The Philippine art scene is always in a constant state of evolution. While senior artists have made their mark in the country’s art history, contributions from new and upcoming ones give the public a glimpse of what Filipino art could be in the future.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp’s National Students Art Competition (NSAC) has always been at the forefront in showcasing new talent since it was first conceptualized in 1951. Many of the winners of the Shell NSAC have gone on to become giants in the arts scene. Consider NSAC winners Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, and Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera being named National Artists.
Ayala Museum Director Mariles Gustilo lauded NSAC’s “Sulong Sining” theme for its “timely message about charging forward through art to lead the nation to a better, brighter future.
This theme fits what we are valiantly pursuing today in the aftermath of the pandemic: We persistently and consistently forge great paths ahead. NSAC has not only showcased the youth’s artistic prowess but reaches new generations through Filipino art.”
This year’s 55th NSAC competition goes back to its roots, with artworks finally being displayed in the flesh, following the virtual competition last year. Over 1,000 students submitted their artworks under 4 categories which were judged by a roster of distinguished artists, which included Nemi Miranda, Edgar Doctor, and Edgar “Egai” Talusan Fernandez for the Watercolor Category; Francis ‘Isko’ Andrade, Ronald Ventura, and Rolando Ventura for the Oil and Acrylic Category; Daniel Dela Cruz, Jan Leeroy New, and Carlo De Laza for the Sculpture Category; and Jose Tence Ruiz, Pablo Biglang-Awa Jr., and Victor Balanon for the Digital Fine Arts category.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairperson Rene R. Escalante commended all the artists, saying, “Putting your art out there for everyone to see takes courage… [which is] a value we want for every Filipino artist.” He also recognized NSAC as Shell’s “contribution to nation-building which empowers the young artists of tomorrow.”
Three winners were chosen in each category. The first-place winners in all categories were awarded P60,000 each, while the second-place winners and third-place winners individually received P40,000 and P30,000 respectively.
Winners for the Oil and Acrylic are Clark Myer Arquio from University of the Philippines — Cebu who took home 3rd place, Marko Sarmiento from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, who came in second, and Densen James Almeda from the University of the Philippines — Cebu took the top prize.
In the Watercolor category, Khaila Mae Faustor from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines took home third, Shara Mae Chan from De La Salle University-Manila came in second, and John Michael Flores Ramos from Tarlac State University came in first place
John Romer Pavilando from Tarlac State University, Luke Eidref Agapito Berja from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Mherlo Mahinay from the University of the Philippines-Diliman came in third, second, and first respectively in the Sculpture Category.
In the Digital Fine Arts category, Earl Marie Pabinguit from Cebu Technological University took home the plum spot, followed by Louise Gabrielle Abing from Mindanao State University — General Santos who came in second place, with Xymon Cadric Calayag from Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology coming in third.
