Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Regional Office IX, Zamboanga Peninsula

12 Z est for P rogress

Z Peal of artnership

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM

THE REGIONS
First Quarter – Module 4
NATIONAL ARTIST

The Marvel of Oneself

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 What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind to acknowledge our
national artist their roles and their contribution to contemporary arts The scope of
this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language
used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them
can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module contains:

• Lesson 5 – National Artists

After going through this module, you are expected to:

a. Explain Filipino Artists’ roles;
b. Identify their contribution to contemporary arts.

What I Know
A. Matching Type Match column A with the corresponding item in column B.
Write the letter of your answer for each number.

_________1. First National Artist a. Honorata “atang” Dela

Rama
_________2. He was more known
as Fernando Poe Jr. or FPJ b. Carlos “botong” Francsico

_________3. She was the Queen of Kundiman c. Francisco V. Conching

_________4. He was known for his mural in

the Bulwagang Katipunan of the
Manila City Hall d. Ronald Allan K. Poe

_________5. the “King of Komiks.” e. Fernando Cuelo Amorsolo

f. Federico A.Alcuaz

B. MULTIPLE CHOICE. Read the statements carefully. Identiy who is being

described in each statement and write the CAPITAL LETTER of the correct
answer on the space provided.
______1. He is the first National Artist in the country.
A. Arturo Luz C. Fernando Amorsolo

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 B. Hernando R. Ocampo D. Vicente Manansala
______2. He was recognized as the Father of Modern Philippine Painting.
A. Benedicto Cabrera C. Pablo S. Antonio
B. Victorio Edades D. Leandro V. Locsin

______3. He was considered as the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture.

A. Napoleon V. Abueva C. Ildefonso P. Santos
B. Jose T. Joya D. Ang Kiukok
______4. He was more known as Fernando Poe Jr. or FPJ, a Filipino icon in the film
industry who was an actor, director, writer and producer.
A. Francisco Coching C. Jose T. Joya
B. Ronald Allan K. Poe D. Federico Alcuaz
______5. She was the Queen of Kundiman and the first actress to portray a 15-year
old in the very first Tagalog film.
A. Alice G. Reyes C. Lucresia R. Kasilag
B. Francisca R. Aquino D. Honorata “Atang” dela Rama
______6. He was a writer who specialized in fiction, depicting the Filipino character
in rural and urban settings.
A. NVM Gonzalez C. Carlos P. Romulo
B. Carlos L. Quirino D. Nick M. Joaquin
______7. He was a comic book writer and an illustrator from Pasig and was named
as the “King of Komiks.”
A. Federico A. Alcuaz C. Abdulmari Asia Imao
B. Francisco V. Coching D. Benedicto R. Cabrera
______8. He was known for his mural in the Bulwagang Katipunan of the Manila
City Hall.
A. Fernando Amorsolo C. Carlos “Botong” Francisco
B. Victorio C. Edades D. Vicente S. Manansala
_____9. She was known for her experimentations on incorporating western
influence with ethnic music using indigenous instruments in symphonic
productions.
A. Honorata “Atang” dela Rama C. Lucrecia R. Urtula
B. Lucresia R. Kasilag D. Leonor O. Goquingco

_____ 10. She dedicated her life to studying Philippine folk and ethnic dances. As a
result, she was able to preserve and develop the ethnic dance culture.
A. Honorata “Atang” dela Rama C. Lucrecia R. Urtula
B. Lucresia R. Kasilag D. Leonor O. Goquingco

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 LESSON
5
National Artists

Philippine art and culture reveal a society with diverse cultural influences and
traditions. You have learned in your Social Studies classes since grade school that
the early peoples of our country had contacts with traders who introduced Chinese,
Indian and Islamic influences, which later on evolved as modern aspects of life were
introduced by the foreign rule of Spain and the United States. Although Filipino
artists were profoundly influenced by western forms, Filipino painters, writers, and
musicians have come to infuse the cultural richness of the archipelago in all its
diversity, and have shaped a sense of national identity in their works. Given the very
large and vigorous artistic community of the Philippines — larger than any other
Southeast Asian nation because of its cultural heritages (Asian, European, Mexican
and American), it is only proper to showcase the works of our talented local artists
as they have set the foundation for other artists to develop their craft. More
importantly, it is high time that we learn to give them due credit for their significant
contributions to the development of Philippine culture and arts. In this lesson, we
will discuss the highest recognitions a Filipino artist could receive in the Philippines
namely: the Pambansang Alagad ng Sining ng Pilipinas (or the National Artist of the
Philippines) and the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (or the National Living Treasures
Award).
This lesson will encompass the other distinctions a Filipino artist could receive
such as The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award, The Outstanding Filipino
(TOFIL) Award, the Thirteen Artists Awards (TAA), and the Gawad CCP Para sa
Sining. In this time and age, the need to know and preserve our heritage has become
a must so we, too, can learn to appreciate the works of our forefathers and hopefully,
create something that will keep our national identity alive.

What’s In
DESIGN A MEDAL
What is the greatest accomplishment you have achieved so far? If you are to
create a medal for this accomplishment, how will it look like? What features will it
have? What symbolisms are you going to include? In the blank template below, you
are to design your own medal for the accomplishment that you have identified and
then write a brief explanation beside it.

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Explanation:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________

What’s New
Read and Analyze the question, answer the question in not more that 10
sentences

How does one became a national artist?

What Is It
Read the Information very well then comprehend what you have read.

Also called the Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining, the ONA is the
highest recognition given by the Republic of the Philippines to Filipinos who have
made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. This award was
created through the Presidential Proclamation No. 1001 , s. 1972 of the late President
Ferdinand E. Marcos to recognize
1) Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to the cultural
heritage of the country;
2) Filipino artistic accomplishment at its highest level and to promote creative
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expression as significant to the development of a national cultural identity; and
3) Filipino artists who have dedicated their lives to their works to forge new
paths and directions for future generations of Filipino artists.
In short, the ONA is given to individual citizens who exemplify the country’s highest
ideals in the field of humanities and aesthetic expression, specifically in the following
categories: architecture and allied arts (architecture, interior design, landscape
architecture and urban design), dance (choreography, direction, performance),
design (industrial design and fashion design), film and broadcast arts (direction,
writing, production design, cinematography, editing, animation, performance and
new media), literature (poetry, fiction, essay, literary/art criticism), music
(composition, direction, performance), theater (direction, performance, production
design, light and sound design and playwriting) and visual arts (painting, sculpture,
printmaking, photography, installation art, mixed media works, illustration, graphic
arts, performance art, imaging). The order is bestowed by the President of the
Philippines upon the joint recommendation of the National Commission for Culture
and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

Upon the announcement of the National Artists Award Secretariat composed
of the NCCA and the CCP that the nominations for the said award have been opened,
the nominees should meet the following criteria:
1. Living artists who are Filipino citizens at the time of nomination and at the
awarding, as well as those who died after the establishment of the award in
1972 but were Filipino citizens at the time of their death.
2. Artists who, through the content and form of their works, have contributed in
building a Filipino sense of nationhood.
3. Artists who have pioneered in a mode of creative expression or style, thus,
earning distinction and making an impact on succeeding generations of
artists.
4. Artists who have created a substantial and significant body of works and/or
consistently displayed excellence in the practice of their art form thus,
enriching artistic expression or style.
5. Artists who enjoy broad acceptance through:
a. Prestigious national and/or international recognition ,such as the
Gawad CCP para sa Sining, CCP Thirteen Artists Award, and NCCA Haraya
Awards (Alab and Dangal)
b. Critical acclaim and/or reviews of their works
c. Respect and esteem from peers
The screening and selection process will go through a set of deliberation based
on the guidelines set forth, where qualified nominees will be evaluated and reviewed
by the NCCA and CCP. The final list of nominees shall be submitted to the President
of the Republic of the Philippines for confirmation, proclamation, and conferral in
accordance to the Supreme Court Ruling G.R. 189028.
HONORS AND PRIVILEGES
The following privileges are provided to those conferred with the Order of
National Artist:

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 1. The rank and title of National Artist, as proclaimed by the President of the
Philippines;
2. The National Artist gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas (BSP) and citation;
3. A lifetime emolument and material and physical benefits comparable in
value to those received by the highest officers of the land such as:
a) Living Awardees:
• A minimum cash award of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos(PhP200,000.00),
net of taxes;
• A minimum lifetime personal monthly stipend of Fifty Thousand Pesos
(PhP50,000.00);
• Medical and Hospitalization benefits not exceeding PhP750,000.00 per year;
• Coverage by a life insurance policy by the Government Service Insurance
System (GSIS) and or/ private insurance companies from date of conferment the
award, in the event that the National Artist is insurable, the premiums for which
shall be paid by the National Government or by donation from any governmental or
private entities;
• A State Funeral, the arrangements for and the expenses of which shall be
borne by the Government, upon the death of the National Artist;
b) Posthumous Awardees:
One-time minimum cash award of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos
(PhP150,000.00), net of taxes, payable to the legal heir/s.

