MODULE 5: THE

NATIONAL ARTIST OF THE

PHILIPPINES
B Y:
C H E J E P I . C A P U YA N , P H . D, R N , L P T
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?

To be a National Artists is the highest national

recognition given to Filipino individuals who have
made significant contributions to the development of
Philippine arts which is awarded by the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts together with
Cultural Center of the Philippines.
 NATIONAL ARTIST FOR VISUAL ARTS
Fernando Amorsolo Carlos “Botong” Guillermo E. Napoleon V. Abueva
(May 30, 1892 – April Francisco (November Tolentino (July 24, (January 26, 1930)
Abueva was considered to
24, 1972) Amorsolo is 4, 1912 – March 31, 1890 – July 12, 1976)
be the Father of Modern
the first National 1969) Francisco Honored as National Philippine Sculpture. He is
Artist in the country revived the art of Artist for Sculpture in skillful in creating both
and was known for mural and was 1973 and was known representational and
using backlighting considered to be the for designing the modern abstract
sculptures using a wide
technique in painting most distinguished seal of the Republic
variety of materials. He
making his creations mural painter for of the Philippines, was also known for
bright and cheerful. about three decades and the gold and creating “buoyant
and was known for bronze medals for the sculpture,” a type of
using historical events Ramon Magsaysay sculpture to be viewed
from the surface of a
as subject matter for Award. Tolentino’s
pool.
his murals. works include the
“UP Oblation”.
Victorio C. Edades Vicente Manansala Vicente Manansala Hernando R. Ocampo
(December 23, 1895 – (January 22, 1910 – (January 22, 1910 – (April 28, 1911 –
August 22, 1981) August 22, 1981) December 28, 1978)
March 7, 1985)
He was known for his He was known for his Ocampo was largely
Recognized as the paintings depicting paintings depicting known for his abstract
Father of Modern realistic themes using an realistic themes using an paintings. His works
Philippine Painting abstract or a cubist style. abstract or a cubist style. featured shapes bounded
and was known for He believed That “the He believed that “the with curved lines painted
beauty of art is in the beauty of art is in the in intense colors. His
using dark somber
process, in the moment of process, in the moment of masterpiece “Genesis”
colors in his paintings. doing a particular doing a particular was used as the basis of
His works focused on painting, closely painting, closely the design of the curtain
factory workers, associating it with the act associating it with the act of the Cultural Center of
laborers or other of making love. of making love. the Philippines
(CCP) Main Theater.
simple townspeople.
Cesar Legaspi Elizalde Navarro (May 22, Ang Kiukok (March 1, Benedicto Cabrera (April
1924 – June 10, 1999) He 1931 – May 9, 2005) 10, 1942)
(April 2, 1917 – was known for his Known as “Bencab,”
He was known for his
April 7, 1994) hardwood masks Cabrera was noted as the
reflecting the human and paintings expressing bestselling painter of his
Legaspi was known the animal, abstract nationalism and generation of Filipino
for utilizing and paintings in oil and sociological agenda artists and also known for
refining cubism, a watercolor, and during the 60’s his sketches of a scavenger
assemblages. He was also named “Sabel a symbol of
style involving through vivid cubistic
known for his fiction dislocation, despair and
breaking parts into works for This Week of the figures. His works isolation-the
Manila Chronicle, and for include “Geometric personification of human
geometric shapes, his figurative drawings for dignity threatened by life’s
landscape,” “Pieta,”
in his paintings. Lydia Arguilla’s Juan and the “Seated circumstance.”
tamad.
Figure.”
Abdulmari Asia Imao Federico Aguilar Francisco Coching Jose T. Joya (June 3,
(January 14, 1936 – (January 29, 1919 – 1931 – 1995)
December 16, 2014) Alcuaz (June 6,
September 1, 1998) Joya is known for
Imao was instrumental in 1932 – February 2,
popularizing the ukil, Tagged as the “Dean pioneering abstract
sarimanok and naga
2011) of Filipino expressionism in the
motifs in the country as Alcuaz was mainly Illustrators,” Coching Philippines. His most
original Filipino creations. known for his oil is best known for his notable work is the
He helped in developing
and acrylic work on comics and Granadean Arabesque
trust and confidence
among cultural groups, paintings, and illustrations which (1958). He also
which is needed in lead to its recognition represented the
building a more humane
sketches in ink,
as popular art. He has Philippines in the
community and society. pencil, and influenced cartoonists 1964 Venice Biennale.
watercolor. such as Larry Alcala,
Ben Infante and
Nestor Redondo.
 NATIONAL ATIST FOR LITERATURE
Pablo S. Antonio (January 25, Ildefonso P. Santos
Leandro V. Locsin
1902 – June 14, 1975) He was
considered a pioneer in modern (August 15, 1928 – (September 5, 1929 –
Philippine architecture. A January 29, 2014) Santos
November 15, 1994)
prominent feature of his designs is pioneered landscape
the use of natural light and cross His designs usually
ventilation. According to Antonio,
architecture in the
buildings should be planned with
features themes of Philippines. His work in
austerity in mind and its stability floating volume and a the
forever as the aim of true
architecture; that buildings must
mix of both eastern Makati Commercial
be progressive, simple in design and western Center incorporated
but dignified, true to a purpose fountains, sculptures and
without resorting to an applied set
aesthetics.
of aesthetics and should eternally
landscapes to a shopping
recreate truth. area.
 NATIONAL ATIST FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Historical Literature Francisco Arcellana N.V.M Gonzales (September 8,

