Mailah Baldemor

Mailah Baldemor is a Filipino visual artist and educator. She won the 1993 Shell National Student Art Competition (NSAC). Having come from a family of artists, Baldemor has contributed to Philippine art through her creative work and involvement in art education. ^[1]

Early life and education

Mailah Baldemor was introduced to art at an early age, participating in art competitions during childhood. In 1992, she enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) which later became the College of Architecture and the College of Fine Arts and Design. The following year, in 1993, she gained national recognition by winning the Shell National Student Art Competition with her entry titled, ''Lahar Country.'' This award granted her a scholarship and helped launch her professional journey in the arts. ^[2]

Career and artistic contributions

Mailah Baldemor has served as the Chair of the Painting Program at the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts and Design (UST–CFAD). In this role, she has been involved in the education and development of emerging Filipino artists. Her artistic practice spans various media and addresses themes related to contemporary society. ^[3]

Baldemor has discussed the impact of digital connectivity on the Philippine art scene, highlighting how social media and the internet facilitate the exchange of ideas, the spread and adoption of new trends, and engagement with issues such as climate change and public health. ^[4]

Recognition and impact

In 2023, Mailah Baldemor was recognized as one of four notable Filipina artists during Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation's celebration of International Women's Month. This recognition acknowledged her achievements as a Shell National Student Art Competition (NSAC) alumna and her continued contributions to Philippine art. ^{[5] [6]}

Her career illustrates the role of the Shell NSAC in supporting Filipino artists and reflects the competition's ongoing influence in nurturing young talents over its 58th year history. ^[7]

References

1. "4 Filipina Artists Who Have Made Their Name in the Philippine Art Industry". When In Manila. March 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
2. "Shell NSAC Celebrates Women in Philippine Art". FilipinoArt.ph. March 24, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
3. "Balde of CFAD Takes Part in PH Winning Entry to 2020 International Christmas Seals Contest". University of Santo Tomas. 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
4. "Shell NSAC Women Artists Take Center Stage on International Women's Day". Manila Bulletin. March 9, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
5. "Shell NSAC Honors Four Women Alumni on International Women's Day". Jaja Ramirez Lifestyle. March 29, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
6. "Shell NSAC Women Artists Take Center Stage on International Women's Day". Pilipinas Shell. March 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
7. "Pilipinas Shell National Student Art Competition Celebrates 55 Years of Filipino Art". The Red Circle. September 28, 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2025.