Art might be argued as a male-dominated field, but — as with other industries — that doesn't mean women can't find their place and thrive using their talents and gifts.

In celebration of International Women's Month, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation honors four women alumni of the Shell National Student Art Competition (NSAC) who shared their stories and insights in their journey to become the finest artists in the country today.

Self-realization and dedication to one's art can mean throwing off some remnants of the past, said Rosario Bitanga-Peralta, Shell NSAC 1957 winner in the watercolor category.

'Earlier art was based on traditional, Western modes, with local adaptations and variations often misunderstood. Today, art is more free, unlimited, and no longer holds on to traditional schools of thought but is more on self-inspiration,' she added. Bitanga-Peralta went on to become the country's first woman abstractionist after winning Shell NSAC.

Meanwhile, PintaPH founder and Shell NSAC 2013 grand prize winner Katrina Gosiengfiao is keen on developing a stronger art movement that can fuel 'a country that is economically successful enough to fund its cultural and heritage conservation sector.'

She echoed Bitanga-Peralta on the aptness of the timing as more 'schools of traditional art are springing forth and taking the spotlight while Philippine traditional art becomes integrated into universities.'

Shell NSAC 1993 winner Mailah Baldemor-Balde believes that the ability to connect with like-minded artists can power up Philippine art even more in the digital age.

'Thanks to the help of social media and the Internet, artists can now connect to each other, and see and learn the new trends in art in a more spontaneous way. The themes and subject matters continue to be timely, like climate change and public health.'

Baldemor-Balde is an example of a female artist who recognized and reached for her dream early in life. She comes from a family of artists and learned color harmony before she even knew how to write. She competed in the art scene at an early age before winning a full scholarship for her Shell NSAC entry 'Lahar Country'.