INSIGNIA OF THE ORDER OF NATIONAL ARTISTS

The prestigious award for the Order of National Artists is composed of a Grand
Collar that features circular links portraying the arts, and eight-pointed
conventionalized sunburst suspended from a sampaguita wreath in green and white
enamel.
The central badge is a medallion, which is divided into three equal portions:
red, white, and blue representing the Philippine flag, with three stylized letter Ks —
the “KKK” stands for the CCP’s motto: “katotohanan, kabutihan, at kagandahan”
(“the true, the good, and the beautiful”), as coined by then first lady and CCP Founder
Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos. The composition of the Grand Collar is silver gilt
bronze. In place of a rosette and there is an enameled pin in the form of the insignia
of the order.

NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR PAINTING

Victorio C. Edades
Edades emerged as the “Father of Modern Philippine
Painting.” A native of Dagupan, Pangasinan, he is known for
his paintings of distorted human figures in rough, bold impasto
strokes. He believed in his own advocacy and practice of what
he called “creative art.” Unlike Amorsolo’s bright, sunny,
cheerful hues, Edades’ colors were dark and somber with
subject matter or themes depicting laborers, factory workers or
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 the simple folk in all their dirt, sweat
and grime.

In the 1930s, Edades taught at the University of Santos Tomas and became
dean of its Department of Architecture where he stayed for 30 years. It was during
this time that he introduced a liberal arts program that offers subjects such as art
history and foreign languages that will lead to a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. This
development brought about a first in Philippine education since art schools then
were vocational schools. When he retired from teaching at age 70, the university
conferred on Edades the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, for being an
outstanding “visionary, teacher and artist.” Among his works are The Sketch, The
Artist and the Model, Portrait of the Professor, Japanese Girl, Mother and Daughter,
The Wrestlers, and Poinsettia Girl.

Fernando Cueto Amorsolo

Amorsolo is from Paco, Manila and is the first to be recognized
as a National Artist, four days after his death. Known for his
portraitures, his paintings of Filipino women rejected the
ideals of the West, basing the faces of his subjects on members
of his family. According to him: "[The women I paint should
have] a rounded face, not of the oval type often presented to
us in newspapers and magazine illustrations. The eyes should
be exceptionally lively, not the dreamy, sleepy type that characterizes the Mongolian.
The nose should be of the blunt form but firm and strongly marked. ... So the ideal
Filipina beauty should not necessarily be white complexioned, nor of the dark brown
color of the typical Malayan, but of the clear skin or fresh colored type which we often
witness when we met a blushing girl.]" Amorsolo is also best known for his rural
landscapes which often represented Filipino customs and traditions,

Amorsolo was successful in the formation of Filipino national identity. He is

best known for his technique of using natural light in his paintings and developed
the backlighting technique, which later on became his trademark and his greatest
contribution to Philippine painting. Among his famous works are: Maiden in a
Stream(1921) - GSIS collection; El Ciego (1928) - Central Bank of the Philippines
collection; Dalagang Bukid (1936) – Club Filipino collection; The Mestiza (1943)–
National Museum of the Philippines collection; Planting Rice (1946)-UCPB collection;
Sunday Morning Going to Town (1958)-Ayala Museum Collection.

Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco

Dubbed as the “Poet of Angono, Rizal,” he single-handedly
brought back the art of mural painting in Philippines. He was
the second Filipino to receive the title of National Artist in
Painting. Botong was best known for his historical pieces. He
was one of the modernist artistsogether with Galo Ocampo and
Victorio Edades known as " The Triumvirate," who broke away
from the romanticism style of Amorsolo's Philippine Scenes.
His major masterpiece is the mural for Bulwagang Katipunan of the Manila City Hall.
Among his major works include: the Portrait of Purita, The Invasion of Limahong,
Serenade, Muslim Betrothal, Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, The
Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot, Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid and
Sandugo.
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 Jeremias Elizalde Navarro
A versatile artist from Antique, being both a proficient painter
and sculptor, J. Elizalde Navarro has devoted 40 years of his
life to the visual arts ranging from drawing, printmaking, graphic
designing, to painting and sculpting. His masks carved in
hardwood merge the human and the animal; his paintings
consist of abstracts and figures in oil and watercolor; and his
assemblages fuse found objects and metal parts. Inspired by the
Balinese art and culture, his figurative works showed his power
as a master of colors.

A Navarro sampler includes a large four-panel work, The Seasons, whch is

part of the Prudential Bank Collection. Among his works include his ’50s and ’60s
fiction illustrations for This Week of the Manila Chronicle, and the rotund, India ink
figurative drawings for Lydia Arguilla’s storybook, Juan Tamad. Three of his major
mixed media works are I’m Sorry Jesus, I Can’t Attend Christmas This Year (1965),
and his Homage to Dodjie Laurel (1969: Ateneo Art Gallery collection), and A Flying
Contraption for Mr. Icarus (1984: Lopez Museum).

Vicente S. Manansala
A Pride of Macabebe, Pampanga, Manansala expressed his visions
of reality through his paintings using concepts from the rural and
urban settings. His talent was revealed as a young boy when he
made copies of the Sagrada Familia and his mother’s portrait that
he copied from a photograph. He ran away from home after
finishing Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines and later
found himself as an Illustrator at the Philippines Herald. There he
met Hernando R. Ocampo, Cesar Legaspi, and Carlos Botong
Francisco, the latter being the first he admired most. A UNESCO scholar, he was
granted a scholarship to study for six months at École des Beaux-Arts in Banff and
Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1949 and in 1950, he received a nine-month
scholarship from the French Government to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in
Paris.

Best known as a cubist painter, he developed transparent cubism with the

use of delicate colors and tones, and patterns and shapes on top of another.
Manansala’s technique was founded on Cezanne and Picasso whom he says have
achieved a balance of skill and artistry. His works include: A Cluster of Nipa Hut,
San Francisco Del Monte, Banaklaot, I Believe in God, Market Venders, Madonna of
the Slums, Still Life with Green Guitar, Via Crucis, Whirr, Nude. Manansala’s
“transparent and translucent” technique is imposed in his composition of Kalabaw
(Carabao) in 1979.

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 Jose T. Joya
What sets Joya different from other abstract artists is his ability
to create an authentic Filipino abstract that has transcended
the influences of the West. Joy’a’s paintings were mirrors of the
Philippine landscapes that depicted green rice fields and golden
fields of harvest. A remarkable artist from Manila, he also
introduced another technique that has become a common
characteristic of folk art - he used rice paper in creating collages
to show a transparent effect. He also advocated gestural
paintings where paint is applied naturally, in bold and heavy brush strokes, or is
directly squeezed from the tube and splashed across the canvas. Joya was an
inspiration for younger artists as well. By exploring the potentials of multimedia, he
also made art on ceramic vessels, plates and tiles. Indeed, his fineness in completing
a large body of work has won the admiration of artists, here and abroad. His major
works include Granadean Arabesque, Makiling Interlude, Beethoven Listening to the
Blues, Space Transfiguration, Hills of Nikko, Abstraction, Dimension of Fear, Naid,
Torogan and Cityscape.

NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR VISUAL ARTS

Arturo R. Luz
Celebrated as a painter, sculptor, and designer for more than 40
years, Luz, coming from Manila, created masterpieces that
exemplify an ideal of sophisticated simplicity in expression and
form, elevating the Filipino aesthetic vision to new heights. pride
Through the Luz Gallery that he established, he has set a
prestigious influence over generations of Filipino artists, and
inspired and developed a Filipino artistic community that nurtures impeccable
designs such as those with playful lines protraying a minimalist, geometric abstract.
This technique is what he referred to as true Asian modernity that shows the
modernist virtues of competence, order and elegance.

Among his other significant paintings are Bagong Taon, Vendador de Flores,
Skipping Rope, Candle Vendors, Procession, Self-Portrait, Night Glows, Grand
Finale, Cities of the Past, Imaginary Landscapes. His mural painting Black and White
is displayed in the lobby of the CCP’s Bulwagang Carlos V. Francisco (Little Theater).
His sculpture of a stainless steel cube is located in front of the Benguet Mining
Corporation Building in Pasig.

Ang Kiukok
Born to immigrant Chinese parents Vicente Ang and Chin Lim,
Ang Kiukok from Davao City is one of the most vital and dynamic
figures who emerged during the 60s. He initiated a formal and
iconographic path of his own through expressionistic works of
high visual impact and compelling meaning. He crystallized in
vivid, cubistic figures the terror and angst of the times. Shaped
in the furnace of the political turmoil of those times, Ang Kiukok
pursued an expression imbued with nationalist fervor and
sociological agenda. Some of his works include Geometric Landscap (1969); Pieta,
which won for him the bronze medal in the 1st International Art Exhibition held in
Saigon (1962); and the Seated Figure (1979), auctioned at Sotheby’s in Singapore.
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Reports say that his his works can be found in many major art collections, among
them the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Historical Museum of Taipei,
and the National Museum in Singapore.

Cesar T. Legaspi
From Tondo, Manila, Legaspi is a known pioneer of Neo-Realist in
the country and is remembered for his remarkable achievement of
refining cubism in the Philippine context. With his distinctive
geometric fragmentation technique, merging social comment and
placing alongside the mythical and modern into his overlapping,
interacting forms by means of disturbing power and intensity, his
daring themes contributed significantly to the advent and eventual
acceptance of modern art in the Philippines. Among his major
works are: are Gadgets I, Gadgets II, Diggers, Idols of the Third Eye, Facade, Ovary,
Flora and Fauna, Triptych, Flight, Bayanihan, Struggle, Avenging Figure, Turning
Point, Peace, The Survivor, and The Ritual.

Hernando R. Ocampo
A self-taught painter from Sta. Cruz Manila, Ocampo was a
leading member of the pre-war Thirteen moderns, the group that
charted the course of modern art in the Philippines. His works
presented an awareness of the harsh social realities in the country
immediately after World War II and contributed significantly to the
rise of nationalist spirit in the post-war era. Through his abstract
works, the Philippine modern art became known as his canvases evoked the
abundant Philippine landscape, its flora and fauna, under the sun and rain in fierce
and bold colors. He also played a pivotal role in sustaining the country’s first
Philippine Art Gallery. Ocampo’s masterpiece called, “Genesis” served as the basis of
the curtain design of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater. His other
major works include Ina ng Balon, Calvary, Slum Dwellers, Nude with Candle and
Flower, Man and Carabao, Angel’s Kiss, Palayok at Kalan, Ancestors, Isda at Mangga,
The Resurrection, Fifty-three “Q”, Backdrop, Fiesta.

Abdulmari Asia Imao

A native of Siasi, Sulu, Imao is the first Filipino Muslim to receive
the title of National Artist. A native of Sulu who is primarily known
as a sculptor, Imao is also painter, photographer, ceramist,
documentary film maker, cultural researcher, writer, and
articulator of Philippine Muslim art and culture. By adapting the
indigenous motifs and subjects of the South, he was able to
popularize the ukkil (sinuous relief woodcarving tradition found in houses and
boats), sarimanok (mythical bird with fish) and naga (sea serpent), infusing in the
Filipino consciousness what is considered to be an original and unique Filipino
concept.

Imao’s monumental sculptures of Muslim and regional heroes and leaders

paved the way for him to inculcate faith and confidence among cultural groups for a
more just and humane society. His major works include Industry Brass Mural
(Philippine National Bank, San Fernando, La Union), Mural Relief on Filmmaking
(Manila City Hall), Industrial Mural (Central Bank of the Philippines, San Fernando,

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La Union), Sulu Warriors (status of Panglima Unaid and Captain Abdurahim Imao,
Sulu Provincial Capitol).

Benedicto R. Cabrera
Born in Malabon, Cabrera uses “Bencab” as his signature in his
works. Initially a lyrical expressionist in the mid-60s exercising
decorative color in his art, he is best known for his solitary figures
of scavengers that aim to move the social conscience about poverty
and delinquency. His most popular figure, whom he named,
“Sabel,” symbolizes despair, inequality and isolation as evident in
the Phiippine society. Among his selected works include Madonna
with Objects, Studies of Sabel, People Waiting, The Indifference, Waiting for the
Monsoon.

Federico A. Alcuaz
Another renowned artist from Sta. Cruz, Manila, Alcuaz is fond
of signing his works using Aguilar Alcuaz. Known mainly for his
gestural paintings in acrylic and oil, he also sketches in ink,
watercolor and pencil. Aside from rendering abstract and
figurative works in ceramics andtapestries, he is also known for
his relief sculptures made of paper and other materials which he
called “Alcuazaics”.

Alcuaz was taking up Fine Arts at UP Diliman and at the same time, taking
up his pre-law course at San Beda College. Because art was really his passion, he
would join and win art competitions and even putup several solo exhibits after
graduating from San Beda. To give-in to his father’s wish, he obtained his law degree
at the Ateneo de Manila but after applauded in an exhibit at the Philippine Art
Gallery, he was acknowledged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain and received
a fellowship to study at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid.
He furthered his stay in Europe to train himself with the art and culture of Europe
and eventually had exhibits in Madrid and Barcelona, where he met his future wife
Ute Schmidt. His works are recognized for being refined and with European flair,
coupled with the ease and pleasure carried by his choice of light, color and
composition. Among his major works are Reveries of Love, Still Life with Landscape,
Abstract in Blue and Black, Tap Room, Tres Marias, and Manila 1968.

Francisco V. Coching
Our next National Artist hailed from Buting, Pasig. Aside from
being a comic book writer, Coching was also an illustrator. In
fact, he was distinguised in the field of Filipino comics, earning
the name, “The King of Komiks” and the “Dean of Filipino
Illustrators.” For four decades, he was able to combine his love
of storytelling and expertise in illustration in his popular art
form of comics, fascinating both the reading public and his
fellow artists, cartoonists and writers. Founded on the
Philippine culture of the 19th century up to the 1960s, his works tackled heroism
and expose the racial and class conflict as seen in the country’s colonial society, a
theme that was also manifested in Philippine cinema. In his comics, he depicted
Filipino men in the image of the indigenous and strong physique of Lapu-Lapu and
portrayed women as beautiful and gentle, but strong and warrior-like as in Marabini

12
(Marahas na Binibini). Even when he featured fantastical characters like vampires
and witches, Coching’s illustrations and stories appeared realistic. Among his works
are Sagisag ng Lahing Pilipino, Haring Ulopong, Movie Fan, Pusakal, Dimasalang, El
Vibora, Talipandas, Gigolo, Maldita. Indeed, his comics paved the way for the practice
of popular art and has posed a lasting influence on younger cartoonists.

NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR SCULPTURE

Guillermo E. Tolentino
A product of Malolos, Bulacan, Tolentino is a prominent sculptor of
historical figures that are grand and monumental After returning
from Europe where he studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in
Rome, he became known as a respected professor at the UP School
of Fine Arts, Federico A. Alcuaz Born: June 6, 1932 Died: February
2, 2011 Year Awarded: 2009 Francisco V. Coching Born: January
29, 1919 Died: September 1, 1998 Year Awarded: 2014 102
Contemporary Arts in the Philippines where he got the idea of creating a monument
for national heroes. Among Tolentino’s famous works are the UP Oblation, which
serves as the symbol of freedom at the campus, and the Bonifacio Monument in
Caloocan, as a an enduring symbol of the Filipinos’ cry for freedom. His other works
include the bronze figures of the late President Quezon at Quezon Memorial, life-size
statues of Jose Rizal at UP and UE, marble statue of the late President Ramon
Magsaysay in GSIS Building, the gold and bronze medals for the Ramon Magsaysay
Award, the seal of the Republic of the Philippines, and the statues of heroic and
political personalities, including those that represent education, medicine, forestry,
veterinary, science, fine arts and music at UP.

