 |
| (L-R) Chinese artist Vance Yuan, Filipino artists Melvin Pollero and Jensen Moreno, and Chinese artist CuriousBoy in front of their collaborative friendship mural (Image Source: Manila Standard/Philippine Consulate General Shanghai) |
Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Grand Awardee for Oil/Acrylic on Canvas Category (2022) Melvin Pollero joined a fellow-Filipino artist Jensen Moreno and Chinese artists CuriousBoy and Vance Yuan in painting a friendship mural to convey a message of hope, unity, and shared aspirations for future generations. Led by the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, this collaborative project was done in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China.
Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) President Philip Francisco Dy shared, “We are truly honored to be invited by the Philippine Consulate in Shanghai to participate in this collaborative art project. This opportunity not only celebrates the talent of our Filipino artists but also nurtures their creativity and amplifies their voices on an international stage, reflecting our commitment to empowering Filipino artistry worldwide.” Last November 22-29, 2025, the four award-winning multimedia artists worked closely together on the canvas, exchanging ideas, techniques, and cultural perspectives throughout the creative process. Reflecting on the experience, MADE artist Melvin Pollero shared that he felt like a winner again, stating, “I hope this experience contributes to the promotion of Filipino artists, international exchanges, and future projects to come.”
People-To-People Connections
Underscoring the importance of the project as a meaningful expression of shared history and the growing ties between the two countries, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz personally attended the unveiling of the friendship mural in Shanghai last November 30 and shared, “In every brushstroke, we see the fusion of our heritages; in every color, a shared emotion; and in the complete image, a powerful narrative of mutual respect and understanding.” Philippine Consul General in Shanghai Myca Magnolia M. Fischer also affirmed the significance of the collaboration, stating, “The mural highlights something we deeply value: people-to-people exchanges. Governments may sign agreements, but it is people — students, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs, workers, and families — who give life to international relations. Every cultural exchange, every shared story, every collective effort enriches our understanding of one another and strengthens the foundation on which we build our future.”
We Shine Together
Speaking on the inspiration behind the friendship mural, Pollero shared that its central message is “We Shine Together”, reflecting values of mutual respect rooted in equality, fairness, and cooperation. To celebrate the richness of the Philippines, Pollero included the iconic jeepney, a symbol of Filipinos’ resourcefulness and aspiration for industrialization. At the same time, the Chinese artists contributed their own symbols reflecting their culture. Pollero explained, “We connected the two panels by painting a bridge and a handshake in the middle of the composition, representing cooperation and the bridging of gaps.” The week-long collaboration culminated in the unveiling of the friendship mural canvas which will remain on display until January at the 2nd floor of the VFS Global office in Huangpu District, Shanghai, China before being permanently installed at the Philippine Consulate General’s premises in Changning District.
Open Call To Filipino Artists Nationwide
This international partnership is a testament on how Filipino artistry, when nurtured and recognized, can transcend borders and spark meaningful cultural exchange. With the 2026 MADE competition now open, Filipino artists are invited to submit entries in painting, mixed media, and sculpture — joining a growing community of artists whose work carries both creative excellence and cultural significance. Interested artists may conveniently submit their entry forms and upload photos of their entries via the competition’s online portal at metrobankartanddesign.awardsplatform.com. Entry submission is free and open until March 31, 2026. To guide interested artists with the submission process and competition guidelines, Metrobank Foundation is holding online information campaigns on January 30, 2026 and February 27, 2026, 2:00-4:00 pm, via MADE Facebook page (@metrobankartanddesign). Complete competition mechanics are available at linktr.ee/2026MADE.
