Metrobank art awardees turn perspectives into possibilities

MANILA, Philippines — Drawing from the world around them and their own experiences, the 2026 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) grand awardees transformed themes of power, perseverance and human connection into compelling works that invite audiences to reflect, see familiar realities from different perspectives and consider new possibilities.

‘This year, MADE received over 600 submissions from artists across the country, reflecting the diversity, talent and vitality of the Philippine art community. Their works remind us that Filipino artists continue to engage deeply with the world around them and contribute fresh perspectives to the conversations shaping our society,” said Metrobank Foundation president Philip Francisco Dy.

Through painting, mixed media and sculpture, artists charted their own creative paths, translating their observations and questions into works that speak to the world around them.

Awardees were recognized at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila on Sept. 17, marking the opening of the 2026 MADE exhibition.

Open to the public for free from Sept. 18 to Oct. 18, the exhibition features nearly 100 works from different parts of the country that advanced to the semifinals of the competition, including those of the grand awardees.

The 2026 MADE grand awardees each received P500,000 worth of prizes, comprised of P350,000 in cash and a scholarship of P150,000 to the Eskinita Art Residency Program in 2027, as well as the coveted “More” trophy sculpted this year in copper by renowned artist and 2007 MADE awardee Juan Sajid.

A panel of art practitioners, curators, writers and creative industry leaders chaired by sculptor Reginald Yuson selected the 2026 MADE winners.

Joining Yuson were painter and former MADE awardee Mark Andy Garcia, mixed media artist Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, MADE 2026 exhibition curator and University of the Philippines Diliman Department of Theory associate professor May Lyn Cruz, art writer and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Creative Industries Program officer-in-charge Lara Acuin, Vinyl Gallery co-founder and co-director Gaby dela Merced and Cultural Center of the Philippines Visual Arts and Museum Division officer-in-charge Rica Estrada.