Metrobank Art & Design Excellence awardee joins Filipino and Chinese artists to paint a message for future generations

Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Grand Awardee for Oil/Acrylic on Canvas Category (2022) Melvin Pollero joined a fellow-Filipino artist Jensen Moreno and Chinese artists CuriousBoy and Vance Yuan in painting a friendship mural to convey a message of hope, unity, and shared aspirations for future generations.

Led by the Philippine Consulate General, this collaborative project was done in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China.

“We are truly honored to be invited by the Philippine Consulate in Shanghai to participate in this collaborative art project. This opportunity not only celebrates the talent of our Filipino artists but also nurtures their creativity and amplifies their voices on an international stage, reflecting our commitment to empowering Filipino artistry worldwide,” shared Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) President Philip Francisco Dy.

From November 22 to 29, 2025, the four award-winning multimedia artists worked closely together on the canvas, exchanging ideas, techniques, and cultural perspectives throughout the creative process.

Reflecting on the experience, MADE artist Melvin Pollero shared that he felt like a winner again. “I hope this experience contributes to the promotion of Filipino artists, international exchanges, and future projects to come,” said Pollero.

People-to-People Connections

Underscoring the importance of the project as a meaningful expression of shared history and the growing ties between the two countries, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz personally attended the unveiling of the friendship mural in Shanghai on November 30.

“In every brushstroke, we see the fusion of our heritages; in every color, a shared emotion; and in the complete image, a powerful narrative of mutual respect and understanding,” shared Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz.

Philippine Consul General in Shanghai Myca Magnolia M. Fischer also affirmed the significance of the collaboration, “The mural highlights something we deeply value: people-to-people exchanges. Governments may sign agreements, but it is people—students, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs, workers, and families—who give life to international relations. Every cultural exchange, every shared story, every collective effort enriches our understanding of one another and strengthens the foundation on which we build our future.”

We Shine Together

Speaking on the inspiration behind the friendship mural, Pollero shared that its central message is “We shine together,” reflecting values of mutual respect rooted in equality, fairness, and cooperation.

To celebrate the richness of the Philippines, Pollero included the iconic jeepney, a symbol of Filipinos’ resourcefulness and aspiration for industrialization. At the same time, the Chinese artists contributed their own symbols reflecting their culture.

“We connected the two panels by painting a bridge and a handshake in the middle of the composition, representing cooperation and the bridging of gaps,” explained Pollero.

The week-long collaboration culminated in the unveiling of the canvas on November 30, 2025, in Shanghai, China.

The friendship mural will remain on display until January on the 2nd floor of the VFS Global office in Huangpu District, Shanghai, before being permanently installed at the Philippine Consulate General’s premises in Changning District.

Open Call to Filipino Artists Nationwide

This international partnership is a testament on how Filipino artistry, when nurtured and recognized, can transcend borders and spark meaningful cultural exchange.

With the 2026 MADE competition now open, Filipino artists are invited to submit entries in painting, mixed media, and sculpture—joining a growing community of artists whose work carries both creative excellence and cultural significance.

Interested artists may conveniently submit their entry forms and upload photos of their entries via the competition’s online portal at metrobankartanddesign.awardsplatform.com. Entry submission is free and open until March 31, 2026.

To guide interested artists with the submission process and competition guidelines, Metrobank Foundation is holding online information campaigns on January 30 and February 27, 2025, 2pm to 4pm, via MADE Facebook page (@metrobankartanddesign). Complete competition mechanics are available at linktr.ee/2026MADE.  (All photos courtesy of the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai)