happening in our society
[Animated Sequence]
Close-up of the three NSAC judges and four winners.
Timelapse of the event.
Close-up of different artworks
Shell Philippines President and CEO
Cesar Romero
We have witnessed thousands of young, aspiring artists launched illustrious careers, gain local and international recognition
[Animated Sequence]
Close up of NSAC participants in the venue.
Timelapse of the art gallery.
Shell Philippines President and CEO
Cesar Romero
We believe in the power of the Filipino youth in influencing our country towards a better and brighter future
[Animated Sequence]
NSAC awarding ceremony scenes. Hon. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat giving medals to the winners and audience clapping.
Secretary of Department of Tourism
Hon. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat
Students, use your talent to impart messages and ideas that will help build our nation. Your next artwork may very well start a revolution
[Animated Sequence]
NSAC student participants appreciating and looking at the different artworks.
52nd NSAC 1st Place Winner, Sculpture Category
Justin Vital
When I finished this, I felt like I already won. Now, this is just a bonus for me.
NSAC will be the step for those who aspires to be an artist. They should just continue and fight for their aspirations because they are the ones who will make it happen, not the others. Never give up.
[Animated Sequence]
Series of artwork entries
[Background music plays]
Shell pecten mnemonic
[Text displays]
Shell pecten and centenary logo
Continuing the legacy of supporting aspiring Filipino artists
Shell NSAC has built a legacy of developing the local art scene by creating an opportunity for young talent to showcase their hard work. As the organizers of one of the longest-running art competitions in the Philippines, Pilipinas Shell has hoped to continue its legacy of recognizing and driving artists to excel, just like the many artists who started their careers with Shell NSAC.
For the last 105 years of its operations in the Philippines, Pilipinas Shell has remained committed to be a partner in nation building, the company continues to envision a Philippines that is fueled by creativity and innovation.
Pilipinas Shell continues to make the future of Filipino art so that future generations continue to be inspired.
MORE IN SUSTAINABILITY
The 52nd Shell National Students Art Competition
As an artist, what ideas spark your creativity? What emotions move you to create your vision of a bright future? What nudges you to push the boundaries of possibility?
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
Through our social arm, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., we develop programs that address the needs of Filipinos across the country. From providing energy to far-flung communities to working towards food security, our efforts provide a holistic approach in moving Filipinos forward.
Learn more about our programs now at pilipinasshellfoundation.org