Napoleon V. Abueva
This native of Bohol was the youngest recipient of the National
Artist Award. Coined as the “Father of Modern Philippine
Sculpture”, Abueva is recognized for his non-representational
sculptures showing modern abstract and using a variety of media
raning from hard wood (molave, acacia, langka wood, ipil,
kamagong, palm wood and bamboo) to adobe, metal, stainless
steel, cement, marble, bronze, iron, alabaster, coral and brass.
With his introduction of the “buoyant sculpture” (a sculpture that is meant to be
appreciated from the surface of a placid pool) in 1951, he has shaped the local
sculpture scene to what it is now. His works have been installed in different
museums here and abroad and one of which is The Sculpture at the United Nations
Headquarters in New York City. His major works include Kaganapan, Kiss of Judas,
Thirty Pieces of Silver, The Transfiguration, the Eternal Garden Memorial Park, UP
Gateway, Nine Muses, UP Faculty Center, Sunburst in Peninsula Manila Hotel, the
bronze figure of Teodoro M. Kalaw in front of the National Library, and the marble
murals at the National Heroes Shrine in Mt. Samat, Bataan.

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 NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR DANCE

Francisca R. Aquino
Aquino is a celebrated Folk Dance Pioneer from Bocaue, Bulacan.
Through her efforts in doing research on folk dances that started
in the 1920s, visiting the remote areas of Central and Northern
Luzon, she was able to complete a thesis entitled, “Philippine Folk
Dances and Games” in 1926. This paper narrated the unrecorded
forms of local celebration, rituals and sports. - the content of
which was used by teachers and playground instructors in both
private and public schools in the 1940s. Later on, she became the Supervisor of
Physical Education at the Bureau of Education, embedding the teaching of folk
dancing as a means to raise awareness about the Filipino cultural tradition. Then in
1954, she was granted the Republic Award of Merit by the late President Magsaysay
for her “outstanding contribution toward the advancement of Filipino culture.” Her
works include books on: Philippine National Dances, Gymnastics for Girls,
Fundamental Dance Steps and Music, Foreign Folk Dances, Dances for all Occasion,
Playground Demonstration, and Philippine Folk Dances (Volumes I to VI).

Leonor O. Goquingco
Born in Jolo, Sulu, Goquingco was named the “Trailblazer”,
“Mother of Philippine Theater Dance” and the “Dean of Filipino
Performing Arts Critics.” She was the Honorary Chair of the
Association of Ballet Academies of the Philippines (ABAP), and was
a founding member of the Philippine Ballet Theater.

Goquingco is a premier choreographer who combined ballet

with folk and Asian dance, having made first-of-a-kind choreographies — all original
and mostly narrating stories that she wrote on her own. Among these include
“TREND: Return to Native,” “In a Javanese Garden,” “Sports,” “VINTA!,” “In a
Concentration Camp,” “The Magic Garden,” “The Clowns,” “Firebird,” “Noli Dance
Suite,” “The Flagellant,” and “The Creation”. Considered as her most ambitious work
is the dance epic entitled, “Filipinescas: Philippine Life, Legend and Lore,” which
became the foundation of native folk dance, reflecting the evolution of the Philippine
culture from pagan to modern times, up to it highest stage of development. This
performance has traveled around the world from 1961 to 1970, introducing
Philippine dance to the globe.

Alice G. Reyes
Another pride of Manila has become a significant contributor of
the development and promotion of Philippine dance. Reyes is a
dancer, choreographer, teacher and director, who has made a
lifelong influence on contemporary dance in the country, leaving
a legacy among various dance companies, teachers,
choreographers and even the Filipino modern dance repertoire
of today. Her passion for classical ballet and successful training
in folk dance under the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance
Company, coupled with her education in modern and jazz dance in the United States
led her to establish Ballet Philippines. Since then, she has produced a contemporary
dance that is uniquely Filipino, as a result of combining her state-of-the-art and
creative movements and styles with indigenous dance, modern dance and classical
14
ballet. Her masterpiece include Amada, Itim-Asu, and Bayanihan Remembered,
which she utilized to promote the distinctive aspects of Philippine arts, culture and
heritage. Subsequently, she initiated the popularization of modern dance in the
country. By promoting outreach tours, performances, programs, trainings, and
workshops, she was able to strengthen the foundation for Ballet Philippines and
modern dance in the country.

Ramon A. Obusan
Obusan is Camarines Norte’s pride in terms of being a dancer,
choreographer, stage designer and artistic director. Through his
efforts in doing cultural research, he was able to develop and
deepen the Filipino understanding of traditional dance. He also
established the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group who performed
authentic Filipino folk dance that brought about cultural
appreciation of the art of dance. Among his choreographies are:
Vamos a Belen! Series (Philippine Dances Tradition), Noon Po sa Amin (tableaux of
Philippine History in song, drama and dance), Obra Maestra (a collection of Ramon
Obusan’s dance masterpieces), Unpublished Dances of the Philippines, (Series 1 to
4), Water, Fire and Life, Philippine Dances and Music (A Celebration of Life Saludo
sa Sentenyal), Glimpses of ASEAN (Dances and Music of the ASEAN-Member
Countries), Saplot (Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group); Philippines Costumes in Dance.

Lucrecia R. Urtula
A local of Iloilo, Urtula was a choreographer, dance educator and
researcher. She spent spent almost four decades studying
Philippine folk and ethnic dances. Through her findings, she was
able to preserve and develop the ethnic dance culture, making
way for new choreographies such as the mountain dances,
spanish-influenced dances, and Muslim pageants and festivals.
These regional variations and dances were performed by the
Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, earning praises and
significant reviews around the world. Among her critically acclaimed dances were:
Singkil, a Bayanihan signature number based on a Maranao epic poem; Vinta, a
dance honoring Filipino sailing prowess; Tagabili, a tale of tribal conflict; Pagdiwata,
a four-day harvest festival condensed into a six-minute breath-taking spectacle;
Salidsid, a mountain wedding dance; Idaw, Banga and Aires de Verbena.

NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR LITERATURE

Amado V. Hernandez
A renowned poet, playwright, and novelist from Hagonoy,
Bulacan, Hernandez believed that his art should act as the
conscience of society, raising awareness about inequality and
oppression, in order to act accordingly when faced with
inequality and oppression, and to amend what is needed. His
writing style, which uses the colloquial language instead of
the flowery lingo, paved the way for the development of
Tagalog prose. While in prison, he wrote Mga Ibong
Mandaragit, the first Filipino socio-political novel that
exposes the ills of the society in relation to the agrarian
15
problems of the 1950s. His other works include Bayang Malaya, Isang Dipang Langit,
Luha ng Buwaya, Muntinlupa and Magkabilang Mukha ng Isang Bagol.

Carlos P. Romulo
Carlos P. Romulo of Camiling, Tarlac is our next National Artist
for Literature. Although he is known to be the first Asian
President of the United Nations General Assembly, then
Philippine Ambasador to Washington, D.C., and later on
Minister of Foreign Affairs, he also served the public as an
educator, diplomat, journalist, soldier, and a university
president. In essence, Romula was also a writer. In fact, he was
the only Asian to receive a Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for his forecast about the
second World War. Aside from publishing 18 books, he also wrote literary works that
include: The United (novel), I Walked with Heroes (autobiography), I Saw the Fall of
the Philippines, Mother America, I see the Philippines Rise (war -time memoirs).
Meanwhile, his associations with the United Nations led him into writing his memoirs
entitled, “Forty Years: A Third World Soldier at the UN”, and “The Philippine
Presidents”, his oral history of his experiences serving all the Philippine presidents.

