A Ray of Hope: Art competition demonstrates love for country and modern-day heroes

Resilience, hope, and courage were the key messages in the recently-concluded Pilipinas Shell Pilipinas’ 54th National Students Art Competition (NSAC).

Gerard Lynn Mara Santos’ “Pintura”, which won first place in the Digital Fine Arts Category, encourages that despite the pain from the pandemic, people can still seek out good and rewarding experiences. Meanwhile with his entry, “Panibagong Umaga”, the winning piece in the Oil-Acrylic Category, Jarren Dahan from the University of Mindanao. demonstrates that moving forward collectively and harmoniously can overcome challenges and lead to a brighter morning.

The 1st place winner in the sculpture category, “If Only We’ll Unite and Conquer” by Maica Rozel Borlagdan from the University of the Philippines-Diliman talks about enduring a day by passing through a needle hole. In the watercolor category, Ranier Angelo Bolivar’s “Moving Forward” presents Frontliners as modern day heroes, who are dedicated to their passion to protect the nation.

“The pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives,” expressed Lorelie Quiambao-Osial, Pilipinas Shell Country Chairwoman, who told the young artists to be confident in how they can make a difference in a world slowly rebuilding itself after a major crisis. “Yet there was a strength of spirit inside you that shone through. We see it mostly in your art, and that is what we are recognizing today. As we bravely continue to navigate through this pandemic and look forward to recovery, we believe that art could start change and progress.”

Secretary of the Department of Tourism Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who was the event guest speaker, added, “That art and artist have an important part to play in nation-building. Art allows us to engage with current situations, and the young generation is changing the way they think and speak to create a more inclusive society.”

She also echoed Korean pop sensation BTS, who appeared before the UN General Assembly. “You are not the lost generation, but rather the welcoming generation.”

For her part, Elizabeth Gustilo, Director of the Ayala Museum, said, “Through their tools and talents, our artists can craft their vision of a better future, actively taking part in shaping the nation, post-pandemic. The 54th NSAC batch of student artists knew that the story, a message that needed to be told, was one of the fresh starts on pushing forward despite the challenges.”

Pilipinas Shell’s 54th National Students Art Competition award ceremony celebrates the role of young artists in nation-building, showing the influence that the next-generation of talents can exercise in securing a bright future for the country.

In illustrating the contest’s theme ‘reSTART,’ more than 1,500 artists from all over the country participated. Awards were given to the three most outstanding pieces in each of the four categories: Digital Fine Arts, Sculpture, Watercolor, and Oil and Acrylic.

Judges consisted of seasoned artists and distinguished leaders in the art community: Ross Capili, Dopy Doplon, and Pablo Biglang-Awa Jr. for the Digital Fine Arts category; Edgar Fernandez, Antipas Delotavo, and Renato Habulan for the Watercolor category; Isko Andrade, Kenneth Esguerra, and Alfredo Esquillo, Jr. for the Oil/Acrylic category; Paul Quiano, Toym Leon Imao, and Reggie Yuson for the Sculpture category.

Follow Pilipinas Shell’s social media accounts and website for updates on the virtual gallery.

Below is the complete list of winners:

Digital Fine Arts Category

1st Place: “Pintura” by Gerard Lynn Mara Santos from the Technological University of the Philippines

2nd Place: “Pagtanggap Mo Sa Aking Pagkukulang” by Mary Franz Salazar from Technological University of the Philippines, Manila

3rd Place: “Tayo’y Makakahinga Muli” by Ralph Enzo Rabaya from Xavier University

Oil-Acrylic Category

1st Place: “Panibagong Umaga” by Jarren Dahan from the University of Mindanao

2nd Place: “Regrowth” by Ranier Angelo Bolivar of GK College of Business, Arts, and Technology.

3rd Place: “Puhon” by Gyles Maverick Abac from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Sculpture Category

1st Place: “If Only We’ll Unite and Conquer” by Maica Rozel Borlagdan from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

2nd Place: “Laban Lang!” by Mark Eclipse from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges Marbel Inc.

3rd Place: “Future on Our Fingerprint” by Zoe Manigan from Far Eastern University.

Watercolor Category

1st Place: “Moving Forward” by Ranier Angelo Bolivar from GK College of Business, Arts, and Technology.

2nd Place: “Sa Dibdib Mo’y Buhay” by Patricia Serrano from the Technological University of the Philippines-Manila.

3rd Place: “Progresibong Papel ng Pagkatao” by Elaiza Judilla from the University of the East-Caloocan.

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