The longest running nationwide search for young artistic Filipino talents recently culminated its 45th year in the Shell National Students Art Competition awarding ceremonies. The audience were welcomed by Pilipinas Shell Chairman Edgar Chua and Ayala Museum Director Mariles Gustillo. 

In second place in the Sculpture Category was “Floating Dreams” by Brod Carlo De Laza of the University of the Philippines–Diliman; and first place was “Bukas na Lata” by UP Fine Arts student Katrina Noelle Gosiengfiao. Juvenal Sanso, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Jose Joya, and Ang Kiu Kok were among the artists in attendance. Other esteemed personalities on the Philippine art scene also took part in the celebration: Veronica Lim, Manuel Rodriguez, Jr., Angelito Antonio, Raul R. Dayao, Edgar Doctor, Alfredo Liongoren, Virgilio Aviado, Prudencio Lamaroza, and Mario Parial.

The event was followed with inspiration words from guest of honor Ramon Orlina, noted glass sculptor. "You are very fortunate to have many competitions to join where you can have your break… Be proud that you are artists," said Orlina, who himself is very well recognized in Singapore even before he made it big in the Philippines.

Brod Carlo, a recipient of Brod Brandy Ancheta's Naniong/Banez/Santiago Scholarship, has won awards from the same competition in two previous years. He was also the College of Fine Arts Councilor. Carlo belongs to batch UPD '10e and his proud dad is Dr. Edlin de Laza DVM, UPD'73c.

*Web note: To read Brod Carlo's 2013 Shell Students National Arts Competition Award, click here.

Cheers to a Betan artist at work!!