Philippines’ National Artists in each category- Architecture, Dance, Film, Literature, Music, Theater, and

Visual Arts.

Qualifications for the National Artist Award

The qualifications for a Filipino to be nominated and selected are rigorous. Below are the qualifications
for the National Artist Award.
1. Living artists who are natural-born Filipino citizens.
2. The content and form of their work have procured in building a Filipino sense of nationhood.
3. An artist who have developed a mode of creative expression or style and living a legend on succeeding
generations of artists.
4. An artist who manifest excellence in the practice of their art form
5. The artwork made has attained an international and national recognition.
Let us know the different Philippines’ National Artists in each category- Architecture, Dance, Film,
Literature, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts.

DANCE

NATIONAL ARTISTS ROLES CONTRIBUTIONS

Francisca Reyes Aquino (1973) · She was best known for her research on
Philippine folk dances, which later resulted to
· “Philippine National Dances”
a thesis entitled “Philippine Folk Dances and
· “Gymnastic for Girls”,
Games.”
· “Fundamental Dance Steps and
· She also became the supervisor of
Music”
physical education at the Bureau of Education
during the 1940’s.

Leonor Orosa-Goquingco · Known as the “Mother of Philippine

(1976) Theater Dance” · “TREND: Return to Native”
· She blended folkloric and Asian styles in · “VINTA!”
ballet choreography. · “Firebird”
· Founding member of the Philippine · “Noli Dance Suite”
Ballet Theater · “Filipinescas: Philippine Life,
· Honorary Chair of the Association of Legend and Lore”
Ballet Academies of the Philippines.

Lucrecia Reyes Urtula (1988) · Dance director of the “Bayanihan

· Singkil
Philippine Dance Company”
· Vinta
· Research and educator

Ramon Obusan (2006) · Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group

· Dancer, choreographer, artistic director, · “Vamos a Belen! Series”
researcher, and documentary filmmaker · “Unpublished Dances of the
Philippines”
· “Glimpses of ASEAN, Dances
 and Music of the ASEAN-Member
Countries”
· “Saplot: Philippine Costumes in
Dance”

FILM

NATIONAL ARTISTS ROLES CONTRIBUTIONS

Gerardo de Leon (1982) · “Daigdig ng Mga Api”

· “Noli Me Tangere”
· He is a prominent film maker in the 50s and
· “El Filibusterismo”
60’s producing classics
· “Dyesebel”

· “Sisa”

Lino Brocka (1997) · “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit

· Recognized for his films which explores the
Kulang” (1974)
lives of people in the marginalized sectors.
· “Insiang” (1976)
· He also directed for theater organizations
such as the Philippine Educational Theater · “Bona” (1980)
Association (PETA) and the Concerned Artists of
· “Maynila: Sa Kuko ng
the Philippines (CAP).
Liwanag” (1975)

Ishmael Bernal (2001) · Bernal, who was hailed by the critics as “the
genius of Philippine cinema”, is known for
directing films that projects the realities of the
Filipinos. · “Himala” (1982)
· He was also hailed as Director of the Decade · “City After Dark” (1980)
of the 1970’s by the Catholic Mass Media Awards
· “Nunal sa Tubig” (1976)
· Four-time Best Director by the Urian Awards

· Given the ASEAN Cultural Award in

Communication Arts 1993

Eddie S. Romero (2003) · “Ganito Kami Noon… Paano Kayo

Ngayon?”
· He is a screenwriter, film director and · “Banta ng Kahapon”
producer who is behind the Filipino classics.
· “Aguila”

· “Noli Me Tangere”

Manuel Conde (2009) · He is known for producing and directing · “Siete Infantes de Lara” (1950)
 films based on old Filipino tales. · “Si Juan Tamad” (1947)

· “Ang Ibong Adarna” (1941)

Lamberto Avellana · “Kalderong Pilak”

· Tagged as the “The Boy Wonder of
· “Anak Dalita” (1956)
Philippine Movies” as early as 1939.
o · “Badjao”

ARCHITECTURE

NATIONAL ARTISTS ROLES CONTRIBUTIONS

Juan Nakpil (1973) · Regarded as “Dean of Filipino · UP Administration Building and

Architects”. Library

· Quezon Institute

· Social Security System Building

· Restored Quiapo Church and Rizal

House

Pablo Antonio (1976) · Pioneer of Modern Philippine · FEU Admin and Science Buildings
Architecture
· Manila Polo Club

· Ideal and Lyric Theater

Leandro V. Locsin (1990) · Known for his use of concrete, floating · Cultural Center of the Philippines
volume, and simplistic design in his
· Philippine International Convention
projects.
Center

· Philippine Plaza

· Istana Nurul Iman

Ramon Valera (2006) · First Filipino fashion designer who · Terno’s butterfly sleeves
awarded as National Artist.