Rolando S. Tinio
Rolando S. Tinio iwas National Artist for Teater and Literature.
His career as a prolific writer and playwright. He was a critic, a
poet, translator and a thespian gave way to creative artistic plays
and productions that revived the sarswela and modern Western
Dramas. His productions as a stage director were instrumental
in making theater a recognized art form in the Philippines. His
poetry collections include: Sitsit sa Kuliglig, DunungDunungan,
Kristal na Uniberso, A Trick of Mirrors. Among his films were: Now and Forever,
Gamitin Mo Ako, Bayad Puri, Milagros; and his major theater works include: Ang
Mestisa, Ang Kiri, Ana Maria, Orosman at Zafira and Larawan.

Carlos L. Quirino
Quirino, who is a native of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, was the first
recipient of the National Artist Award for Historical Literature,
a new category in the National Artist Awards created by former
President Fidel V. Ramos in 1997. Acknowledged as a
biographer, he has written one of the earliest biographies of our
National Hero, Jose Rizal. entitled The Great Malayan.
Moreover, he has also written books and articles about
Philippine culture and history ranging from Bonifacio’s trial to
Aguinaldo’s biography, from Philippine cartography to culinary
arts, from cash crops to tycoons and president’s lives, among several other themes.
Notable among his accomplishments was when he became the very first Filipino
correspondent for the United Press Institute. His best book is titled, Maps and Views
of Old Manila while his other books include: Quezon, Man of Destiny, Magsaysay of
the Philippines, Lives of the Philippine Presidents, Philippine Cartography, The
History of Philippine Sugar Industry, Filipino Heritage: The Making of a Nation,
Filipinos at War: The Fight for Freedom from Mactan to EDSA.

16
 Francisco Arcellana
Born in Sta. Cruz, Manila, Arcellana is a critic, essayist,
journalist, poet, teacher and writer. He is recognized as one of
the originators of modern Filipino short stories written in
English, pioneering new literary forms such as the lyrical-prose
poetic form in his expression of the Filipino ideals. His excellent
works are widely part of the college syllabi in the country and
among his published books are Selected Stories, Poetry and
Politics: The State of Original Writing in English in the Philippines Today, and The
Francisco Arcellana Sampler. Some of his short stories include Frankie, The Man
Who Would Be Poe, Death in a Factory, Lina, A Clown Remembers, Divided by Two,
The Mats, and his poems being The Other Woman, This Being the Third Poem This
Poem is for Mathilda, and To Touch You and I Touched Her.

Nestor Vicente M. Gonzalez

Better known as N.V.M. Gonzalez, he was a writer who
specialized in fiction, depicting the Filipino character in rural
and urban settings. He was a multi-awarded literary artist from
Romblon and was much-admired for using the English
language in his works to reflect and shape the Philippine
culture and Philippine sensibility. His major works include: The
Winds of April, Seven Hills Away, Children of the Ash-Covered
Loam and Other Stories, The Bamboo Dancers, Look Stranger,
on this Island Now, Mindoro and Beyond: Twenty-One Stories, The Bread of Salt and
Other Stories, Work on the Mountain, The Novel of Justice: Selected Essays 1968-
1994, A Grammar of Dreams and Other Stories.

Levi Celerio
A National Artist for Literature and Music from Tondo, Celerio was
a scholar at the Academy of Music in Manila which enabled him
to join and become the youngest member of the Manila Symphony
Orchestra. He was a prolific lyricist and composer for decades,
having authored more than 4,000 songs. He was also recognized
by the Guinness Book of World Records as the only person to
make music by just using a leaf. Many of his songs were used for
local movies that is why the Film Academy of the Philippines awarded him the
Lifetime Achievement Award. He is credited for writing the lyrics of traditional folk
melodies namely O Maliwanag Na Buwan (Ilocano folk song), Ako ay may Singsing
(Kapampangan folk song), and Alibangbang (Visayan folk song) among others. His
major works include: Pasko Na Naman, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Kahit Konting
Pagtingin, Dungawin mo Hirang, Tinig ng Bayan, Basta’t Mahal Kita.

17
 Amado V. Hernandez
A renowned poet, playwright, and novelist from Hagonoy,
Bulacan, Hernandez believed that his art should act as the
conscience of society, raising awareness about inequality and
oppression, in order to act accordingly when faced with
inequality and oppression, and to amend what is needed. His
writing style, which uses the colloquial language instead of the
flowery lingo, paved the way for the development of Tagalog
prose. While in prison, he wrote Mga Ibong Mandaragit, the
first Filipino socio-political novel that exposes the ills of the
society in relation to the agrarian problems of the 1950s. His
other works include Bayang Malaya, Isang Dipang Langit, Luha ng Buwaya,
Muntinlupa and Magkabilang Mukha ng Isang Bagol.

Jose G. Villa
An acclaimed contemporary poet from Singalong, Manila is Jose
Garcia Villa, most commonly known as Doveglion (Dove, Eagle,
Lion). He used this as his penname because these are the very
characters that he attributed to himself—the very same ones that
e.e. cummings used in his poem for Villa (Doveglion Adventures
in Value). He is recognized as the first to introduce reversed
consonance rhyme scheme and the use of punctuation marks,
especially the comma, in his poems.
His poem entitled, “Have Come, Am Here,” was highly praised in New York in 1942
and from then on, more recognitions, honors and fellowships were awarded to him.
His works have been collected and published in the following books: Footnote to
Youth, Many Voices, Poems by Doveglion, Poems 55, Poems in Praise of Love: The
Best Love Poems of Jose Garcia Villa as Chosen By Himself, Selected Stories, The
Portable Villa, The Essential Villa, Mir-i-nisa, Storymasters 3: Selected Stories from
Footnote to Youth, 55 Poems: Selected and Translated into Tagalog by Hilario S.
Francia.

Francisco Sionil Jose

Well-known as F. Sionil Jose, this lecturer, publisher and writer
from Rosales, Pangasinan is recognized for his works that were
described as “epic.” by many critics. His consistent promotion of
the Filipino hope for national sovereignty and social justice is a
certification that his works are Rolando S. Tinio Born: March 5,
1937 Died: July 7, 1997 Year Awarded: 1997 Levi Celerio Born:
April 30, 1910 Died: April 2, 2002 Year Awarded: 1997 Edith L.
Tiempo Born: April 22, 1919 Died: August 21, 2011 Year Awarded: 1999 108
Contemporary Arts in the Philippines of high value - as in the case of his Rosales
saga comprising of 1) The Pretenders, 2) Tree, 3) My Brother, My Executioner, 4)
Mass, and 5) Po-on. This five-novel masterpiece does not only reflect Philippine
history but the social struggles of the Filipino nation as well. As a result, this and
his many other short stories have been published in different languages.

18
 Lazaro A. Francisco
An award-winning writer from Orani, Bataan, Francisco’s
works embody his commitment to nationalism, tackling issues
about oppression among tenants, exploitation of deceitful
landlords and foreign tyranny. He ranked among the finest
novelists of the country in the early 20th century and gained
fame not only as a writer for social conscience but also for his
“masterful handling of the Tagalog language”, making him the
“Master of the Tagalog Novel.” He has written 12 novels
published in episodes in the weekly Tagalog magazine called “Liwayway.” His literary
outputs in Tagalog were instrumental in the enrichment of the Filipino language and
as an advocate of the national language, he established the Kapatiran ng mga Alagad
ng Wikang Pilipino (KAWIKA) in 1958. Among his reputable novels are: Ama, Bayang
Nagpatiwakal, Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig, and Daluyong. These works have put him
in an eminent place in Philippine Literature where he was cited as the “foremost
Filipino novelist of his generation” and “champion of the Filipino writer’s struggle for
national identity.”

NATIONAL ARTIST FOR ARCHITECTURE

Pablo S. Antonio
Antonio is known as the Pioneer for modern Philippine architecture.
His basic design is founded on simplicity, believing that buildings
should be simple and stable forever as the aim of true architecture.
He pointed out, “For our father, every line must have a meaning, a
purpose. For him, function comes first before elegance or form“. His
designs are characterized with the maximum use of natural light
and cross ventilation. His major works include the following: Far
Eastern University Administration and Science buildings; Manila
Polo Club; Ideal Theater; Lyric Theater; Galaxy Theater; Capitan Luis Gonzaga
Building; Boulevard-Alhambra (now Bel-Air) apartments; Ramon Roces Publications
Building (now Guzman Institute of Electronics)

Ildefonso P. Santos Jr.

