At La Consolacion College Bacolod, we are always proud of the talented students who walk through our doors, but Hans Benedict Espina’s recent achievement feels like a personal triumph for the entire community. Hans, an Architecture student who is no stranger to blending his academic pursuits with his artistic passion, recently won the Consolation Prize at the 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival Visual Arts Competition. It was a momentous achievement that once again placed him in the spotlight for his creativity, vision, and dedication.
For those who know Hans, his journey has been one of evolution—transforming his love for art into something that resonates deeply with the soul of Negros Occidental. A graduate of the Arts and Design strand at LCCB in 2021-2022, Hans started his artistic journey with a deep appreciation for painting. Initially drawn to pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Studio Arts, he chose Architecture as his degree program, believing it to be the highest form of art. That decision didn’t hinder his passion for painting; rather, it enriched his approach, allowing him to weave his architectural sensibilities into his visual storytelling.
When asked how his experience in the 28th Panaad Sa Negros Festival influenced his approach to this year’s competition, Hans shared, “When I heard this year’s theme, ‘Future Unfolds,’ the first thing that came to mind was the idea of continuing a promise. I wanted the story from my previous piece, ‘Ulan sang Bougainvillea,’ to continue. The concept of ‘The Promise’ became central, linking the past and present in a series that spoke of continuity and hope.”
This year’s competition posed new challenges, with Hans only having two days to complete his work. Time constraints meant his piece was a mere 60% complete, but that didn’t take away from the depth of its message. The piece, titled “Ano ang Ara sa Dalom sang Lagoon?”, invited viewers to question what lies beneath the surface of the Negros Provincial Lagoon. “For me,” Hans said, “it symbolizes leadership, resilience, and vision. It represents not just governance, but the aspirations of the province—a future that respects its past while embracing progress.”
The balance between being an architecture student and a passionate artist is undoubtedly a delicate one. Hans shared, “Switching between painter mode and architecture student mode can be challenging, especially with the demanding nature of my studies. But I’ve learned to create when inspiration strikes, usually when an idea represents my current experiences.”
At LCCB, we believe in nurturing students like Hans, who have the potential to impact both the academic and artistic worlds. Sister Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, our President, shared her thoughts on Hans’s journey: “We are incredibly proud of Hans. His achievement is a testament to the strength and versatility of our students. He shows us that the pursuit of excellence in one field can enhance and enrich another. Hans is an example of the promise we make to our students: to help them grow and reach beyond their potential.”
As Hans continues his journey, he remains open to more opportunities for growth—whether through competitions, exhibitions, or new projects. His ultimate goal is to blend the worlds of architecture and fine arts, creating masterpieces that reflect the spirit and story of Negros Occidental. “As long as I’m in the creative world, I will live,” he said with a spark in his eyes.
Hans Benedict Espina is living proof that creativity knows no boundaries. His journey is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to telling the stories of Negros through his art. We can only imagine what his future holds, but one thing is certain—his journey is one that will continue to inspire all who encounter his work.