· Father of Philippine Fashion

Jose Maria Zaragoza (2014) · Awarded “Gold Medal of Merit” in · Meralco Building in Ortigas
1977 by his mentor, Juan Nakpil.
· Union Church of Manila

NATIONAL ARTISTS ROLES CONTRIBUTIONS

Amado V. Hernandez (1973) · Also awarded “Carlos Palanca Memorial · Mga Ibong Mandaragit
Awards for One-act Play in Filipino”
· Isang Dipang Langit (Won Republic
Cultural Heritage Award)

· Bayang Malaya (Won Balagtas Award)

Jose Garcia Villa (1973) · His pen name was “Doveglion”- · Footnote to Youth
combination of Dove, Eagle, and Lion.
· The Anchored Angel
· Known as Modernist Poet
· The Emperor’s New Sonnet

Nick Joaquin (1976) · Best known for his short stories and novels · The Woman Who Had Two Navels
in the English language.
· Cave and Shadows
· Pen name: Quijano de Manila
· Tropical Gothic

Carlos P. Romulo (1982) · He was a Philippine general, journalist, and · The United
writer.
· I Walked with Heroes

· I Saw the Fall of the Philippines

Francisco Arcellana (1990) · One of the most important progenitors of · Frankie

the Modern Filipino short story in English.
· Death in a Factory

· Divided By Two
N.V.M Gonzales (1997) · He was a fictionist, essayist, poet, · The Winds of April
and teacher.
· Seven Hills Away

· The Bamboo Dancers

Carlos Quirino (1997) · Written one of the earliest · Man of Destiny

biographies of Jose Rizal.
· The Great Malayan
· He was a Filipino biographer and
· Magsaysay and the
historian.
Philippines

Edith L. Tiempo (1999) · Hailed as the “Finest Poet” · A Blade of Fern

· The Alien Corn

F. Sionil Jose (2001) · Author of a dozen socially engaged · My Brother, My Executioner

novels and countless short stories and
· The God Stealer
essays.

Virgilio S. Almario (2003) · He was an author, poet, critic, · Palipad Hangin

translator, editor, and teacher.
· Sentimental

Bienvenido Lumbera (2006) · One of the Pillars of Contemporary · Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa
Philippine Literature, cultural studies,
· Sadness
and film.
· The Yaya’s Lullaby

Lazaro Francisco (2009) · He wrote novels focusing on social · Ama

issues like colonialism and poverty.
· Sa Paanan ng Krus

Cirilo F. Bautista (2014) · He is an exceptional poet, · The Archipelago

fictionist, and essayist.
· Sunlight on Broken Stones

N.V.M Gonzales (1997) · He was a fictionist, essayist, poet, · The Winds of April
and teacher.
· Seven Hills Away

· The Bamboo Dancers

Carlos Quirino (1997) · Written one of the earliest · Man of Destiny

biographies of Jose Rizal.
· The Great Malayan
· He was a Filipino biographer and
· Magsaysay and the
historian.
Philippines

Edith L. Tiempo (1999) · Hailed as the “Finest Poet” · A Blade of Fern

· The Alien Corn

F. Sionil Jose (2001) · Author of a dozen socially engaged · My Brother, My Executioner

novels and countless short stories and
· The God Stealer
essays.

Virgilio S. Almario (2003) · He was an author, poet, critic, · Palipad Hangin

translator, editor, and teacher.
· Sentimental

Bienvenido Lumbera (2006) · One of the Pillars of Contemporary · Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa
MUSIC

NATIONAL ARTISTS ROLES CONTRIBUTIONS

Antonio J. Molina (1973) · He was known as the "Claude Debussy" of His famous compositions are:
the Philippines due to his use of impressionist
· Hatinggabi
themes in music.
· Misa Antoniana Grand Festival Mass

· Awit ni Maria Clara

Jovita Fuentes (1976) · First Filipina to receive recognition as a Her notable roles were:
National Artist for Music.
· Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s Madame
Butterfly

· Mimi in La boheme

Antonino R. Buenaventura · He was a Filipino composer and teacher. · Triumphal March

(1988)
· Echoes of the Past

· Ode to Freedom

Lucrecia R. Kasilag (1989) · The “First Lady of Philippine Music” Her orchestral music includes:

· Also known as “Tita King” · Love Songs

· Legend of the Sarimanok

· Ang Pamana

Lucio D. San Pedro (1991) · He greatly contributed to the development · Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
of Filipino regional band music.
· Lahing Kayumanggi

Felipe Padilla de Leon · He was known for composing different · Mariang Makiling Overture
(1997) sonatas that reflect the Filipino identity
· Maynila Overture