Santos is the pioneer of an allied field of architecture in the
Philppines called landscape architecture. For four decades, he
has produced hundreds of exemplary and engaging parks, plazas,
gardens, and a wide range of outdoor settings that have enhanced
contemporary Filipino life. He made his first mark with the
Makati Commercial Center where he introduced a new concept of
outdoor shopping with landscaped walks, fountains and
sculptures as accents. His major contribution to modern Filipino
landscape architecture was the seminal public landscape in Paco Park.

Jose Maria Zaragoza

Zaragoza is known for being a pillar of modern architecture in the
Philippines producing modern ecclesiastical edifices and
structures in the service of God and humanity. He graduated
from UST in 1936 and became the 82nd architect of the
Philippines. He specialized in religious architecture that is why
he also studied at International Institute of Liturgical Art in Rome
19
in the late 1950s,. His training paved the way for innovative approaches and designs
of mid-Century Catholic churches in the country including the Sto. Domingo
Church, Our Lady of Rosary in Tala, Don Bosco Church, the Convent of the Pink
Sisters, the San Beda Convent, Villa San Miguel, Pius XII Center, the Union Church,
and the controversial restoration of the Quiapo Church, among others.

Francisco T. Mañosa
A National Artist for Architecture and Allied Arts, Mañosa
passionately created original forms, and spaces with elaborate
and sophisticated details that is truly Filipino in identity like his
landmark design of the Sulo Hotel. His major works include the:
San Miguel Building; Ortigas Center in Pasig City which was
designed with the Mañ
osa Brothers; Chapel of the Risen Lord in Las Piñas City; Our
Lady of Peace Shrine in EDSA, Quezon City; the World Youth Day Papal Altar used
in Quirino Grandstand, Manila in 1995; the Metrorail Transit System Stations for
LRT 1 in 1980s; the Quezon Memorial Circle Development Plan; the Lanao del Norte
Provincial Capitol in Tubod, Lanao del Norte; the Tahanang Pilipino (Coconut Palace)
in CCP Complex, Manila; the famous Amanpulo Resort in Palawan; the Pearl Farm
Resort in Samal Island, Davao, which was completed in 1994 and the La Mesa
Watershed Resort and Ecological Park in La Mesa Dam, Quezon City. Truly, these
works have recognized the country in terms of the intricate and refined details of
Philippine architecture.

NATIONAL ARTIST FOR CINEMA

Ronald Allan K. Poe

Popularly known as Fernando Poe Jr. or FPJ for short, Poe was
named as the “King of Philippine Movies.” Though he was an actor,
he was also a director, producer, and a writer leaving behind more
than 200 films. “The King” was well-loved by the Filipino audiences
for his roles as the underdog who would later climb back up and
take revenge against his oppressors. His movies inspired the
Filipino masses who felt hopeless in life. Among his major works
are: “Apollo Robles”, “Batang Maynila”, “Mga Alabok sa Lupa”, “Ako
ang Katarungan”, “Tatak ng Alipin”, “Asedillo”, “Partida”, “Ang Probinsyano”, “Ang
Alamat”, “Ang Pagbabalik ng Lawin”, and “Panday” Series (1980, 1981, 1982 and
1984).

Eric Oteyza De Guia

More known as Kidlat Tahimik, he is a critically acclaimed
filmmaker who pioneered the postcolonial essay film. He is also
credited for the development of Philippine Independent Cinema,
whose films are associated with the Third Cinema Movement
through social commentaries of the Neocolonialism. His films
purposely tell the Filipinos to give importance to their
independence and revoke imperialism from the West. This way, we
can preserve our culture and at the same time, realize that in the
realm of poverty, one does not necessarily remain poor and sad. Among his films
include: “Mababangong Bangungot” in 1977 (which was applauded by critics and
filmmakers from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa), “Balikbayan #1: Memories
20
of Overdevelopment Redux”, “Japanese Summers of a Filipino Fundoshi”, “Why is
Yellow the Middle of the Rainbow?”, “Orbit 50: Letters to My 3 Sons”, “Turumba”,
and “Who Invented the Yoyo? Who Invented the Moon Buggy?”., among others.

Eddie S. Romero
Romero was an influential filmmaker whose career spanned over
30 years. As a director, producer, and screenwriter, his films were
critiqued as grandiose, realistic but utterly simple, and never
predictable. Like any other National Artist for Cinema, his films
were devoted to portraying the lives of the Filipinos i.e. during the
Spanish Revolution, and American colonization, during the
prehistoric Philippines concentrating on folklores, the turmoil in
the late 1960s under the corrupt politics, and many more. Among
his major works are “Ganito Kami Noon...Paano Kayo Ngayon?”, “Aguila”,
“Kamakalawa”, “Banta ng Kahapon” and “Noli Me Tangere”.

Ishmael Bernal
Catalino “Lino” O. Brocka is a National Artist for Film and
Broadcast Arts. He was a director for film, theater and broadcast
arts. His masterpieces that portray the less-than-glamorous
part of the society like the construction workers, prostitutes, the
disadvantaged that live in the slums, etc., paved the way for the
term “freedom of expression” in the Philippine Constitution. In
truth, his more than 60 films gave hope for the marginalized,
giving the masses characters that they can relate to with dignity.
Brocka’s legacy founded on his social activist spirit was recognized by various award-
giving bodies here and abroad, including the Cannes Film Festival. Among his films
include: “Santiago”, “Wanted Perfect Mohter”, “Tubog sa Ginto”, “Stardoom”,
“Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang”, “Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag”, “Insiang”, “Jaguar”,
“Bona”, “Orapronobis”, and Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos”.

Manuel Conde
From Daet, Camarines Norte, Conde’s films are grounded on old
Filipino tales such as Siete Infantes de Lara, Si Juan Tamad,
Prinsipe Tenoso, and Ang Ibong Adarna. Indeed, while other
contemporary filmmakers were producing American replicas, he
made movies from Filipino oral tradition that were passed from
generation to generation. With more than 40 films, Conde is
known for the indigenization of the cinema by 1) assigining it a
history and culture of its own; 2) revitalizing folk culture with urgent issues, fresh
themes and new techniques; 3) depicting and critiquing Filipino customs, values and
traditions according to the needs of the present; 4) employing and at the same time
innovating on the traditional cinematic genres of his time; and 5) opening the local
cinema to the world. He was also credited for being a visionary - he created and
conceptualized films that narrate stories about world historical figures like Genghis
Khan and Sigfredo, which were far more worthy than the usual predictable stories
that moviegoers have been accustomed to. Aside from his

21
 Catalino “Lino” O. Brocka
is a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. He was a
director for film, theater and broadcast arts. His masterpieces
that portray the less-than-glamorous part of the society like the
construction workers, prostitutes, the disadvantaged that live in
the slums, etc., paved the way for the term “freedom of
expression” in the Philippine Constitution. In truth, his more
than 60 films gave hope for the marginalized, giving the masses
characters that they can relate to with dignity. Brocka’s legacy
founded on his social activist spirit was recognized by various
award-giving bodies here and abroad, including the Cannes Film
Festival. Among his films include: “Santiago”, “Wanted Perfect Mohter”, “Tubog sa
Ginto”, “Stardoom”, “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang”, “Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag”,
“Insiang”, “Jaguar”, “Bona”, “Orapronobis”, and Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos

