Filipino visual artist Eric Masangkay holds the finished trophy for the 4th Gawad Madiskarte.

A slender figure rises from a rough stone, one foot balanced on its uneven surface as the other lifts into motion. Her arm stretches outward and upward, as if reaching beyond what is immediately within reach. Cast in brass and mixed metals, the sculpture captures a fleeting moment of movement and determination, an image Filipino sculptor Eric Masangkay envisioned for the trophy of the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, a tribute to the resilience and dreams of Filipina mompreneurs.

Created for the annual awards ceremony, the sculpture reflects the spirit of women who balance the demands of entrepreneurship and family while building businesses of their own. Through its dynamic pose and expressive form, the trophy evokes the journey of mothers who transform everyday “diskarte” into sustainable success.

Over the past five years, Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH), an online community launched by PLDT Home, has grown from a small Facebook group into a thriving network of Filipina mompreneurs who connect, share knowledge, and support one another’s growth. Through mentorship programs, learning sessions, and community initiatives, the platform empowers mothers to pursue entrepreneurship while balancing the responsibilities of family life.

One of its biggest initiatives is Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home’s flagship event that recognizes outstanding mompreneurs who demonstrate creativity, resilience, and innovation in growing their home-based businesses.

The trophy for the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, designed by Filipino sculptor Eric Masangkay

At the center of this year’s celebration is Masangkay’s sculpture, a visual representation of the courage and aspirations that define many Filipino women entrepreneurs.

A close-up of the 4th Gawad Madiskarte trophy highlights the elongated form and upward reach of the sculpture

Known for his mixed-metal sculptures, Masangkay’s works often explore themes of identity, human transformation, and resilience. His sculptures move fluidly between figurative and abstract forms, portraying the wide range of experiences that define the human condition from moments of triumph to quiet introspection.

“Many of my works portray both the struggles and aspirations of people. I always try to show the positive side of those struggles—how they push us to keep moving forward,” Masangkay shared.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he majored in Fine Arts, Masangkay has developed a distinctive sculptural language characterized by his use of diverse materials. He frequently works with mixed metals such as copper, brass, and steel, often incorporating elements of wood and stone. Across his body of work, he explores themes of labor, family, and cultural traditions which are subjects that resonate deeply with Filipino audiences.

“Single mom ang nanay ko, at siya talaga ang unang sumuporta sa pagiging artist ko. Nagtitinda siya ng isda sa palengke noon, pero kahit ganun ang trabaho niya, lagi niyang sinasabing ipagpatuloy ko lang ang paggawa ng art. Siya rin ang unang ‘fan’ ng mga gawa ko,” Masangkay said.

Over the years, Masangkay’s sculptures have been featured in numerous exhibitions and art fairs across the Philippines and abroad. His solo exhibitions have been held at venues such as Ayala Museum, SSS Gallery, Kape Kesada Art Gallery, and Galerie Raphael. His works have also been presented in major art events including Art Fair Philippines and Manila Art, as well as international exhibitions such as the SEKAKI International Art Show at KLCity Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Masangkay has also participated in group exhibitions with prominent galleries including Galerie Raphael, Galerie Joaquin, Galerie Nicolas, and Galerie Francesca, further establishing his presence in the contemporary Philippine art scene.

Beyond gallery work, Masangkay has used art as a platform for social engagement. In the early 2000s, he collaborated with the Third World Movement Against Exploitation of Women and Children (TWMAEWC), facilitating art therapy activities that supported survivors of abuse. He continues to support young artists through the Frederick M. Masangkay Stipend Scholarship at the UP College of Fine Arts, which provides assistance to deserving students.

A close-up of the 4th Gawad Madiskarte trophy highlights the elongated form and upward reach of the sculpture

For the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, Masangkay envisioned a figure caught in a moment of upward motion, inspired by the dreams and determination of Filipino mompreneurs. The sculpture combines brass and mixed metals with natural stone and wood, materials chosen deliberately to represent both resilience and strong foundations.

The rough stone beneath the figure suggests the challenges that entrepreneurs must overcome, while the metallic form rising above it symbolizes perseverance and forward movement. The wooden base, meanwhile, represents the grounding influence of family and community, an essential support system for many mompreneurs. Together, the materials and form create a visual narrative of perseverance, balance, and growth.

Sculptor Eric Masangkay with the 4th Gawad Madiskarte trophy he designed, inspired by the creativity, resilience, and perseverance of Filipina mompreneurs.

“I’m often inspired by human transformation and identity. Many of my works portray both the struggles and aspirations of the Filipino people while emphasizing their strength despite challenges,” Masangkay shared. “This was the idea behind the Gawad Madiskarte trophy. Moms—and women in general—are the backbone of our society. This sculpture represents their perseverance to reach their goals while redefining the traditional notion of being the ‘ilaw ng tahanan’ and becoming providers in their own way.”

Masangkay’s contributions to the arts have earned him several recognitions, including honorable mentions at the GSIS National Art Competition and finalist placements at the Metrobank National Art Competition.

More than a ceremonial object, the Gawad Madiskarte trophy stands as a sculptural tribute to the journey of Filipina entrepreneurs—women who continue to reach upward toward opportunity while uplifting their families and communities along the way. Masangkay believes that the journeys of these mompreneurs reflect a lesson he has also learned throughout his own artistic journey. “Perseverance and hard work talaga,” he said. “Success doesn’t come overnight. You just have to keep going.”

Organized by PLDT Home, the 4th Gawad Madiskarte will be held on March 28, 2026 at Seda BGC, recognizing outstanding mompreneurs across several categories.