Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation has announced twhe outstanding artworks for its 55th National Students Arts Competition.

This year's NSAC carries the theme "Sulong Sining" in its four categories: Digital Fine Arts, Sculpture, Watercolor, and Oil and Acrylic.

"I would like to thank the students. Without you, this would not happen. Your tenacity and eagerness is really in line with the theme for this year. You bring in your creativity and artistry," Pilipinas Shell's vice president for Corporate Relations, Serge Bernal said.

He also noted that the artworks are significantly brighter and "evoke hope, courage and optimism" that are essential today as the country continues to face hardships.

Mariles Gustilo, Ayala Museum director, praised the competition's timely theme. Ayala Museum is home to selected artworks from NSAC over the past 10 years. She also lauded its efforts for not only displaying the youth's prowess but also the Filipino art that "spark ideas, unite nations, ignite change," and help persevere in challenging times.

Guest speaker Dennis Marasigan, vice president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, keeps an open eye on the students' future, knowing that they can be the next National Artists or CCP's Thirteen Artists awardees.

Here are the list of winners.

Digital Fine Arts:
Akong Makita. Akong Masulti. Akong Mabuhat of Earl Marie Pabinguit from Cebu Technological University

The Avenue
Louise Gabrielle Abing from Mindanao State University – General Santos

Perception of Xymon
Cadric Calayag from Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology

Sculpture:
Generational String
of Mherlo Mahinay
from the University of the
Philippines – Diliman

Ang Paglayag Ni Juan by Luke Eidref Agapito Berja from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Hangang Pampang
by John Romer Pavilando from Tarlac State University

Watercolor:
Pag-asa, Dalangin at Pangarap by John Michael Flores Ramos of Tarlac State University

Mulat at Nagmamasid
by Shara Mae Chan from the De La Salle University – Manila

Keep The Fire Burning
by Khaila Mae Faustor from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Oil and Acrylic:

Upturned Façade by Densen James Almeda from the University of the Philippines
– Cebu

Bahay-Bahayan by Marko Sarmiento from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines

A Glimpse of Hope and Life by Clark Myer Arquio from the University of the Philippines
– Cebu

All category winners who placed first received a prize of P60,000 each, while those who placed second and third each received P40,000 and P30,000.

The following artists served as panel of judges: Nemi Miranda, Edgar Doctor, and Edgar "Egai" Talusan Fernandez for watercolor; Francis 'Isko' Andrade, Ronald Ventura, and Rolando Ventura for oil and acrylic; Daniel Dela Cruz, Jan Leeroy New, and Carlo De Laza for sculpture; and Jose Tence Ruiz, Pablo Biglang-Awa Jr., and Victor Balanon for digital fine arts.