Artistic excellence took center stage at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M) as the 2026 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) awardees were recognized on September 17, 2026. The awarding ceremony also marked the opening of “TRAVERSE: Creativity in Motion,” a month-long exhibition featuring nearly 100 paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works by this year’s awardees, finalists, and semifinalists. The exhibition is curated by May Lyn Cruz and is open to the public for free until October 18, 2026.
Celebrating Filipino Artistic Excellence
The 2026 MADE competition received more than 600 submissions from artists across the Philippines, highlighting the range of talent and creative perspectives within the country's contemporary art scene. Three artists received the Grand Awards this year: Vince Martin A. Macatangay for Oil or Acrylic on Canvas, Kennette A. Luague for Mixed Media, and Aldrin B. Olaguir for Sculpture. Special Citations were also awarded to Raphael Daniel O. David, Richard D. Montero, Arvin C. Cantalejo Jr., and Artgiveson C. Arreglado for their respective works. The grand awardees received ₱350,000 in cash, a ₱150,000 scholarship to the 2027 Eskinita Art Residency Program, and the copper “More” trophy created by sculptor Juan Sajid. The ceremony was attended by Metrobank Group representatives and this year's guest of honor, Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines Miguel Utray Delgado, adding an international dimension to the celebration of Filipino creativity.
Discover “TRAVERSE: Creativity in Motion”
The exhibition goes beyond displaying the winning works. “TRAVERSE: Creativity in Motion” brings together nearly 100 artworks that explore different ways artists understand their surroundings, experiences, identities, and society. The exhibition is organized into six thematic sections: Leading the Way, To Cross, To Overcome, Surveying the Social Landscape, Urban Navigation, Inward Odyssey, and Paths of Promise. Together, these sections create a journey through different perspectives and experiences reflected in contemporary Philippine art. Visitors can see works across painting, sculpture, and mixed media while exploring the different ideas and stories behind the pieces. The exhibition's theme also reflects the idea of creativity as movement—crossing boundaries, navigating challenges, and finding new possibilities through art.
Experience Contemporary Philippine Art in BGC
“TRAVERSE: Creativity in Motion” runs from September 18 to October 18, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, MK Tan Centre, 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 AM to 6 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with free admission. Visitors can also arrange guided tours through The M. For art enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in discovering Filipino creativity, the exhibition offers an opportunity to experience works from emerging artists in one of BGC's cultural spaces. With its combination of award-winning pieces and works from finalists and semifinalists, “TRAVERSE” provides a broader look at the ideas, experiences, and artistic directions shaping contemporary Philippine art.
