Cover ‘Some threads are made of flesh and blood’ by Watermedia on Paper Special Citation Awardee Zarlien Delgado
‘Some threads are made of flesh and blood’ by Watermedia on Paper Special Citation Awardee Zarlien Delgado
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Several young artists are recognised by the Metrobank Foundation for their artistic rigour and ingenious allegories in the art field
“In our 39 years of sustained service to the art community, it is our privilege to care for artworks that reflect the soul of our nation,” says Aniceto M Sobrepeña, president of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI). “We will continue to champion not only excellence but also the sustainable development of our artists and the nation’s artistic tapestry.”
This is why on its 2023 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, MBFI recognised seven among the 402 visual artists who joined the competition, paving the way for the youth to boost their careers in the arts.
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With the theme “Connect: Stronger Ties, Bolder Strides”, this year’s event speaks of the transformative power of creative collaborations and how art can create linkages and transcend boundaries. Seven of them were the cream of the crop—and were named as this year’s awardees by the esteemed Board of Judges.
The board was chaired by artist, educator, and consultant Sandra Palomar and co-chaired by Qube Gallery founder Maris Holopainen. Members include visual artist and sculptor Kublai Millan, painter Golda King, visual artist Raffy Napay, sculptor Richard Buxani and curator and educator Laya Boquiren-Gonzales.
The winners will receive the “More” Trophy designed and created by the 2007 Metrobank Foundation Prize for Achievement in Sculpture Juan Sajid.
Above MADE awardees to receive the “More” trophy designed and created by 2007 Metrobank Foundation Prize for Achievement in Sculpture Juan Sajid
MADE awardees to receive the “More” trophy designed and created by 2007 Metrobank Foundation Prize for Achievement in Sculpture Juan Sajid
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Oil/Acrylic on Canvas Category
Grand Awardee: Jowee Anne Aguinaldo
Above ‘Puro Kahig, Walang Matuka’ by Jowee Anne Aguinaldo
Above Jowee Anne Aguinaldo
‘Puro Kahig, Walang Matuka’ by Jowee Anne Aguinaldo
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Jowee Anne Aguinaldo’s Puro Kahig, Walang Matuka is the Grand Awardee in the Oil/Acrylic on Canvas category. It depicts the plight of farmers and their families across the country whose livelihood rarely receives support.
Special Citation: Dexter Cinco
Above ‘Prima Custos’ by Dexter Cinco
Above Dexter Cinco
‘Prima Custos’ by Dexter Cinco
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Meanwhile, bagging the Special Citation in the Oil/Acrylic on Canvas category is Dexter Cinco’s Prima Custos. It is a “homage to elderly members of society” who have imparted their wisdom and care towards the youth.
The Latin title translates to ‘first guardian’ which aptly describes the roles they’ve played in the lives of the youth.
Special Citation: Jonas Miguel Arlegui
Above ‘Pagitan’ by Jonas Miguel Arlegui
Above Jonas Miguel Arlegui
‘Pagitan’ by Jonas Miguel Arlegui
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Another recipient of the Special Citation award for the Oil/Acrylic on Canvas category is Jonas Miguel S Arlegui for his work titled Pagitan. Here, the artist opens up a rift between earthly objects and beings in his landscape of monotony and incongruous shapes.
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Watermedia on Paper Category
Grand Awardee: Jerome G Santos
Above ‘ha(PAG PAG)kaing pinagkainan’ by Jerome Santos
Above Jerome Santos
‘ha(PAG PAG)kaing pinagkainan’ by Jerome Santos
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Pagpag, meaning to shake off dirt, is the practice of scavenging for scrap food from restaurants and fast-food chains to be cooked and served again as a fresh meal. In Jerome Santos’s ha(PAG PAG)kaing pinagkainan, a table for three served with refried bones and chewed-up leftovers overflowing in buckets is set.
The piece sets off a deeper discussion of the series of interconnected issues that question and give awareness to the lived experiences of Filipinos in poverty-stricken communities.
Special Citation: Zarlien M Delgado
Above ‘Some threads are made of flesh and blood’ by Zarlien Delgado
Above Zarlien Delgado
‘Some threads are made of flesh and blood’ by Zarlien Delgado
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Zarlien Delgado’s Some threads are made of flesh and blood won the Special Citation award in the Watermedia on Paper category. It is a multi-generational family portrait that treads the line between craft and fine art to portray an enduring story of honour and love that is nurtured at home.
Sculpture Recognition Program
Grand Awardee: Abril Dominic A Valdemoro
Above ‘Last Trip’ by Abril Dominic Valdemoro
Above Abril Dominic Valdemoro
‘Last Trip’ by Abril Dominic Valdemoro
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Abril Dominic Valdemoro, the Grand Awardee for the Sculpture Recognition Program, upholds the significant roles of jeepney drivers as public workers and cultural icons in his marine epoxy resin sculpture titled Last Trip. It embodies the qualities of the Filipino spirit that remain strong and unrelenting in the face of struggle.
Special Citation: Michael Art M de Leon
Above ‘Mundong Pinagisa ng Tubig’ by Michael Art de Leon
Above Michael Art de Leon
‘Mundong Pinagisa ng Tubig’ by Michael Art de Leon
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Awarded the Special Citation award, Michael Art de Leon’s resin sculpture titled Mundong Pinagisa ng Tubig explores the interconnectedness between water and people—a liquid symbolism that flows into social and cultural systems, affecting how we interact and exchange with one another.
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Credits
Images: Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI)
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
