2010 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE)
Metrobank Foundation Showcases Works of Young Artists and Designers in MADE Sneak Peek

The Metrobank Foundation presented to the public the masterpieces of young visual artists and designers in the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) Sneak Peek held on June 4 and 5 at the Manila Doctors College in Pasay City.

The Sneak Peek, which put on display the semi-finalists in the MADE painting and sculpture competitions as well as the entries in the architecture and painting competitions, offered a glimpse of the masterpieces of this generation’s promising artists and designers.

The exhibit, which was open to the public with no admission fee, allowed visitors to view over a hundred works of art, which include paintings, sculptures and design boards for a sustainable residence.

The paintings, both in oil-based medium on canvas and water media in paper, reflected the sentiments of the Filipino youth, with themes touching on the social, political and environmental issues of this time. The sculptures likewise exhibited the artists’ creative abilities to mold and to shape various materials, such as resin, fiberglass, glass, metal, wood, stone and terracotta, into extraordinary works of art.

On the other hand, entries in the architecture and painting competitions reminded visitors that homes can be a great venue to start protecting and nurturing the environment. The entries also offered guests practical tips on how to incorporate strategies for sustainable and green lifestyle, such as reduce, re-use and recycle, in their homes. Likewise, the designs proved that recycling and sustainability can go hand in hand with functionality and style.

Aside from being a venue to showcase the artworks of young artists, the Sneak Peek also served as a means to ensure that the entries are original works and that they comply with the rules of competition, which state that the entries should have not been included in any exhibit, have not been submitted in any other competition, and have not won in any national and international competition. This was done by seeking the visitors’ comments on the pieces displayed.

“Through the Sneak Peek, we engage the art community and the general public in the conduct of the MADE competition,” stated Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepeña. He continued, “Soliciting their comments on the entries that we have received somehow ensures that the entries abide to the rules of the competition, thereby adding credibility to MADE.”

The semi-finalists, which have undergone screening by renowned artists who serve as board of judges, will advance to the final judging process and will be scrutinized by the same set of judges. The winners will receive cash prizes and will be awarded on September.

Now on its 26th year, MADE is an annual competition which aims to recognize budding artists in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture and interior design, as well as to launch and enhance their careers. With the advocacy “Your environment shapes you,” MADE also seeks to contribute in preserving the environment through sustainable designs. The pioneering art competition of the Metrobank Foundation which started in 1984, MADE lists the names of now established up-and-coming masters such as Bobby Feleo, Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Duddley Diaz, Dan Raralio, Noell El Farol, Alfredo Esquillo, Jr., and Gabby Barredo, and promising architects and designers such as Architects Noel Tan, Michael Peña, Jericho Adriano, and John David O’Yek and Interior Designers Marybeth Tabaquin, Jasmine O’yek Sy, Wilhelmina Garcia, April Frigillana and Karina Diana Cortez in its roster of winners.

The Metrobank Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, was established by its chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty in 1979. With the theme “Excel. Engage. Empower.” the Foundation has promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs, such as the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, The Outstanding Philippine Soldier, Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service, the Metrobank Math Challenge, and College Scholarship Program. The Foundation also engages its partners and awardees in different activities geared towards giving back to the society. Through these initiatives, the Metrobank Foundation empowers its awardees and partners to become better citizens of the community. As part of its contributions to help improve health care services in the country, Dr. Ty donated a two-hectare lot along Diosdado Macapagal Avenue, costing about P1.2 billion, that would be the site of a modern tertiary medical center complex. This new hospital, once completed, will have a 1,000-bed capacity, making it one of the biggest hospitals in the country owned by a not-for-profit organization.

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