· Cry of Balintawak, tone poem

Jose Maceda (1997) · He was a composer and internationally · Ugma-Ugma

known in “ethnomusicology”.
· Pagsamba

· Udlot-Udlot

Levi Celerio (1997) · He made it to the Guiness Book of World · Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (collaboration with
Record as the only person able to make music Lucio San Pedro)
using just a leaf.
· Kahit Konting Pagtingin (Sharon
· Wrote more than 4,000 Filipino folk and love Cuneta)
songs.
· Ang Pasko ay Sumapit

Ernani Joson Cuenco (1999) · His works embody a Filipino sense of · Pilipinas, Inang Bayan
 musicality and the classical sound of the · Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal
Kundiman.
· Kalesa

· Bato sa Buhangin

Andrea O. Veneracion · She founded the Philippine Madrigal Singers · Pasko Na Naman
(1999) in 1963. (one of the most awarded choral groups
· Noche Buena
in the world)

Francisco Feliciano (2014) · One of Philippines’ most important · La Loba Negra

composers.
· Ashen Wings

Ramon Santos (2014) · Known for being the “Philippines’ foremost · Ritwal ng Pasasalamat
living exponent of contemporary Filipino classical
· Likas-An
music”.

THEATER

NATIONAL ARTISTS ROLES CONTRIBUTIONS

Honorata “Atang” de la · She was hailed as “Queen of Kundiman · Anak ni Eva

Rama (1987) and of the Sarsuela”
· Bulaklak ng Kabundukan

Levi Celerio (1997) · He was unique for using the leaf as a · Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
musical instrument.
· Puto-Kutsinta

Wilfrido Ma. Guerero · He was a Filipino playwright, director, · Forever

(1997) teacher, and theater artist.
· Condemned

· Perhaps

Rolando S. Tinio (1997) · Known for translating Western Classics He translated into Tagalog the works of:

· Shakespeare

· Sophocles

Daisy Avellana (1999) · First Lady of Philippine Theater · Portrayed Candida Marasigan in
the stage and film versions of Nick
Joaquin’s masterpiece, “Portrait of the
Artist as Filipino”

Severino Montano (2001) · He was a playwright, director, actor, and · The Love of Leonor Rivera
theater organizer.
· My Morning Star
VISUAL ARTS

NATIONAL ARTISTS ROLES CONTRIBUTIONS

Fernando C. Amorsolo · First National Artist in the country. · Dalagang Bukid

(1972)
· El Ciego

· The Mestiza

· Planting Rice

Carlos “Botong” V. · Blood Compact

Francisco (1973)
· Most distinguished mural painter for about 3 · First Mass at Limasawa
decades. · Bayanihan

· The Invasion of Limahong

Guillermo E. Tolentino · UP Oblation

(1973)
· Bonifacio Monument
· Honored as National Artist for Sculpture · Bronze Statues of Manuel Quezon at
in1973. QC Memorial Circle
· The Father of Philippine Arts · Seal of the Republic of the Philippines

· Gold and bronze medals for Ramon

Magsaysay Award

Victorio C. Edades · Father of Modern Philippine Painting · The Sketch

(1976)
· The Builders

Napoleon V. Abueva · Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture · Sunburst

(1976)
· The Transfiguration

Vicente Manansala · A Cluster of Nipa Hut

(1981) · Known for his paintings depicting realistic
· Market Venders
themes.
· Madonna of the Slums

Cesar Legaspi (1990) · Known for utilizing and refining cubism. · Gadgets

· Morning Dance

Hernando R. Ocampo · Genesis

(1991)
· Largely known for his abstract paintings. · Slum Dwellers

· Ina ng Balon

Arturo R. Luz (1997) · A painter, printmaker, sculptor, and instructor · Luz Gallery
in the fine arts, known for his abstract paintings of
 geometric forms and lines, and sculptures made
· Black and White
from hardwood and metal.

J. Elizalde Navarro · This Week of the Manila Chronicle

(1999) · Known for his hardwood masks. · Figurative drawings for Lydia Arguilla’s
“Juan Tamad”

Ang Kiukok (2001) · Geometric Landscape

· Known for his paintings expressing
· Pieta
nationalism and sociological agenda.
· Seated Figure

Jose T. Joya (2003) · Granadean Arabesque

· Pioneer of abstract expressionism in the
Philippines. · Represented the Philippines in the
1964 Venice Biennial.

Abdulmari Asia Imao · Popularized the ukil, sarimanok and naga

· Sarimanok
(2006) motifs in the country.

Bencab (2006) · Best-selling painter of his generation of · Portrait of Caroline

Filipino artists.
· Yellow Confetti

Federico Aguillar · He was known for diverse body of work with · Tres Marias
Alcuaz (2009) gestural paintings, watercolor works, abstract
· Reveries of Love
sculpture, and textile art.

Francisco Coching · Komiks series —including Hagibis

· Dean of Filipino Illustrators
(2014) (1947) and Pedro Penduko (1954)