TRACING its humble beginnings in the year 1984, the annual Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (Made) was conceived by late Metrobank Group founder and chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty at a time when the nation was at the throes of economic crisis and socio-political unrest. The Filipino people were in search for meaning and hope beyond the uncertainties at that time. While many took their struggles to the streets, Dr. Ty discovered much promise and potential in Philippine visual arts as an alternate creative bullhorn for people to be heard.
Thirty-five years since, MADE has continued to be a platform for the discovery of the most passionate and creative visionaries in the country. To date, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) has recognized more than 400 creative visionaries serving as drivers behind the transformational and uplifting power of visual arts in nation-building. Majority of them are now carving significant names in the local and even international art scenes.
But more than a competition that breeds artistic talent, Made has evolved to become a development program that facilitates a generation of fresh ideas for social development. It has set the benchmark among the country’s art competitions as a pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) program for the arts.
“The dawn of this annual art tilt can be traced back to an aspiration that took hold 35 years ago: to provide a platform for Filipino artistry to flourish. Over the years, Made has evolved to become a formative platform that enables emerging artists to translate their ideas into masterpieces,” shares MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña in his message.
Unleash the artist within
This year’s theme, “Unleash,” reflects MBFI’s continuing advocacy to seek out and exalt Filipino visionaries—young individuals who bring vibrancy to the evolving art scene whether they are working with a blank canvas or a space waiting to be transformed.
A new batch of Made awardees is set to be awarded on September 19 at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park in Pasay City. Two Grand Awardees will receive financial assistance worth P500,000 and “Mula” glass trophy designed by 2009 Metrobank Prize for Achievement in Sculpture (MPAS) awardee Noell El Farol.
Meanwhile, three other finalists for the Oil/Acrylic on Canvas and Watermedia on Paper Categories, Painting Recognition Program, will be given Special Citations for their remarkable artworks.
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The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, sixteen (16) years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). MBFI envisions to be the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development.
Its flagship programs include the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos; Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (Made); Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP); Metrobank MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC); Grants and Social Development Partnerships, Disaster Response, National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration, and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures. MBFI is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), one of the leading centers of wellness in the country.
As a development organization, MBFI aims to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with institutions for a shared-purpose. By creating and propagating a culture of excellence and providing solutions to stakeholder’s needs, the Foundation continuously expands its scope of reach and be at the forefront in serving communities. As the heart of the Metrobank Group, “Excel. Engage. Empower” or the 3Es remains its roadmap.