BPI and Ayala Museum Celebrate 175 Years Through Works of National Artists

As the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) marks its 175th Anniversary, BPI Foundation (BPIF), the Bank’s social development arm, presents “At the Helm, On the Forefront: Doing More for the Philippines,” an exhibit that celebrates BPI’s enduring legacy of nation-building and service to Filipinos.

In photo (L-R): BPI’s Adi Hernandez, Head of Institutional Brand and Corporate Relations and BPIF Officer-in-Charge; Gina Eala, Chief Human Resources Officer; Sheila Ramos, BPIF Director; Mercedita Nolledo, BPIF Director; TG Limcaoco, President and CEO and BPIF Vice-Chairman; Gerry Ablaza, BPIF Chairman; Jorell Legaspi, Ayala Foundation Senior Director of Arts and Culture; Aprille Tijam, Ayala Museum Associate Director and Head of Exhibitions and Collections; and Kenneth Esguerra, Exhibit Curator and Ayala Museum Senior Curator and Head of Conservation.

In partnership with the Ayala Museum, the exhibit highlights works by Fernando Amorsolo, the Philippines’ first National Artist, alongside masterpieces by 13 other National Artists for Visual Arts from the BPI Art Collection: Victorio Edades, Vicente Manansala, Hernando Ocampo, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Cesar Legaspi, Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Arturo Luz, Napoleon Abueva, Ang Kiukok, Jose Joya, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Abdulmari Asia Imao, and Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera.

“At the Helm, On the Forefront: Doing More for the Philippines” is free and open to the public at the Second Floor Gallery of the Ayala Museum until August 30, 2026. The exhibit has been on view since July 7, 2026, with its opening reception held on July 23, 2026.

The exhibit is among the many celebratory activities related to BPI’s 175^th year. Established in 1851, BPI is the first bank in the Philippines and the oldest in Southeast Asia. For 175 years, it has been a trusted partner in the country’s progress, driving financial inclusion, supporting communities, and championing initiatives that enrich Philippine culture and the arts. The exhibit reflects this legacy, highlighting BPI’s continuing commitment to helping build a better Philippines.

“At the Helm, On the Forefront: Doing More for the Philippines” celebrates BPI’s enduring commitment to nation-building and its legacy of empowering Filipinos across generations.

The exhibit is curated by Kenneth Esguerra and reflects BPIF’s Arts Management Program, which manages and cares for the BPI Art Collection, the BPI Museum in Cebu, and the BPI Lifestyle Museum in Zamboanga, as part of the Foundation’s work to sustain and develop the local arts scene.

“At the Helm, On the Forefront: Doing More for the Philippines celebrates the enduring leadership, resilience, and commitment to meaningful service that have defined BPI throughout its 175-year history,” said Esguerra. “These masterpieces not only commemorate BPI’s enduring legacy but also affirm the vital role of art in reflecting the nation’s aspirations, achievements, and cultural identity.”

At the opening reception at the Ayala Museum, Adi Hernandez, Officer-in-Charge of BPIF, underscored how the Foundation advances BPI’s long-standing commitment to nation-building by promoting both financial empowerment and cultural stewardship.

“As the social development arm of BPI, BPI Foundation carries this commitment forward. Through our financial education programs, we empower Filipinos with the knowledge and confidence to build a more secure future. Through our Arts Management Program, we preserve and share the BPI Art Collection as a valuable record of Filipino creativity, history, and identity. We believe that both financial empowerment and cultural stewardship are essential to nation-building,” said Hernandez.

The Arts Management Program is one of BPIF’s special projects, alongside its programs in financial education and enterprise development and livelihood. Through these programs, the Foundation works to build financial capability and sustainable livelihoods, and to preserve and share Filipino culture and history.

To learn more, visit www.bpifoundation.org or follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).