When third-year Fine Arts student Marvin Jay Magbanua learned he had been named a finalist in the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC)—one of the country’s most prestigious platforms for young visual artists—he described the moment as both surreal and deeply personal. For the La Consolacion College Bacolod student, the recognition is not only an artistic milestone but also a testament to perseverance, mentorship, and the quiet fire that continues to drive him.
Magbanua credits his artistic formation at LCC Bacolod for sharpening the discipline and creativity that brought him to the national stage. “Na hasa kag mas lalo na develop ang akon nga knowledge about sa art… gina sapuso gid ang mga learnings nga gina tudlo sakon sang mga gina respeto ko nga mga professor sa Arfien,” he said. He names mentors Sir Buglas, Edmund Bacia, Antonio Tejado, and Primitivo Deocades as pillars who taught him to be “a warrior, disciplined, and hardworking” in honing his craft.
“They gave me strength and knowledge,” he added. “Amo na ang rason ngaa naging finalist ko… tungod sa mga tawo nga gina himo ko inspirasyon sa craft ko.”
This year’s NSAC theme, “ALAB,” resonated deeply with Magbanua. His submission was inspired by a person whose influence shaped the very core of his artistic journey—his grandfather. “Ang lolo ko ang nag hatag sakon sang apoy para mag baga ang akon diwa sa art,” he said. His artwork reflects a personal philosophy anchored in passion, persistence, and the desire to ignite sparks in others.
“Kada artist may sari-sari nga istorya… kag amo na ang akon nga istorya nga gin-share ko paagi sa pag intra sa competition,” he said, hoping that his piece will inspire fellow young artists who may be struggling to keep their creative fire alive.
The road to NSAC, however, wasn’t easy. Magbanua admitted he faced the familiar battles that test many artists—exhaustion, doubt, self-critique, and the dreaded creative block. The turning point came when he remembered his grandfather’s encouragement. “Nakita ko liwat na may purpose ngaa ang kabuhi ko ara sa art… gina dedicate ko ang tanan para sa lolo ko kag sa bilog ko nga pamilya,” he said. The memory strengthened his resolve to finish his piece and push forward.
With the invitation to the December 5 Awards Ceremony at Ayala Museum in Makati City, Magbanua says the moment feels both humbling and historic for him. “Kalipayan gid… proud ang pamilya, ang mga friends, kag ang school,” he said. “This is my first major achievement in art, and to be a finalist in an elite competition like Shell—where national artists like Jose Joya and Ang Kiukok once stood—is beyond inspiring.”
Looking ahead, Magbanua hopes the recognition becomes a stepping stone toward his long-term dream—not just to excel in the art world, but to give back. “I want to become an art teacher,” he said. “Para iguide, tudluan kag buligan ang mga sunod nga henerasyon… lalo na para sa mga young Filipino artist nga gahimakas parehas sa akon.”
For now, he prepares to join the country’s most promising student artists in a celebration of passion, purpose, and creative fire—carrying with him the memory of a grandfather’s spark, the support of mentors, and the hope of igniting many more flames in the years to come.