NATIONAL ARTIST FOR MUSIC

Ryan Cayabyab
Named as Mr. C in the music industry, this National Artist for
Music is a versatile arranger, composer, and musical director.
Cayabyab’s musical prowess started when he was four. He took
piano lessons and graduated from the UP School of Music with a
degree in Music, Major in Music Theory. He became popular in
the music industry as a musical director, conductor and
accompanist. With leading music figures, he was able to perform
in the United States and gained a notable audience at Carnegie Hall. He also went to
various Southeast Asian and European countries to commandeer performances in
Spain, the Netherlands, France and Germany. In addition, he has also remarkably
directed different musicians who performed for former US President Bill Clinton and
royal personalities like King Hasan II of Morroco, King Juan Carlos of Spain, King
Fahd of Saudi Arabia, and Queen Beatrix of Netherlands. His talent even extended
to being an artist, producer and composer for commercial recordings. He was the one
who composed the opening song of Miss Universe 1994 and the theme song for the
23rd edition of the Southeast Asian Games. It was also his extraordinary skill that
led him to compose songs for Filipino movies namely “Aguila,” “Desire,” “Hihintayin
Kita sa Langit,” “Abot Kamay ang Pangarap,” “Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin,” “Ang
Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya” and “Ang Larawan.” He also conducted theater musicals
like “Noli Me Tangere,” “El Filibusterismo,” “Magnificat,” “Alikabok,” “Ilustrado,”
“Spolarium” and “Lorenzo.” Due to his valuable contributions to the music industry,
he was awarded the following to name a few: Grand Prize Award (Metro Manila
Popular Music Festival in 1978), Best Music Award (“Kung Mawawala Ka” in Metro
Manila Film Festival in 1993), Lifetime Achievement Award (The Philippine
Association of the Record Industry in 1996), Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in Music
(Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2004), MYX Magna Award (MYX Music Awards
in 2012), Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award (Conferred by Pope Francis in 2013).

To further recognize his versatility, he was offered a position as the Executive

and Artistic Director of San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts from 2001 to
2007. Indeed, this talented musician has captured the Filipino soul as his
composition style spans from concert religious music, symphonic work, art song,
22
opera, and concerto to mainstream popular vernaculars in the music industry and
in live contemporary multimedia shows like musical theater, dance, film and even
TV Commercials – all these have significantly contributed to the development of the
country’s arts and culture.

Aside from those already mentioned, his notable works also include: Rama-
Hari (a Two-act musical ballet), Katy! The Musical (a Two-act musical), Smokey
Mountain (a Pop CD album), One Christmas (a Christmas Album), Ignacio Of Loyola
(a Film Score), Da Coconut Nut, Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika, Nais Ko, Paraiso, Kahit
Ika’y Panaginip Lang, Kailan, and Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka.

Francisco Feliciano
Feliciano’s works raised the Philippine music to a higher notch
by bringing out the “Asianness” in his compositions. He made
the Asian culture known all over the world through his music,
celebrating our ethnicity as he introduced the exceptional
sounds of our indigenous music with the same caliber as that
of the West. His choral compositions that won many awards in
international competitions were described as a celebration of
various ethnicities having refined rhythmic energy and
sophisticated braiding of lines from indigenous songs, and were
performed by the best choirs in the country namely the
Philippines Madrigal Singers, UST Singers, and the Novo Concertante Manila.
Further, his operas and orchestral works were contemporary in style, and were
intricately written using the so-called Feliciano’s tonality called the modal scales.
Among his works, which include: Ashen Wings, Sikhay sa Kabila ng Paalam, La Loba
Negra, Yerma, Pamugun, and Pokpok Alimako brought out the Filipino spirituality
in simple harmonies but with life-long influence on the listeners.

Andrea Veneracion
is a well-regarded National Artist for Music. She was a former faculty
of the UP College of Music and honorary choir of the Philippine
Federation of Choral Music. On top of this, she also spearheaded a
cultural outreach program through music education and was a
recognized adjudicator in international music competitions. She
was also the founder of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and led the
development of the Philippine choral music. Without a doubt, her
successes as a choirmaster and choral arranger contributed to the
development of the culture and the arts

Antonio J. Molina
Aside from being a composer and a conductor, Molina was also a
music professor at the UP Conservatory of Music, where he molded
and influenced music personalities like Lucresia Kasilag and Felipe
de Leon. His gift in music was evident at an early age – he
performed at the former Manila Grand Opera House as an
orchestra soloist and wrote his first composition when he was 18.
Known for his impressionist style in music, he was among the
musical triumvirate which includes Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco Santiago. He is
credited for making innovations like the pentatonic scale, linear counterpoints, and
23
the lively ninth and eleventh cords, bringing the Philippine music to the modern
times. Among his major works include Orchestral Mmusic entitled “Ang Batingaw”,
and “Kundiman-Kundangan”; Chamber Music entitled “Hating Gabi”, and “Kung sa
Iyong Gunita”; and Vocal Music entitled “Awit ni Maria Clara” and “Larawan Nitong
Pilipinas”.

Lucio San Pedro

San Pedro’s music is known to represent the folk elements of the
Filipino heritage. Recognized as a conductor, master composer,
and a music teacher, his notable works became a significant
factor in the development of a civic culture among the local youth
as he worked with town bands that unlocked their creativity in
music. He has produced works varying from band music,
sonatas for violin and orchestra, choral works, cantatas,
chamber music, music for violin and piano and songs for solo
voice. Among his works include orchestral music entitled, The
Devil’s Bridge, Malakas at Maganda Overture, Prelude and
Fugue in D minor, Hope and Ambition; choral music entitled Easter Cantata, Sa
Mahal Kong Bayan, Rizal’s Valedictory Poem; vocal music entitled Lulay, Sa Ugoy ng
Duyan, In the Silence of the Night; and band music entitled Dance of the Fairies,
Triumphal March, Lahing Kayumanggi, Angononian March to name a few.

Jose Maceda
was not only a composer, but also a musicologist, teacher and
performer. He explored the remotest mountain villages and
farthest island communities of the country in order to discover
and understand the Filipino traditional music. His researches
contributed to its popularization, which brought about an
immeasurable collection of recorded music about the nature of
Philippine traditional and ethnic compositions. This paved the
way for more local compositions that are far from the usual
Eurocentric mold. His compositions, Ugmaugma, Pagsamba,
and Udlot-udlot are testimonies to his dedication to Philippine
music. His other works include Agungan, Kubing, Pagsamba, Ugnayan, Ading,
Aroding, Siasid, and Suling-suling.

Felipe De Leon
Many Filipino composers have attempted to Filipinize western
music forms but it was Felipe De Leon who successfully
accomplished this feat. His notable compositions of the
sonatas, marches and concertos about the hopes and dreams
of the Filipinos during difficult times were truly remarkable
that he was awarded numerous honors and recognitions such
as the Republic Cultural Heritage Award, Doctor of
Humanities from UP, Rizal Pro-Patria Award, Presidential
Award of Merit, and Patnubay ng Kalinangan Award, among
others. Among his orchestral music include Mariang Makiling Overture, Roca
Encantada, symphonic legend, Maynila Overture, and Orchesterstuk. His choral
music entitled Payapang Daigdig, Ako’y Pilipino, Lupang Tinubuan, Ama Namin, and
songs Bulaklak, Alitaptap, and Mutya ng Lahi were also extraordinary.

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 Ernani J. Cuenco
An expert musician who hailed from Malolos, Bulacan, Cuenco
was a recognized composer, film scorer, and musical director. He
has a music degree in piano and cello from the University of
Santo Tomas, where he served as an educator for decades. He
also performed with the Filipino Youth Symphony Orchestra and
the Manila Symphony Orchestra from 1960 to 1968, and the
Manila Chamber Soloists from 1966 to 1970. His passion for
music raised the bar of contemporary Filipino music in the
country with his compositions and ingenious voice that personify
the Filipino sense of musicalness., adding kundiman elements to
his works. Among his songs and ballads include: “Nahan, Kahit na Magtiis,” and
“Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa,” “Pilipinas,” “Inang Bayan,” “Isang
Dalangin,” “Kalesa,” “Bato sa Buhangin” and “Gaano Kita Kamahal.”

Ramon P. Santos
Santos is a Filipino composer, conductor and musicologist, and is
the leading advocate of contemporary Filipino music in the
country. Taking in the traditions of non-Western and Southeast
Asian music, his innovations gave a new direction to Philippine
music. With his local education in music (having taken a Teacher’s
Diploma and a degree in Bachelor of Music in both Composition
and Conducting in UP College of Music), and a foreign education
in music (having taken a Master’s Degree at Indiana University
under a Fulbright Scholarship and a Doctorate Degree at the State
University of New York), Santos has been exposed to the world of contemporary and
avant-garde music. He learned the meticulous processes of serial music, electronic
and contemporary music, indefiniteness, including new vocal and improvisational
techniques. To further his skills in music, he studied in New Music in Darmstadt,
Germany and in Utrecht, Netherlands. When he returned to the Philippines, his style
changed – he threw himself into learning indigenous Philippine and Asian music,
which led to a new alternative musical language that originated from an awareness
of Asian music aesthetics and culture.

