CBS China Bank Savings unveils a "hidden" sculpture by Abdulmari Imao Sr.

A once “hidden cultural treasure,” the sculpture Filipino Entrepreneurs by National Artist Abdulmari Asia Imao Sr. is now in the public view. Considered one of the last monumental works of the country’s first Moro National Artist, the cultural landmark was unveiled on February 14 at the entrance of the CBS China Bank Savings head office at 314 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue from its original site in the rear driveway of the building. “CBS relocated the sculpture under the auspices of the CBS Build & Rise Initiative and is rededicating this work in honor of Dr. Imao and his contributions, the Filipino entrepreneurs for their role in economic development, and the men and women of CBS, whose expertise help entrepreneurs start and grow the strategic SME sector,” according to a statement issued by CBS management. Flag Days 3

The relocation of Filipino Entrepreneurs also known as Mga Maninikap (Hard-Working Filipinos) adds value to the public landscape of Makati, and aims to spark more efforts for cultural heritage conservation and making Makati a haven for arts and creativity, the CBS statement continued. "The original intent of the sculpture was images of people supporting each other; people shoring up other people," according to Rizalee Ibarra-Imao, daughter-in-law of the first Moro National Artist for Visual Arts. "Filipino Entrepreneurs is one of Abdulmari Imao’s last monumental works. It is unique in that it is not a sarimanok nor a portrait of a historical figure (as Dr. Imao was usually commissioned to make) but his work is no less important because it pays tribute to Filipinos who create business, who may not have made it into history books but who are vital to our country’s economy," Diego, grandson of the National Artist, said during the program. CBS President James Christian T. Dee together with Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and the Imao family unveiled the sculpture in the presence of officials Museo Makati, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Department of Education, and heritage conservation advocacy Grupo Kalinangan on February 14, in commemoration of National Arts Month. The sculpture Filipino Entepreneurs is accessible to the public at its new site at the entrance of the CBS China Bank Savings head office at 314 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue. Learn more about the project: Imao Sculpture Honoring Business Restored, Relocated https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2023/03/01/507474/imao-sculpture-honoring-business-restored-relocated/ Unveiled Sculpture Symbolizes Banks' Importance https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/02/15/unveiled-sculpture-symbolizes-banks-importance/ Heritage Series: The Filipino Entrepreneurs Sculpture https://www.ivankhristravels.com/2023/03/filipino-entrepreneurs-sculpture.html