2026 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence Competition now welcoming entries in painting, sculpture, and mixed media

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Competition, encouraging emerging Filipino artists to express their thoughts and creativity in painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

“At Metrobank Foundation, we’re delighted to offer a space where young Filipino artists can truly express their creativity and grow in their craft,” shared MBFI President Philip Francisco Dy.

Echoing this, 2025 MADE Grand Awardee for Oil or Acrylic on Canvas Category Jack Enriquez De Castro encourages emerging Filipino artists to take advantage of this space, highlighting that beyond the challenge, MADE offers a valuable opportunity to learn from fellow artists and engage with their works.

“The MADE competition is a great platform for those who are just starting out and want to showcase their art and talent to a wider audience. It also really means a lot to have your work judged by respected and well-known figures in the art community,” added De Castro.

Entry Submission

Artists may conveniently submit their entry forms and upload photos of their entries via the competition’s online portal at metrobankartanddesign.awardsplatform.com. Returning participants from last year can log in using their existing accounts.

Each entrant may participate in only one category and submit only one entry in their chosen category, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all. Entry submission is free and open until March 31, 2026.

To guide interested artists with the submission process and competition guidelines, MBFI will hold online information campaigns on January 30 and February 27, 2025, from 2 pm to 4 pm, via the MADE Facebook page (@metrobankartanddesign). Complete competition mechanics are available at linktr.ee/2026MADE.

Recognition and Prizes

Each category will recognize one Grand Awardee to receive PHP 500,000 worth of prizes (PHP 350,000 cash and PHP 150,000 worth of artistic development scholarship to the Eskinita Art Residency Program).

They will also be awarded the prestigious “More” brass trophy by renowned artist Juan Sajid, a symbol of growth and infinite creative possibilities.

Special citations may also be awarded to artists whose works exhibit exceptional artistry; up to two in the Oil or Acrylic on Canvas category, and one each in Sculpture and Mixed Media.

These honorees will receive PHP 100,000 and the “More” trophy.

Artists who advance to the final stage may also be named National Finalists: up to six in the Oil or Acrylic on Canvas category, and up to two each in the Sculpture and Mixed Media categories.

National Finalists will receive a cash prize of PHP 20,000 and a Plaque of Recognition.

All awards will be granted at the sole discretion of the Board of Judges, in accordance with the highest standards of artistic merit and integrity. Selection criteria are also detailed in the mechanics available via the MADE online portal.

For more than four decades, MADE has served as a nurturing platform for Filipino artists through its annual competition, workshops, artistic development initiatives, partnerships, and community outreach—encouraging creative expression, continuous growth, meaningful collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

To date, the program has recognized and empowered more than 200 artists, many of whom have become leading figures in contemporary art and are creating meaningful impact in their communities through creativity and innovation.

For announcements and updates on the 2026 MADE competition, follow @metrobankartanddesign on Facebook and Instagram, or join the MADE Community Facebook Broadcast Channel (www.messenger.com/channel/metrobankartanddesign).