La Consolacion College Bacolod Fine Arts student Marvin Jay Magbanua secured 4th place in the Oil/Acrylic category of the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC), earning national recognition in one of the country’s most prestigious art platforms for young Filipino creatives.
The announcement was made during the Awards Ceremony held Dec. 5, 2025, at the Ayala Museum in Makati City, where Magbanua stood among the nation’s top seven finalists whose works were featured in the official NSAC exhibit.
Magbanua said the recognition came as a surprise, especially after noticing minor damage to his entry. “Wala gid ko ga expect na ika-4th place ko sa NSAC… Pero ang importante para sa akon, ang opportunity nga nadala ko sa isa ka prestigious na competition,” he said in a Facebook post shortly after the awarding.
He added that being selected as a finalist, and later ranking fourth, restored his confidence during moments of doubt. “Para sa akon daog man ko dyapon kay tungod nakita ko sa kaugalingon ko na may potential ko sa craft ko,” he wrote, giving thanks to his grandparents, family, girlfriend, teachers, and the supportive creative communities he belongs to, including his peers from Susans, Painting Legionnaires, and GONA.
Magbanua’s achievement extends LCC Bacolod’s strong tradition of excellence in the Shell NSAC—an art competition known as the springboard of several Philippine National Artists, including Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz.
Dr. Vincent Raymund Alovera, Dean of the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Interior Design, praised Magbanua’s determination and artistry.
“Marvin’s achievement reflects the resilience and passion that define our young Negrense artists. His work—and the story behind it—embodies the spirit of ARFIEN. We are incredibly proud of how he represented LCCB at the national level.”
Sr. Flolyn Catungal, OSA, President of LCCB, also commended Magbanua for his dedication.
“Marvin’s recognition at NSAC is a triumph not just for him but for the entire LCCB community. His journey shows what happens when talent, perseverance, and faith come together. We celebrate his success and the inspiration he brings to our students.”
Magbanua joins a growing list of LCCB student artists who have performed strongly in the NSAC over the years.
In earlier editions of the competition:
Paulo Eric Garinganao placed among the top winners in the Multimedia Arts category of the 37th NSAC with his digital short film “A Glint at the Fork in the Road,” which addressed youth struggles through visual storytelling.
Alvin Loveña, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising student, ranked in the top 10 out of over a thousand national entries in the Oil/Acrylic category with his work “Pili Pino,” a tribute to Filipino identity.
In 2024, Kyla Marie Borromeo, then a 4th-year BFA student, finished 5th place in the 57th Shell NSAC for her photography piece exploring the creative passion that drives young artists.
These achievements strengthen LCC Bacolod’s standing as a consistent contributor to the national art scene, producing student artists who excel in both traditional and emerging media.
For Magbanua, the recognition marks the beginning of a larger artistic mission. In his post, he reflected on the lessons behind the journey:
“Sa kabuhi, kinahanglan ta madusmo para matun-an ta mag lakat para maka kadto ta sa aton mga palakadtuan.”
With his work exhibited at the Ayala Museum and his name now added to the roster of distinguished NSAC awardees, Magbanua carries forward the legacy of LCCB artists who continue to ignite their craft—and inspire the next generation—with unrelenting “alab”