Fifteen talented Filipino artists were recognized at the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) Awarding Ceremony held at the Ayala Museum. This year’s competition drew 2,200 entries from across the country, all inspired by the theme “ALAB,” celebrating the passion and creative drive of emerging Filipino artists.

“We at Ayala Foundation are proud to partner with Shell NSAC in nurturing the next generation of Filipino artists. Their passion and vision give life to the future of our culture,” said Jorell Legaspi, Senior Director for Arts & Culture, Ayala Foundation, Inc.

The theme “ALAB” reflects the fire that fuels creativity and the stories behind each artist’s inspiration. Through their works, young creators illuminate a shared vision for a brighter, more progressive Philippines. Renowned judges from various art forms evaluated entries across watercolor, digital fine arts, photography, sculpture, and oil/acrylic, carefully weighing creativity, technique, and how each piece captured the spirit of ALAB. Filipino visual artist Abdulmari “Toym” D. Imao Jr. explained, “ALAB is more than passion—passion fades. ALAB is purpose. It is when your art becomes testimony, shaping culture.”

Winners included Jonnas Almazar (“Odyssey of the Scrap Mariner”) in watercolor, Adam Martin De Leon (“Sagwan Math-tatag!”) in digital fine arts, Jerry Balanay (“Alab: A Burning Vision of Hope”) in photography, Ivan Joysen Del Rosario (“Pinagtagping Piraso”) in sculpture, and Ruth Cenas (“Usok na Nagiging Buhay”) in oil/acrylic. Each work highlighted creativity, resilience, and hope, capturing both personal and collective Filipino stories.

For over 70 years, Shell NSAC has empowered students to dream boldly and create meaningfully, turning the competition into a movement that inspires the next generation of Filipino artists. Serge Bernal, VP for Corporate Relations at Shell Pilipinas, emphasized, “Their craft is a contribution to our cultural identity and a beacon of hope for the future.”

Updates on exhibits, finalists, and events are available via Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s website and social media channels.