Twelve (12) outstanding new art pieces and the young student artists who made them were recognized as the best-of-the-best among the hundreds of entries to this year’s Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC).

The 52nd Shell National Students Art Competition awarding ceremony was held last November 11 (Monday) at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City hosted by Atty. Vince Juan and Mich Villar.

Also present during the event to award the winners are Pilipinas Shell President and CEO Cesar Romero, Ayala Foundation Senior Director for Arts and Culture Mariles Gustilo, and Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“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!”

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 (3) winners from each of the four categories were chosen. Their artworks represent their creative take on this year’s theme, “ImagineNation.”

Oil/Acrylic Category

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

national students art competition
national students art competition

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

national students art competition
national students art competition

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

national students art competition
national students art competition

Watercolor Category

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

national students art competition
national students art competition

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

national students art competition
national students art competition

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

national students art competition
national students art competition

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”

national students art competition
national students art competition

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.

national students art competition

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.

“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.

For the last 105 years of its operations in the Philippines, Pilipinas Shell has remained committed to the industry and the consumers of its products. As a partner in nation building, the company continues to envision a Philippines that is fueled by creativity and innovation.

national students art competition

Pilipinas Shell continues to make the future of Filipino art so that future generations continue to be inspired.