BDO, SM, and Zonta Makati honor women’s creativity and vision
To celebrate Filipina artistry and empowerment, SM Supermalls, together with BDO Unibank Inc. and the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME), announced the winners of the third “Sining Filipina 2026: Babae Para sa Bayan: Women Leading Change from Home to Nation” national art competition at SM Podium on March 12, 2026.
Filipina artists take the spotlight at Sining Filipina 2026 Awards
The event gathered esteemed figures from the arts community, the business sector, and the diplomatic corps to celebrate the participants and winners of the all-female national arts competition. The contest, part of SM Supermalls’ festivities for Women’s Month, reaffirms its commitment to championing women’s creativity and the timeless vision of Filipina artists.
“At SM Supermalls, being the most-loved mall means using our scale with purpose. We open our spaces to voices that matter. We create platforms where women are seen, heard, and celebrated,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin.
SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin delivers the opening remarks at Sining Filipina 2026.
“Women’s Month is a reminder,” he continued. “But our commitment to empowerment goes beyond one month. We continue evolving for you, creating maxed-out, personalized experiences that reflect the communities we serve.”
ZCME President Joanne Zapanta-Andrada praised SM Supermalls and BDO for its unwavering support in championing Filipina artistry, talent, and vision.
ZCME President Joanne Zapanta-Andrada thanks Sining Filipina partners for their unwavering commitment to the program for the past three years.
“We sincerely appreciate the dedication of SM and BDO in supporting Sining Filipina over the years, helping us manage entries from across the nation, from Aparri to Basilan,” Zapanta-Andrada said.
“Sining Filipina 2026: Babae Para sa Bayan: Women Leading Change from Home to Nation” received 250 entries nationwide. Leveraging its network of malls and partnerships, SM Supermalls facilitated the collection and management of these submissions.
The diverse entries highlight the breadth of Filipina creativity, offering contrasting perspectives from different regions. An esteemed panel of judges selected 56 works for the semi-finals, ultimately narrowing them down to 10 finalists, showcasing the distinct voices and artistic range of Filipina artists.
Marte R. Goyon wins grand prize with “Helping Hands”
Marte R. Goyon from Manila, with her oil painting “Helping Hands,” was heralded as the Grand Winner of Sining Filipina 2026, for which she received P250,000. Meanwhile, Mary Joy B. Go from Bulacan, with her mixed media work “Liwanag ni Maria,” was crowned second place and took home P150,000. Finally, Gerlynnia Aprille B. Galgo from Cebu City, with her mixed media art “From Home, Outward” bagged third place and received P100,000.
From L to R: Second place winner Mary Joy B. Go, Grand Winner Marte R. Goyon, third place winner Gerlynnia Aprille B. Galgo.
The three winners said their artworks were informed and inspired by the women around them — their struggles, multiple roles, and persistence to keep moving forward. Galgo dedicated her win to women breadwinners and encouraged fellow artists not to limit their imagination to the four corners of a room. Meanwhile, Go, who admitted she had stopped painting for 13 years, advised aspiring artists not to compare their journey with others.
“My advice to other Filipina artists is to be true to yourself,” said Goyon. “Create works that carry meaning, not just based on what you see. It has to come from deep inside you.”
The other seven finalists, who each received P15,000, are Melissa P. Guevarra, Anna Katrina P. Pallon, Jirah D. Labanza, Alice B. Mendoza, Krizzia P. Purog, Ruth Ann Roco, and Isabelita M. Rodillo.
The panel of judges comprised of Tin-Aw Art Gallery founder and director Dawn Atienza, Metropolitan Museum of Manila trustee Louie Bate, Project Space Pilipinas in Lucban founder Leslie de Chavez, Manila-based realist artist Alfredo Esquillo Jr., Linangan Art Residency founder Manny Garibay, Christie’s Asia consultant Angela Hsu, and internationally acclaimed Filipino contemporary artist Ronald Ventura.
Several guests of honor graced SM Podium, including Senator Risa Hontiveros, President and Chairperson of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. Elizabeth Sy.
In her keynote address, Hontiveros encouraged everyone to recognize the most vulnerable women in society — overseas workers in the Middle East, street vendors, small farmers, healthcare workers, sales ladies, and artisans — who work not for glory but for their loved ones.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros delivers a keynote address recognizing the everyday resilience of Filipina workers—from overseas laborers and farmers to healthcare workers and sales ladies—during a program honoring women’s voices and contributions to nation-building.
“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,” Hontiveros said.
Art exhibition at SM Podium showcases 56 works
The Sining Filipina 2026 ceremony also marks the opening of the exhibition featuring 56 artworks that qualified for the semifinals. Proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards the artist and ZCME’s charitable programs. The art exhibit will run until March 19 at the SM Podium, L2 Atrium.
Visit the exhibit until March 19, Thursday at SM Podium, L2 Atrium.
Sining Filipina 2026 also received 20 entries from persons deprived of liberty from the Women’s Correctional Institution, highlighting the program’s vision of inclusivity and commitment to enriching the exhibition with different perspectives. Two of the artworks are featured in the exhibit at SM Podium.