When Jose Joya stepped up to the podium to receive his award at the Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) in 1952, he was just another college student, attending class at the University of the Philippines’ College of Fine Arts, and honing his distinct style of translucent and opaque elements. This first-place win became a springboard for a stellar career, and eventually, as a pioneer of abstract expressionism and a National Artist for visual arts.
But Joya’s story isn’t so unique in the realm of Shell. The competition has been an indicator of prospering art practices in Philippine history, and three National Artists. Way back in 1954, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz won the first-ever prize. While in 1955, Ang Kiukok placed third. In 1962, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera won second place for his oil painting of blue-hued barong-barong, titled “Blue Serenity.”
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Our contemporary art world has been equally shaped by the competition alumni, such as Ronald Ventura, considered a “global art star” who won first prize in 1990 under the oil and acrylic category. Meanwhile, Leeroy New took second place in both 2004 and 2006, winning under the sculpture category. New has exhibited around the world, well-known for his installation work that often addresses important environmental issues.
All masters start as students. And while varying in styles and medium, these masters had some of their first starts at Shell’s National Student Art Competition. And besides its significance for artists, the competition acts like a barometer of emerging artists, relevant to gallerists, curators, collectors, and the general public who are admirers of art.
The theme and how to join
Shell has been in the Philippines for 110 years, witnessing the country evolve through a century of change, in step with every era. The 58th iteration, which opened June 6 and runs until October 6, centers on the theme “Alab,” which translates to “flame” or “blaze”—perhaps fitting for a multinational oil and gas company.
The theme asks student artists to examine what ignites their creative passions, pushing beyond the surface-level to art-making that explores convictions, cultural reflections, and honest emotional truths.
Shell’s National Student Art Competition 2025 is open to all currently enrolled college students in the Philippines, taking at least nine academic units during the 2024 to 2026 academic year. Recent graduates from 2024 to 2025 are also eligible if they were enrolled when creating their artwork.
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Students can submit up to two works per category across five disciplines: Oil or acrylic painting, watercolor, sculpture, digital fine arts, and photography. The top three winners in each category receive cash prizes, limited edition merchandise, recognition plaques, and exhibition opportunities. The schools of first-place winners also receive faculty development grants.
All entries must be submitted through www.shell.com.ph/nsac between June 6 to October 6. Final judging occurs November 11 to 12, with winners announced December 5, during the awards and exhibit event.
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As Shell’s National Student Art Competition enters its 58th year, the challenge for students isn’t whether the competition works as a career catalyst. Six decades of National Artists prove that. The question is who is up to the challenge to trailblaze, and whether they are ready to become a part of Philippine art history.
Currently enrolled college students in the Philippines can submit up to two works per category through www.shell.com.ph/nsac until October 6, 2025
