Sining Filipina 2026: Celebrating Women Leading Change Through Art
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| Sining Filipina 2026 |
In celebration of Women’s Month, Sining Filipina returned for its third year bringing together Filipina artists from different regions, backgrounds, and walks of life to share their stories through art.
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| Visit SINING FILIPINA exhibit MAR 12-19 at L2 Atrium, The Podium |
Held at the L2 Atrium of The Podium, the exhibit runs March 12 to 19, 2026, with the opening and awarding ceremony held on March 12. The initiative is made possible through the collaboration of BDO, SM Supermalls, and the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc. (ZCME), a proud member of Zonta International.
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| Art pieces of different means, techniques, and interpretation all created by women |
Now on its third year, the all-women art competition continues to highlight the creativity, perspectives, and voices of Filipinas through visual art. This year’s theme, “Babae para sa Bayan – Women Leading Change from Home to Nation,” celebrates women as nurturers, visionaries, changemakers, and nation-builders.
From Over 250 Entries to 56 Artworks on Display
The response to this year’s competition was overwhelming. From over 250 entries submitted nationwide, 55 semi-finalists were selected to be part of the exhibit. A special artwork from a women’s correctional facility was also included, bringing the total number of works on display to 56 artworks. |
| Special Award to an artwork from a woman in correctional |
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| A creation of an artist from the women's correctional facility |
The exhibit showcases a diverse range of styles -- from expressive brushwork and layered textures to symbolic and contemporary interpretations of Filipina identity. Participants came from all over the country -- from Aparri to Jolo -- including professionals, aspiring artists, homemakers, entrepreneurs, and women in correctional facilities who were given the opportunity to share their voices through art.
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| The exhibit features various techniques and forms of visual art -- all made by women |
Opening the Platform for Women Artists
Opening the ceremony was SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, who emphasized how initiatives like Sining Filipina align with the company’s mission of creating meaningful spaces for communities.SM Supermalls being the most loved mall means using our scale with purpose. We open our space to voices that matter. We create platforms where women are seen, heard, and celebrated. Women’s Month is a reminder, but our commitment to empowerment goes beyond one month.
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| SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin |
He also highlighted how SM malls serve as more than just shopping destinations.
More than just a mall, every space is intentionally curated with you in mind. Spaces for discovery, for connection, for experiences that matter.
When women lead, communities grow stronger. And at SM Supermalls, everything we do is all for you.
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| ZCME President Joanne Andrada |
Following the opening remarks, ZCME President Joanne Andrada acknowledged the partners behind the initiative and introduced the delegates from various countries present at the ceremony.
A Message Supporting Women in Culture and the Arts
A message from Sen. Loren Legarda was delivered by Marcy Kohchet-Chua, highlighting the importance of empowering women across different sectors, including the arts.I believe that when women are given equal opportunities to learn, work, and lead, the entire nation becomes more resilient, more compassionate, and better prepared for the future.
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| Marcy Kohchet-Chua delivering the message from Sen. Loren Legarda |
She also emphasized the contributions of Filipinas in the cultural sector.
Filipinas have long been writers, artists, designers, filmmakers, weavers, and cultural bearers. Yet, their contributions have been overlooked or confined to the margins.
The senator also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting policies and programs that help artists thrive and enable women to take leadership roles in the creative industries.
Insight Forum: Conversations on Empowering Filipina Artists
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| Artist Emmanuel Garibay, SM Supermalls' Joaquin San Agustin, Zonta's Stella Cabalatungan, and BDO's Marla Garin-Alvarez during the Insight Forum |
Representing BDO, Marla Garin-Alvarez shared why the bank continues to support initiatives like Sining Filipina.
BDO is the largest bank in the country -- that means 49,000 employees nationwide. Out of 49,000, 75% of our workforce are women. We have seen that many of our customers are predominantly women. So there is really a compelling reason for BDO to sponsor women.
She added that the initiative aligns with the bank’s sustainability commitments, particularly its support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG #5 on Gender Equality and SDG #10 on Reduced Inequalities.
Representing the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc., Stella Cabalatungan shared how the initiative was created to provide more opportunities for Filipina artists.
This is one particular project that we thought of because we know that with the creative skills of the Filipina, the world or the nation has not given enough focus on the women's skills.
And so this is a platform that we opened up to the women to show them that ‘hey, there is a venue for you to demonstrate and show us your skill.’ And you know, this has given so much hope to the women artists.
One of the competition’s judges, Emmanuel Garibay, also shared his perspective on the authenticity of women’s artistic expression.
There is a great deal of authenticity that you can detect in works by women especially when we're talking about their lives.
In contrast, men tend to make projections, ideas, ambitions that are sometimes beyond them.
Celebrating the Winning Works
The highlight of the afternoon was the awarding ceremony, where the top artists were recognized for their powerful interpretations of the theme “Babae para sa Bayan – Women Leading Change from Home to Nation.” |
| The 10 finalists with the representatives and delegates |
The winning artworks were selected by a distinguished panel of judges composed of Ronald Ventura, Alfredo Esquillo, Angela Hsu, Dawn Justiniani Atienza, Leslie de Chavez, Emmanuel Garibay, and Louie Bate.
1st Place
Helping Hands — Marte R. Goyon (Manila) |
| 1st Place - Marte Goyon with Sen. Risa Hontiveros |
2nd Place
Liwanag ni Maria — Mary Joy B. Go (Bulacan) |
| 2nd Place - Mary Joy Go |
3rd Place
From Home, Outward — Gerlynnia Aprille B. Galgo (Cebu) |
| 3rd Place and Artist Residency Awardee - Gerlynnia Galgo |
The top winners received commemorative trophies and cash prizes of Php250,000, Php150,000, and Php100,000, respectively. The third-place winner also received an artist residency with Zonta.
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| Sining Filipina 2026 Top 3 Winners |
Seven other finalists were also recognized and awarded Php15,000 each:
- Isabelita M. Rodillo
- Ruth Ann P. Roco
- Krizzia P. Purog
- Alice B. Mendoza
- Jirah D. Labanza
- Anna Katrina P. Pallon
- Melissa P. Guevarra
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| Sining Filipina entries |
Empowering Women Strengthens the Nation
The event was also attended by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who delivered a keynote message that capped the opening ceremony.Indeed, when women are given voice in our laws, when women are given platforms like this art competition, when women are given access to the opportunities that we have always deserved, we do not just empower our sisterhood, we strengthen the entire country.
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| Sen. Risa Hontiveros |
As the exhibit continues at The Podium until March 19, visitors are invited to explore the artworks and stories behind them -- each piece reflecting the creativity, resilience, and voices of Filipina artists across the country.
Through initiatives like Sining Filipina, women artists are given not only a platform to showcase their work but also the opportunity to inspire conversations, spark change, and shape the cultural landscape of the nation.
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