Zobel de Ayala family recognized for championing Filipino arts, culture

MANILA, Philippines — Fernando Zobel de Ayala, chair of Ayala Foundation, and the Zobel de Ayala family were among the recipients of the prestigious Sorolla Medal, given by the Hispanic Society of America earlier this month in New York City.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition on behalf of the Zobel de Ayala family,” Zobel said during his acceptance speech. “We look forward to a continuous collaboration with the Hispanic community in areas of common interest, particularly those that can advance a deeper appreciation and understanding between our cultures and people.”

Zobel was recognized for his advocacy in the field of art and culture through the Ayala Foundation. Zobel concurrently chairs the board of advisers of the Ayala Museum, one of the leading private institutions of art and history in the Philippines. The Ayala Museum is one Ayala Foundation’s programs promoting Love of Country.

The Sorolla Medal is given to distinguished individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions in the fields of philanthropy, art, literature and culture.

Aside from Zobel, other recipients of the 2023 Sorolla Medal were Dr. Carlos Zurita, the Duke of Soria and co-founder of the Duke and Duchess of Soria Cultural Foundation; and Cuban-born philanthropist and art collector Ella Fontanals-Cisneros.

First given in 1924, the Sorolla Medal pays tribute to the Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, who was recognized for his landscapes and historical paintings. The Hispanic Society of America was founded in 1904, which aimed to establish “a free, public museum and reference library for the study of the art and culture of the Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines.”

Founded in 1961, Ayala Foundation serves communities nationwide, and even beyond, through programs in Education, Sustainable Livelihood, and Love of Country.