Sining Filipina 2026: Awarding Ceremony and Exhibit Opening

BDO Unibank, SM Supermalls and the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Philippines, held the Sining Filipina 2026 Awarding Ceremony and Exhibit Opening on 12 March, at the L2 Atrium of SM Podium, bringing together distinguished guests, partners, artists and advocates to celebrate Filipina creativity and women’s empowerment through art.

Sining Filipina, recognized as the country’s pioneering nationwide all-female art competition, provides a platform for women artists across the Philippines 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.”

Hosted by Anne Gauthier Das Neves, the program welcomed attendees and underscored the initiative’s mission to amplify the voices and artistic narratives of Filipina artists. From 250 submissions nationwide, 56 artworks were selected as semifinalists and exhibited at SM Podium from 12-19 March.

The opening program featured remarks from Joaquin L. San Agustin, executive vice president for marketing at SM Supermalls, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Filipino creativity and women’s empowerment. Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, president of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation, highlighted the importance of providing platforms for women artists and acknowledged partners and supporters.

A ceremonial “paintbrush launch” marked the official opening of the exhibit, led by Elizabeth Sy, president and chairperson of SM Hotels & Conventions Corp.; San Agustin; Federico Tancongco, senior vice president and chief compliance officer of BDO Unibank; Marla Alvarez, first vice president and head of the Sustainability Office at BDO Unibank; and Olivia Ferry, past international president of Zonta International.

An insight forum followed, featuring speakers from SM Supermalls, BDO Unibank, ZCME and the panel of judges. The discussion emphasized the role of collaboration among corporations, art institutions and organizations such as Zonta in expanding opportunities for Filipina artists and strengthening the connection between art and communities.

During the ceremony, the Sining Filipina Art Residency Prize was awarded to recognize artists with exceptional promise. Jowee Anne Aguinaldo, grand winner of Sining Filipina 2025, received the 2025 residency prize, while Gerlynnia Aprille Galgo was named the 2026 recipient.