The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), along with the guests of honor Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Hon. Eli Remolona Jr. and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States H.E. Marykay Carlson, welcome the public to a month-long sensorial exhibition to celebrate 40 years of Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) program and welcome the competition’s exciting new chapter starting in 2025.  

Program partners, officials, and guests of honor at the Sibol—Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE)’s 40th Anniversary Exhibition: (L-R) Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) President Aniceto Sobrepeña, MBFI Vice President Alesandra Ty, Metrobank President Fabian Dee, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Hon. Eli Remolona Jr., MBFI Chairman Arthur Ty, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States H.E. MaryKay Carlson, MBFI Senior Vice President Anjanette Dy Buncio, Metropolitan Museum of Manila President Florentina Colayco, Metropolitan Museum of Manila Board of Trustees Chairman Joselito Campos, Business Manager for Samsung Display Ben Kim, and Head of Product Marketing for Samsung Audio Visual Mahir Al-Rubah.

With the theme “Sibol,” the exhibition showcases a curated selection of winning artworks throughout the years of conducting the MADE recognition program. As demonstrated by the growth of both the artists and the community, the MBFI believes that when art grows, we all grow.  

Sensorial and Immersive Experience  

The Sibol exhibition goes beyond the traditional museum experience. Sibol’s curatorial vision was realized through the curatorial partnership with the Foundation University in Dumaguete, led by Fine Arts Department head and curator Ms. Sandra Palomar. The Sibol exhibition presents a curated selection of artworks within the MADE collection that is a feast for the senses, highlighting a stunning collection of 2D and 3D artworks that you can smell, hear, and even feel. Furthermore, artworks of awardees whose practices have developed beyond their usual craft are also featured in the exhibit. 

“Last Trip” by Mark Justiniani, oil on particle board (1990). Guests travel through time by listening to the curated hit songs that belong to ‘patok’ jeepney drivers’ playlist.

Get ready to be amazed by cutting-edge technology! Experience virtual and augmented realities that bring art to life, through the Sibol exhibition’s partnership with Samsung Philippines as co-presenter.  

Guests delighted with the work of Mark Justiniani, titled Online, which made use of reflective media, light fixtures, and objects (2015)

Masterpieces coming to life through virtual reality at Sibol

Be captivated with the “Metathesis of Styles,” showcasing a selection of art installations and contemporary works by former MADE awardees that transform the museum into an interactive art space. These pieces show the evolution and growth of the artistic practices of MADE awardees.

Filipino Artistic Growth    

The exhibition features 40 works of past MADE competitions, by artists who have become respected figures in contemporary art in the past four decades. Their winning works as young artists and now contemporary masters illustrate the transformation and growth of their artistic philosophies.  

“Looking back to the launch poster we released in 1984 with the tagline, “Artists of Today, Art Masters of Tomorrow”, we’re thrilled to see how many of our MADE artists, from diverse generations and artistic backgrounds, have flourished and become respected figures in contemporary art,” said MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña in his speech during the launch.   

“We realized that our commitment to nurturing young Filipino artists and promoting Philippine culture has borne fruit and now is the time to move towards sustainable artistic development for our young artists,” Sobrepeña added.  

Through its annual competition, workshops, artistic development program, partnerships, and community outreach programs, MADE has consistently provided a platform for Filipino artists to express creativity, nurture artistic development, connect with peers, and contribute to the nation’s rich cultural heritage. To date, more than 200 artists have been recognized by the program.   

Visit the Sibol Exhibition!   

The Sibol exhibition at the 2nd Floor North and 3rd Floor South Galleries of The M (formerly Metropolitan Museum of Manila) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig is open and free to the public until October 19, 2024. The galleries are open from 11 AM to 6 PM on Wednesdays to Fridays and 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends. 

 As part of the anniversary celebration, the Metrobank Foundation will also host a series of exclusive exhibit tours for MADE artists and partners, media, Metrobank employees, as well as teachers, in support of the National Teachers’ Month. Additionally, 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! 

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IN THE FEATURED PHOTO: Guests have the chance to re-paint the classic Yeo Kaa artwork via a digital canvas.