Fifteen emerging Filipino artists from across the country were recognized this week. This was at the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) Awarding Ceremony. The event, held at the Ayala Museum in Makati on 10 December 2025. It celebrated 2,200 entries from student artists. They embraced the theme “ALAB.” This theme is a call to capture passion, purpose, and the creative fire driving the Philippines’ youth.
The competition, now in its 74th year, highlights the next generation of Filipino artists. It does this through categories such as Watercolor, Digital Fine Arts, Photography, Sculpture, and Oil/Acrylic. Winners were selected by panels of industry experts, whose works showcased personal narratives intertwined with broader societal themes.
“ALAB is more than passion — it’s purpose,” said Abdulmari “Toym” D. Imao Jr., newly elected Dean of UP Diliman College of Fine Arts, during the ceremony. “When art becomes testimony, it shapes culture. These students are not just creating art; they’re building a vision for our future.”
Shell Pilipinas Corporation hosted the event. It was in partnership with the Ayala Foundation. They drew praise for nurturing young talent. “We’re proud to support these artists,” said Jorell Legaspi, Senior Director for Arts & Culture at the Ayala Foundation. “Their creativity fuels our national identity and points the way to a brighter Philippines.”
Winners Highlighted
The Watercolor category’s first-place winner is “Odyssey of the Scrap Mariner” by Jonnas Almazar. It depicted a child’s imaginative transformation of scrap materials. These materials turned into a grand vessel. In second place, “Two-Big” by Irish Fernandez symbolized hope through a yellow-clad figure. The third-place winner, “Kinsesas” by Keth Byonnsey Estilo, used welding sparks. These sparks reflect a father’s love for his children.
Digital Fine Arts saw “Sagwan Math-tatag!” by Adam Martin De Leon take first place, addressing the Philippines ‘ struggles. Using mathematics, Sofia Frances De Guzman’s “This Flame Remembers Me” (second place) focused on resilience. Amos Ulang’s “Moving Stories” (third place) highlighted urban nostalgia.
Photography winners included Jerry Balanay’s “Alab: A Burning Vision of Hope” (first place), depicting an artist bathed in candlelight. Jason Mendoza’s “Hangga’t May Liwanag” (second place) captured a bustling barbershop’s energy. Shainne Maica Ayap’s “The Flame Within” (third place) highlighted a reader’s quiet passion.
Sculpture honors went to Ivan Joysen Del Rosario’s “Pinagtagping Piraso” (first place), a poignant tribute to memory and caregiving. Jusun Joshua Estoce’s “0.02g” (second place) addressed agricultural challenges, and Gian Paolo Marchadesch’s “Paglayag Tilupad” (third place) mirrored the fragility of dreams.
Oil/Acrylic top prize went to Ruth Cenas’ “Usok na Nagiging Buhay,” imagining a future shaped by a young dreamer. Don Ace Rabbon’s “Raniag ni Maskbayan” (second place) showcased leadership. Vilia Crestene Gelaga’s “The Flame Within” (third place) explored personal growth.
A Legacy of Creativity
Since 1950, Shell NSAC has provided a platform for thousands of students to showcase their art. This year’s ceremony emphasized how “ALAB” inspires not just individual expression but collective progress.
“Keep painting, designing, and dreaming,” urged Serge Bernal, Shell Pilipinas’ VP for Corporate Relations. “Your work is part of our cultural heritage and a beacon of hope.”
The competition’s finalists will be exhibited in upcoming museum and gallery events. For details, visit shell.com.ph/nsac or follow Shell Pilipinas on social media.
