Banking on Creativity: MADE 2026 Calls for Entries

“At Metrobank Foundation, we’re delighted to offer a space where young Filipino artists can truly express their creativity and grow in their craft,” shares Metrobank Foundation Institute President Philip Francisco Dy, as the 2026 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Competition calls on emerging Filipino artists to showcase their ideas and artistry in painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

Now in its 42nd year, MADE continues to nurture Filipino artists through its annual competition, workshops, artistic development programs, partnerships, and community outreach. The competition pursues its mission to inspire creative expression, foster continuous growth, encourage meaningful collaboration, and deepen appreciation of the nation’s rich cultural heritage. This edition also sustains the Mixed Media category, reintroduced in 2025 as a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the 1984 to 1987 editions.

How to submit?

MADE 2026 welcomes young and emerging Filipino artists with free entry! The foundation invites interested participants to submit their entry forms and upload photos of their works through the competition’s online portal. Returning participants from last year can log in using their existing accounts.

Each entrant may join only one category and submit a single entry in that category, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2026.

You may review the full mechanics here.

What are the prizes?

Each category will recognize one Grand Awardee to receive P500,000 worth of prizes. P350,000 will be given in cash, while the remaining P150,000 will be an artistic development scholarship to the Eskinita Art Residency Program. They will also be awarded the prestigious “More” brass trophy by renowned artist Juan Sajid as a symbol of growth and infinite creative possibilities.

Special citations may also be awarded to artists whose works exhibit exceptional artistry! Up to two may be selected from the Oil or Acrylic on Canvas category, and one each in Sculpture and Mixed Media. These honorees will receive ₱100,000 and the “More” trophy.

Artists who advance to the final stage may earn the title of National Finalist. The Board of Judges will select up to six finalists in the Oil or Acrylic on Canvas category, then up to two finalists in each of the Sculpture and Mixed Media categories. National Finalists will receive a cash prize of ₱20,000 and a Plaque of Recognition.

The Board of Judges will grant all awards at its sole discretion. They will follow the selection criteria detailed in the mechanics available through the MADE online portal.

Jack Enriquez De Castro, the 2025 MADE Grand Awardee for the Oil or Acrylic on Canvas Category, urges emerging Filipino artists to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the MADE platform. He emphasizes that beyond the challenge, MADE provides a valuable chance to learn from fellow artists and engage with their works.

“Malaki at magandang platform yung MADE competition para sa mga nagsisimula na gusto maipakita yung art at ang galing nila sa lahat. Sobrang laking bagay din yung ma-judge yung gawa mo ng mga mahuhusay at kilalang tao sa art (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),” he says.

MADE has recognized and empowered more than 200 artists to date. The foundation shares that many of whom have become leading figures in contemporary art and are creating meaningful impact in their communities through creativity and innovation. •

MBFI will hold online information campaigns to guide interested artists through the submission process and competition guidelines. The campaigns will run from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on January 30 and February 27, 2025 via the MADE Facebook page (@metrobankartanddesign).