FIFTEEN young Filipino artists across the country emerged as winners in the 57th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC).For over half a century, Shell NSAC has been a vital platform for young Filipino artists to showcase their talents.'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 Corp. (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.The 57th Shell NSAC also engaged an esteemed panel of artists and leaders in the art community as judges in the five 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 de la Cruz, and Ram Mallari, Jr. took care of the Sculpture category.SculptureThe 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 was '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 was third. This piece depicts a person shaped like a house, symbolizing family roles where everyone contributes equally to building a home.PhotographyThe first-place winner under the Photography category was '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 was 'A Gesture of Solidarity' by James Bulaga of Caraga State University-Cabadbaran. 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 ArtsThe first-place winner under the Digital Fine Arts category was '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 was 'Bayan Bayanihan' by Christian Ver Labana of Eastern Visayas State University-Tacloban. 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 was '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/AcrylicThe 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.WatercolorThe first-place winner under the Watercolor category was '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 was '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.The third-place winner was 'Hiraya' by Lynn Cristine Ang of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. 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.