Aside from these, he also engaged himself in research to study the ethnic
music of the Ibaloi of the North, which paved the way for a new perspective in
composing songs. As a result, his songs followed the ethnomusicological discipline,
the translation of indigenous musical systems into modern musical discourse, and
the combination of the Western and non-Western sound. In other words, Santos was
instrumental in the development of Philippine music that is rooted in old Asian
practices and life concepts.

Antonino Buenaventura
Buenaventura was very passionate about music. His musical
career lasted for seven decades, which in fact, enhanced the
boundaries of Philippine music. Buenaventura, with Francisca
Reyes-Aquino, made ethnic tribe songs popular. This paved the
way for him to compose ethnic -inspired songs for the orchestra,
symphony and solo instruments. He is also credited for restoring
the prestige of the Philippine Army Band as one of the finest
military bands in the world, whose performances under his

25
 tutelage sound like a symphony orchestra”. His major works include: “Triumphal
March,” “Echoes of the Past,” “History Fantasy,” Second Symphony in E-flat, “Echoes
from the Philippines,” and “Ode to Freedom”, to name

What’s More
SHORT ESSAY. Read and analyze each question. Answer each question in not
more than 10 sentences.

1. What do you think is the common denominator among the recognized

National Artists?

2. If you are to nominate a National Artist of your time, who would it be? Why?

What I Have Learned

Complete the table below. Choose one (1) National Artist from each art form and
write down his/her contribution to Philippine arts. On the third column, write
down a title of his/her famous artwork/masterpiece.

ART FORM NATIONAL ARTIST FAMOUS ARTWORK/

PAINTING

VISUAL ARTS

SCULPTURE

DANCE

LITERATURE

26
ARCHITECTURE

CINEMA

MUSIC

What I Can Do
Be an artist of your own. Create your own art (It can be a painting, a
compose song, a sculpture, a poem and many more) Be creative as you can

27
 Above Below
Extraordinary Average Poor
Criteria Average Average
5 3 1
4 2

Artwork is Artwork is Artwork is

planned planned planned Artwork shows
Artwork shows
carefully; carefully; carefully; little evidence
Understanding of no evidence of
understanding understanding
(30%) understanding understanding
of most of some understanding
of the concepts concepts is concepts is of concepts.
of concepts.
is every evident. evident. evident.

Artwork
Artwork shows Artwork shows Artwork shows Artwork shows
shows below
outstanding good average poor
Craftsmanship/ average
craftsmanship craftsmanship craftsmanship
Skill craftsmanship craftsmanship
with clear with clear with no
(30%) with attention with little
attention to attention to attention to
to detail. attention to
detail. detail. detail.
detail.

Artwork Artwork
Artwork
demonstrates demonstrates Artwork
some personal demonstrates Artwork lacks
Creativity/ personal demonstrates
expression and expression an average little amount evidence of
Originality
outstanding and amount of of personal personal
(20%)
problem-solving logical problem personal expression. expression
skills. solving skills. expression.

Student puts Student puts Student puts Student puts Student puts
forth forth effort forth average forth less effort no effort
Effort
extraordinary
(20%) required to effort required required to required to
effort to
complete the to complete complete the complete the
complete the
artwork the artwork. artwork. artwork.
artwork

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 Assessment
A. MULTIPLE CHOICE. Read the statements carefully. Identiy who is being
described in each statement and write the CAPITAL LETTER of the correct
answer on the space provided.
______1. He is the first National Artist in the country.
A. Arturo Luz C. Fernando Amorsolo
B. Hernando R. Ocampo D. Vicente Manansala
______2. He was recognized as the Father of Modern Philippine Painting.
A. Benedicto Cabrera C. Pablo S. Antonio
B. Victorio Edades D. Leandro V. Locsin
______3. He was considered as the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture.
A. Napoleon V. Abueva C. Ildefonso P. Santos
B. Jose T. Joya D. Ang Kiukok
______4. He was more known as Fernando Poe Jr. or FPJ, a Filipino icon in the film
industry who was an actor, director, writer and producer.
A. Francisco Coching C. Jose T. Joya
B. Ronald Allan K. Poe D. Federico Alcuaz
______5. She was the Queen of Kundiman and the first actress to portray a 15-year
old in the very first Tagalog film.
A. Alice G. Reyes C. Lucresia R. Kasilag
B. Francisca R. Aquino D. Honorata “Atang” dela Rama
______6. He was a writer who specialized in fiction, depicting the Filipino character
in rural and urban settings.
A. NVM Gonzalez C. Carlos P. Romulo
B. Carlos L. Quirino D. Nick M. Joaquin
______7. He was a comic book writer and an illustrator from Pasig and was named
as the “King of Komiks.”
A. Federico A. Alcuaz C. Abdulmari Asia Imao
B. Francisco V. Coching D. Benedicto R. Cabrera
______8. He was known for his mural in the Bulwagang Katipunan of the Manila
City Hall.
A. Fernando Amorsolo C. Carlos “Botong” Francisco
B. Victorio C. Edades D. Vicente S. Manansala
_____9. She was known for her experimentations on incorporating western
influence with ethnic music using indigenous instruments in symphonic
productions.
A. Honorata “Atang” dela Rama C. Lucrecia R. Urtula
B. Lucresia R. Kasilag D. Leonor O. Goquingco
_____ 10. She dedicated her life to studying Philippine folk and ethnic dances. As a
result, she was able to preserve and develop the ethnic dance culture.
A. Honorata “Atang” dela Rama C. Lucrecia R. Urtula
B. Lucresia R. Kasilag D. Leonor O. Goquingco
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 B. MATCHING TYPE Match column A with the corresponding item in column B.
Write the letter of your answer for each number.

_________1. First National Artist

a. Honorata “atang”
Dela Rama
_________2. He was more known
as Fernando Poe Jr. or FPJ
b. Carlos “botong”
Francsico

_________3. She was the Queen of Kundiman

c. Francisco V.
Conching

_________4. He was known for his mural in

the Bulwagang Katipunan of the
Manila City Hall
d. Ronald Allan K. Poe

_________5. the “King of Komiks.”

e. Fernando Cuelo
Amorsolo

f. Federico A.Alcuaz

Additional Activities

SHORT ESSAY. Read and analyze each question. Answer each question in not more
than 10 sentences.
1. What do you think is the common denominator among the recognized
National Artists?
2. If you are to revisit the criteria for choosing the National Artists, what would
you add? What would you delete?

30
 31
Cruz II and Ma. Theresa M. Cruz
Contemporary Philippine Arts From The Regions. First Edition by Eugene B.
Book References:
References:
Assessment What’s In What I know
Answers may vary
Matching Type Matching Type
1. E What’s New 1. E
2. D Answers may vary 2. D
3. A 3. A
4. B What’s more 4. B
5. C Answers may vary 5. C
Multiple Choice What I have learned Multiple Choice
6. C Answers may vary 6. C
7. B 7. B
8. A What I can do 8. A
9. B Answers may vary 9. B
10.D 10.D
11.A 11.A
12.B 12.B
13.C 13.C
14.B 14.B
15.C 15.C
Answer Key
 Development Team

Writer: MARJO FAITH D. MALANA

Editor/QA: MA. PERGA A. CADIENTE

Reviewer:

Illustator:

Layout Artist: PETER A. ALAVANZA/RUBY V. PAGUNTALAN

Management Team: FELIX ROMY A. TRIAMBULO, CESO V

ROSALIO B. CONTURNO JR. PhD
ELLA GRACE M. TAGUPA, EdD
JEPHONE P. YORONG, EdD
GERMANICO C. MALACAT

Office: Dapitan City Schools Division Office

Address: Sunset Boulevard, Dawo, Dapitan City
Contact Number: 09383968259

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