Renato and Guerrero Habulan interact with student-artists

MANILA, Philippines - The father and son tandem of Renato and Guerrero Habulan engrossed around 100 participants of the Shell Art Interaction Program 2011 held at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan, Ilocos Sur with their rich knowledge of visual arts and their artworks.

Named as one of the Thirteen Artists Awardees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Renato shared with art interaction participants basic and advanced techniques in creating artworks including an array of ways in transforming ideas into arresting imageries. The elder Habulan is a recipient of a Professional Achievement Award from the University of the East, his alma mater.

Guerrero, on the other hand, taught the participants techniques in watercolor painting. He also shared his journey as an artist, from winning several national art contests including a first prize distinction from the Shell Arts Competition, to mounting exhibitions in revered art galleries and museums. 

A winning combination of maturity, dynamism and brilliant artistry delivered by the Habulans, this year’s Shell Art Interaction was an enriching experience for the participants, giving them a rare chance to interact with the art masters, which concluded with a colorful yet significant mural-like painting, a tangible proof of the art interaction’s success.

“The Shell Art Interaction is Shell’s way of inspiring Filipino student artists to explore their creativity and express their thoughts through artistic, meaningful and relevant artworks,” says Pilipinas Shell sustainable development manager Ronald Suarez. “As a prelude to the Shell National Students Art Competition, this annual activity is a testament to Shell’s support for the artistic development of the Filipino youth and for strengthening art education in the country.”

Since 1994, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation brings an established artist to different educational institutions outside Metro Manila for the Shell Art Interaction Program. Through the years, it continuously fortifies its relevance in promoting art education in the country where arts students as well as university and college teachers learn knowledge and techniques for the development of their artistic skills.

“Your program gave our students a rare opportunity to gain knowledge and learn techniques in creating artworks that best capture and showcase their viewpoints on the world around them. On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of the University of Northern Philippines, we are thankful to Pilipinas Shell for bringing the Shell Art Interaction once again to our school,” says UNP College of Fine Arts dean Dr. Anastacio Espejo.

The first and only one of its kind in the country, this pioneering program opens the much anticipated Shell art season that culminates in the National Students Art Competition, which is currently on its 44th year of celebrating the brilliance of Filipino art students in visual arts