Metrobank books celebrate legacy of excellence

MANILA, Philippines - As part of the celebration of Metrobank’s 50 years, the Metrobank Foundation recently launched three books at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The three books – Exemplars, MADE of Gold, and 10 Outstanding Filipino Teachers – embody the inspiring stories of select awardees of the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT), the Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS), The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) and the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) for the past 34 years.

“What you shall read in these pages represents the creme de la creme of chronicles of sustained excellence, faithful service, and unyielding commitment to Filipinos,” says Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña. “We hope readers will be inspired by the amazing stories of our outstanding Filipinos. We wish that our young people will be motivated to join the ranks of these reliable and dedicated public servants and continue their legacy.”

The Metrobank Foundation Exemplars features 15 outstanding teachers, artists, police officers, soldiers, and journalists whose shining examples, inspiring dedication, and excellence performance in their respective fields have helped shape their communities and the nation. This collection was written by 2003 outstanding teacher Queena Lee-Chua.

In MADE of Gold, acclaimed art critic Cid Reyes documents the significance of the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) in the Philippine art scene and its involvement in uplifting culture and art as catalysts of nation-building. The 252-page book presents in full color winning artworks and designs since 1984 – 140 paintings, 12 sculptures, seven Metrobank Prize for Achievement in Sculpture awardees, 13 interior designers and six architects. Selected artworks featured in the book are on exhibit at the Vicente Manansala hallway and at the Little Theater lobby of the CCP until April 14.

Now on its second volume, the 10 Outstanding Filipino Teachers documents the journey and the legacy of 10 Metrobank Foundation SOT awardees. Written by 2003 Outstanding Teacher Jaime An Lim, the book pays tribute to everyday heroes in education. It features the teacher’s background, best practices and legacies.

In his message, guest of honor former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban noted that Metrobank Foundation takes part in building the community and the nation as it rewards excellence in people and institutions. “Indeed, excellence is both the Foundation’s beacon and anchor. Metrobank Foundation has chosen top awardees whose life and career it proclaims and honors in these books. They are the best of the best of Metrobank Foundation’s search for excellence among our people,” he added.

Since its establishment in 1979, the Metrobank Foundation has sought to promote and foster the values of excellence and achievement among Filipinos. In its commitment to make a difference in the lives of its chosen stakeholders and contribute to nation-building, the programs of the Foundation have always endeavored to encourage and reward individuals and organizations to be the best they can be, and in the process, inspire the rest to similarly strive for the highest standards of performance in their respective professions.