Cover H.E. MaryKay Carlson at the colourful installation by Raffy Napay, titled ‘MANAnahi’ (2022) for Metrobank Art & Design Excellence’s 40th anniversary exhibition
H.E. MaryKay Carlson at the colourful installation by Raffy Napay, titled ‘MANAnahi’ (2022) for Metrobank Art & Design Excellence’s 40th anniversary exhibition
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Celebrating four decades of nurturing Filipino talent, Metrobank Foundation’s ‘Sibol’ exhibition is an immersive showcase that highlights the evolution of Philippine contemporary art
The Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) programme has nurtured the next generation of Filipino artists. To celebrate its 40th anniversary milestone, Metrobank Foundation mounted an immersive exhibition titled Sibol, aptly named for the theme of growth, held at The M in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
But this isn’t your typical art retrospective. Sibol goes beyond a mere display of winning artworks from MADE’s archives. It’s an invitation to experience Philippine art with fresh eyes, where past, present, and future intersect. Visitors are drawn into a multi-sensory world where they don’t just observe art—they live it. With augmented reality installations and interactive experiences, the exhibition defies the traditional boundaries of what an art show can be.
“We’ve seen our MADE winners grow over the years, not just in their craft, but in how they engage with the world around them,” says Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña during the exhibition’s launch. “Sibol reflects that evolution. It’s a celebration of where they’ve been and where Philippine art is heading.”
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Above Aniceto Sobrepeña, Alesandra Ty, Fabian Dee, Eli Remolona Jr, Arthur Ty, H.E. MaryKay Carlson, Anjanette Dy Buncio, Florentina Colayco, Joselito Campos, Ben Kim, and Mahir Al-Rubah
Aniceto Sobrepeña, Alesandra Ty, Fabian Dee, Eli Remolona Jr, Arthur Ty, H.E. MaryKay Carlson, Anjanette Dy Buncio, Florentina Colayco, Joselito Campos, Ben Kim, and Mahir Al-Rubah
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A new approach to curating
The vision for Sibol was brought to life through the collaboration with the Foundation University of Dumaguete’s Fine Arts Department, led by curator Sandra Palomar. Rather than simply presenting a series of works, Palomar and her team sought to immerse audiences fully. The result is an exhibition that breaks the usual museum experience. Visitors walk through installations that engage multiple senses—art that can be heard, felt, and even smelled.
Samsung Philippines’ partnership with the exhibition introduces a cutting-edge layer as well. Through virtual and augmented reality components, artworks leap off the walls, inviting deeper interaction.
Above The ‘Sibol’ exhibition’s tactile experience area
The ‘Sibol’ exhibition’s tactile experience area
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Above ‘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.
‘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.
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Evolution of artistic practice
A focal point of the exhibition is the Metathesis of Styles, a showcase of contemporary works by former MADE winners. These pieces highlight how far the artists have come, their styles having transformed over the years. Each work tells a personal story of artistic growth, from their initial competition entries to the mature forms that now push the boundaries of Philippine contemporary art.
The Sibol exhibition also presents a rare opportunity to see 40 winning works spanning the past four decades. These works capture the diversity of the Filipino artistic experience, reflecting both individual journeys and the broader evolution of art in the Philippines. From early, raw talent to finely honed skills, these pieces offer a glimpse into the shifting landscape of the local art scene.
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Above Guests have the chance to re-paint this classic Yeo Kaa artwork using a large touch screen monitor
Above Masterpieces coming to life through virtual reality
Guests have the chance to re-paint this classic Yeo Kaa artwork using a large touch screen monitor
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A platform for growth
Since 1984, the MADE programme has provided Filipino artists with a platform to hone their craft, connect with peers, and contribute to the national conversation on art and identity. More than 200 artists have been recognised, many of whom have become key figures in the Philippine art world.
“Looking at our very first MADE poster from 1984, which said ‘Artists of Today, Art Masters of Tomorrow,’ we couldn’t have predicted just how true that statement would become,” says Sobrepeña. MADE’s alumni now include some of the most respected names in the industry, their artistic philosophies maturing alongside their careers.
Above Guests delighted with the work of Mark Justiniani, titled ‘Online’, which made use of reflective media, light fixtures, and objects (2015)
Guests delighted with the work of Mark Justiniani, titled ‘Online’, which made use of reflective media, light fixtures, and objects (2015)
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More than a retrospective
Beyond its role as a retrospective, Sibol signals where Metrobank Foundation is headed. As part of its 40th-anniversary celebration, the foundation is laying the groundwork for the next chapter of MADE, with plans to expand the programme’s reach and impact starting in 2025.
In tandem with the exhibition, a series of public workshops and discussions with creative leaders will be held to explore the future of art and design in the Philippines. Special exhibit tours are also scheduled for artists, partners, and educators as part of National Teachers’ Month celebrations.
Open to the public until October 19, Sibol reminds us that art is not static. It grows, evolves, and—like the artists behind it—reflects the dynamism of the society from which it springs.
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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.
