Shell executives join the celebrated Filipino artists and winners across all categories at the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition.
Fifteen promising Filipino artists were celebrated at the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) Awards held at the Ayala Museum in Makati, where more than 2,200 entries nationwide responded to this year’s theme, ALAB—a call to embrace the fire of passion, purpose, and imagination in young Filipino creators.
Ayala Foundation Senior Director for Arts & Culture Jorell Legaspi said the foundation is honored to support NSAC’s mission of nurturing emerging talent, emphasizing how their vision and passion continue to shape the country’s cultural landscape.
This year’s theme, ALAB, set the stage for powerful expressions of hope, identity, and creative courage. Across categories, the artworks illuminated the personal stories, social realities, and aspirations that fuel youth artistry in a rapidly evolving Philippines. A distinguished panel of judges from the country’s most respected artists and cultural practitioners evaluated submissions based on creativity, technique, and how deeply each piece embodied the idea of ALAB.
Filipino visual artist and newly elected UP College of Fine Arts Dean Abdulmari “Toym” Imao Jr. captured the spirit of the competition, saying ALAB goes beyond passion, becoming purpose—art that serves as testament and contributes to shaping culture itself.
Watercolor
First place went to Odyssey of the Scrap Mariner by Jonnas Almazar of Bataan Peninsula State University, a tribute to the boundless voyages of a child’s imagination.
Second place was awarded to Irish Fernandez of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College – Main Campus for Two-Big, a piece that symbolizes hope and future ambition.
Third place went to Kinsesas by Keth Byonnsey Estilo of EARIST, which portrays a father-welder whose sparks echo dreams for his daughters’ future.
Digital fine arts
Topping the category is “Sagwan Math-tatag!” by Adam Martin De Leon of UE Caloocan, reflecting the nation’s struggle with math proficiency and the hope to uplift future learners.
Second place went to This Flame Remembers Me by Sofia Frances De Guzman of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, a visual ode to resilience and rediscovering purpose.
Third place, Moving Stories by Amos Ulang of UP Diliman, draws inspiration from the everyday commute and the quiet moments that spark creativity.
Photography
“Alab: A Burning Vision of Hope” by Jerry Balanay of Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology claimed first place with a powerful portrayal of artistry emerging from darkness.
Second place went to Jason Mendoza of Sorsogon State University for Hangga’t May Liwanag, capturing the communal warmth of a bustling barbershop.
Third place was awarded to The Flame Within by Shainne Maica Ayap of Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, featuring a young reader glowing with inspiration.
Sculpture
First place went to Pinagtagping Piraso by Ivan Joysen Del Rosario of Rizal Technological University, a moving sculpture of a grandmother with Alzheimer’s piecing together fading memories.
Second place was awarded to 0.02g by Jusun Joshua Estoce of UST, underscoring the weight of a grain of rice and the struggles of Filipino farmers.
Third place went to Paglayag Tilupad by Gian Paolo Marchadesch of UP Diliman, inspired by a paper boat symbolizing fragile yet determined Filipino dreams.
Oil/Acrylic
Claiming first place was Usok na Nagiging Buhay by Ruth Cenas of UP Mindanao, where candle smoke transforms into an image of the future artist a young dreamer aspires to become.
Second place went to Raniag ni Maskbayan (The Light of Futurity) by Don Ace Rabbon of the University of Northern Philippines, a reflection on children guided toward becoming bearers of light.
Third place was awarded to Vilia Crestene Gelaga of Cebu Technological University – Argao Campus for The Flame Within, a portrait of youthful creativity and purpose.
For more than seven decades, the Shell NSAC has nurtured the passion and potential of Filipino student-artists, serving not only as a competition but as a nationwide movement that empowers young creators to boldly imagine and meaningfully shape the country’s cultural future. This year’s winners continue that legacy—each artwork a spark contributing to a larger fire of Filipino creativity.
As Shell Vice President for Corporate Relations Serge Bernal noted, every young artist who paints, sculpts, designs, and creates strengthens the country’s cultural identity and lights the way for generations to come.
Updates on exhibits, finalist features, and upcoming events are available on Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s website and official social media channels.