The Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) program with a night of appreciation for its partners and stakeholders. The MADE Legacy Night, held at The M (also known as Metropolitan Museum of Manila) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, brought together former awardees and judges, program partners, and members of the art community to enjoy this significant milestone.
The evening commenced with a heartfelt welcome address by MBFI President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña. He paid tribute to the late Dr. George S.K. Ty, founder of Metrobank and the Metrobank Foundation, recognizing him as an art patron and the visionary behind MADE. “He [Dr. Ty] knew that art could open our eyes to deeper truths and guide us all in building a stronger, more connected nation. Now, forty years later, it’s clear just how true that was,” said Sobrepeña.
The program honored past MADE judges including artist and art critic Cid Reyes, curator and museum director Ricky Francisco, architect Philip Recto and arts administrator, educator, and entrepreneur Dindin Araneta. Renowned MADE awardees and exhibiting artists were also recognized such as Raffy Napay, Pow Marin, Kathleen Dagum, Wilhelmina Garcia, Jowee Aguinaldo, Architect Jonathan Dangue, Anton Del Castilo, Roldan Ventura, Alfredo Esquilo, Elmer Borlongan, and many others gracing the event.
As a special tribute for their contributions over the past decade, a specially designed 40th anniversary token was given to MADE’s program and advocacy partners. The anniversary token is a brass sculpture entitled “Binhi” (seed), designed and sculpted by two-time MADE awardee, Ar. Jonathan Dangue. “Binhi” symbolizes the genesis of opportunities and potential, that when nurtured, thrives and unfolds to bear fruit for the next generation.
MADE partners receive specially designed brass sculpture entitled “Binhi” (seed), designed and sculpted by two-time MADE awardee, Ar. Jonathan Dangue.
MBFI expressed its deepest gratitude to all the partners who have supported MADE throughout its 40-year journey. “To our partners, your expertise, spaces, resources, passion for the advocacy and network of support helped us realize our mission… As part of the MADE family, you each contributed so much to this journey,” shared Sobrepeña.
MADE partners present at the Legacy Night include Bayo, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Federal Land Inc., Greenstone Pharmaceutical (Katinko), Linangan Art Residency, Manila Doctors Hospital, Metrobank, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Philippine Institute for Interior Design, The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, United Architect of the Philippines, and Visual Arts Helping Hands Foundation.
The evening featured an exclusive walkthrough of the MADE 40th Anniversary Exhibition, titled “Sibol.” Curated by the Foundation University-Dumaguete, led by Fine Arts Department head and curator Ms. Sandra Palomar, the exhibition showcases a captivating blend of historic MADE winning pieces alongside contemporary creations by past MADE awardees. “Sibol” invites viewers on an immersive and sensorial journey through the evolution and diversity of Philippine art and culture over the past four decades.
In his speech, Sobrepeña eloquently described how the exhibition theme, “Sibol”, embodies the program’s growth and transformation. He highlighted how the artworks reflected the socio-political landscape of the Philippines over the years, evolving from depicting challenges and aspirations to exploring themes of identity and purpose. “These works created over the years sum up how artistic expressions can adapt to meet the needs of the community and thrive alongside it. Truly, when art and artists grow, we all grow,” said Sobrepeña
The Sibol exhibition at the 2nd Floor North and 3rd Floor South Galleries of The M is open and free to the public until October 19, 2024 from 11 AM to 6 PM on Tuesdays to Fridays and 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends.
MADE Legacy Night is part of the series of activities celebrating MADE’s 40th Anniversary. Recently, MBFI hosted an exclusive exhibit tour for teachers in honor of National Teachers’ Month. Also, a public workshop featuring artists and creative industry leaders will be held to discuss relevant topics about Philippine art and design, in partnership with Kathâ Pilipinas.
For more information, follow facebook.com/metrobankartanddesign. Visit Sibol today and experience the captivating legacy of MADE!
