Sining Filipina 2026
The BDO Unibank, SM Supermalls and Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME) successfully held the Sining Filipina 2026 Awarding Ceremony and Exhibit Opening on March 12, 2026 at the L2 Atrium of The Podium, gathering distinguished guests, partners, artists, and advocates in celebration of Filipina creativity and women's empowerment through art.
Sining Filipina is recognized as the country's pioneering nationwide all-female art competition, providing a platform for women artists across the Philippines to showcase their work while supporting programs of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation, Inc. that advance the status of women. The 2026 edition carried the theme "Babae Para sa Bayan: Women Leading Change from Home to Nation."
The program was hosted by Ms. Anne Gauthier Das Neves, who warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the mission of Sining Filipina in amplifying the voices, stories, and artistic narratives of Filipina artists nationwide. From 250 artwork entries submitted across the country, the panel of judges selected 56 artworks that advanced to the semi-finals and were exhibited at SM Podium from March 12 to March 19, 2026.
The event formally opened with welcome remarks by Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermall Executive Vice President for Marketing, who expressed SM's continued commitment to supporting initiatives that celebrate Filipino creativity and empower women through meaningful platforms. This was followed by a special message from Ms. Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, President of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation, Inc., who emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women artists to be seen, heard, and supported.
A ceremonial launch officially opened the Sining Filipina 2026 Exhibit. Joining the ceremonial launch were distinguished guests including: Ms. Elizabeth Sy, President and Chairperson, SM Hotels & Conventions Corp.; Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin; Atty. Federico Tancongco, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, BDO Unibank; Ms. Marla Alvarez, First Vice President and Head of Sustainability Office, BDO Unibank; and Ms. Olivia Ferry, Past International President, Zonta International.
An Insight Forum featured distinguished panelists who shared perspectives on the role of art in society and the empowerment of women artists: Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin; Ms. Marla Alvarez; Ms. Stella Cabalatungan, Sining Filipina Committee Head, ZCME; and Mr. Manny Garibay, representative from the panel of judges.
The artworks were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges: Ms. Dawn Atienza, Founder and Director, Tin-aw Art Gallery; Mr. Louie Bate, Managing Director, LMN Advisors; Mr. Leslie de Chavez, Founder, Project Space Pilipinas; Mr. Alfredo Esquillo Jr., Filipino contemporary artist; Mr. Manny Garibay, contemporary Filipino artist; Ms. Angela Hsu, Consultant for Christie's Asia; and Mr. Ronald Ventura, internationally acclaimed contemporary Filipino artist.
A Special Award was presented to an artist from the Women's Correctional Institution, recognizing the participation of persons deprived of liberty and encouraging rehabilitation and empowerment through artistic expression.
From the 56 semi-finalists, ten outstanding artists were selected as the finalists. The Top Three Winners were: 3rd Place: Gerlynnia Aprille B. Galgo; 2nd Place: Mary Joy B. Go; Grand Winner: Marte R. Goyon. Each winner received a trophy and cash prizes in recognition of their artistic excellence.
The highlight of the program was the keynote address delivered by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who underscored the importance of empowering women and recognizing the vital role of art in shaping social change and national identity.
The Sining Filipina 2026 Exhibit remained open to the public at SM Podium until March 19, 2026. Through this initiative, ZCME once again reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women's empowerment, promoting artistic excellence, and creating meaningful opportunities for Filipino women to lead and inspire through art.