Carlos Quirino (November (September 6, 1916 – August 1915 – November 28, 1999)
1, 2002) Nestor Vicente Madali
4, 1910 – May 20, 1999)
Arcellana is a writer, poet, Gonzales is a fictionist,
He is the first and so far, essayist, poet and teacher. He
essayist, critic, journalist and
the only National Artist earned numerous recognitions
teacher, who are recognized
for. Historical Literature as one of the pioneers in including the First
and was also known for writing modern Filipino short Commonwealth Literary
writing “The Great stories in English. He also Contest in 1940, the Republic
Cultural Heritage Award in
Malayan,” which originated the lyrical prose-
1960 and the Gawad CCP Para
considered to be one of poetic form in writing short
sa Sining in 1990.
the earliest biographies of stories.
Jose Rizal.
Nick Joaquin (May 4, 1917 F. Sionil Jose (December 3, Alejandro Roces (July 13,
– April 29, 2004) He is 1924) F.Sionil Jose is one 1924 – May 23, 2011)
considered as the most of the most widely read Roces is known for his
distinguished Filipino Filipino writers founded comic short stories which
writer in English writing. the Philippine chapter of includes “My Brother’s
His body of work extends the international Peculiar Chicken.” He also
from short stories to organization PEN. led the campaign to
poems to essays which change the country’s
includes journalism and Independence Day from
reportage. He used the July 4 to June 12.
name Guerre Quijano de
Manila as journalist.
Edith L. Tiempo (April Virgilio S. Almario Amado V. Hernandez
22, 1919 – August 21, (March 9, 1944) Also (September 13, 1903 –
2011) Tiempo is a known as Rio Alma, May 24, 1970)
poet, fictionist, who is among the Hernandez is known
teacher and literary notable modernist for his contribution in
critic who founded the poets. He reinvented the development of
Siliman National the traditional Filipino the Tagalog prose
Writers Workshop in poetry forms. through the use of
Dumaguete City with colloquial style.
her late husband
Edilberto K. Tiempo.
Carlos P. Romulo (January 14, Bienvenido Lumbera (April 11, Cirilo F. Bautista (July 9, 1941)
1899 – December 15, 1985) 1932) Lumbera is a multi- Bautista is a poet, fictionist
Romulo is noted as a diplomat awarded poet, critic and and essayist. He founded
and an awarded journalist. He librettist. His works includes Philippine Literary Arts
is the first Asian Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa Council in 1981, the Iligan
President of the United (poems in Filipino and National Writers Workshop in
Nations General Assembly, English), 1993; Balaybay, Mga 1993, and the Baguio Writers
and the only Asian to win the Tulang Group.
Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for Lunot at Manibalang, 2002;
his articles on the World War Sa Sariling Bayan, Apat na
II. Dulang May Musila, 2004;
Tales of the Manuvu and
Rama Hari.
Lazaro Francisco (February 22, Jose Garcia Villa (August 5,
1898 – June 17, 1980) 1908 – July 7, 1997) Villa is
Francisco is among the recognized as one of the best
prominent writers in the contemporary poets. He is
Tagalog language. He best known for introducing
established the Kapatiran Ng the reversed consonance
Mga Alagad Ng Wikang rhyme scheme and his use of
Pilipino (KAWIKA) in 1958 to punctuation, especially
support Tagalog as national commas.
language.
NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR DANCE, MUSIC, FILM, AND THEATER

Cinema/Film Dance Theater

Lamberto V. Avellana Francisca Reyes Aquino Daisy Avellana (January 26,
(February 12, 1915 – April 25, (March 9, 1899 – November 1917 – May 12, 2013) she co-
1991) Avellana was tagged as 21, 1983) founded the Barangay Theatre
the “The Boy Wonder of She was known for her Guild together with her
Philippine Movies” as early as research on Philippine folk husband, National Artist
1939. Kalderong Pilak was the dances, which later resulted to Lamberto Avellana, in 1939.
first film by a Filipino a thesis entitled “Philippine This move made theatre and
filmmaker shown in Cannes Folk Dances and Games.” It dramatic arts popular in the
International Film Festival. was distributed to public and country. She was known as
private schools. director of films “Diego
Silang” (1968) and “Walang
Sugat” (1971).
Manuel Conde (October 9, Leonor Orosa Goquingco Honorata “Atang” dela Rama
1915 – August 11, 1985) (July 24, 1917 – July 15, (January 11, 1902 – July 11,
Conde is known for 2005) 1991) she was named
producing and directing films She was known as the National Artist for Theater
based on old Filipino tales “Mother of Philippine and Music in 1987. She was
such as Siete Infantes de Lara Theater Dance,” Goquingco known as the Queen of
.(1950), Si Juan Tamad blended folkloric and Asian Kundiman and the first
(1974), Ang Ibong Adarna styles in ballet choreography. actress to portray a 15-year-
(1941). He also brought to She was a founding member old in the very first Tagalog
the silver screen stories from of the Philippine Ballet film, which was the film
the other parts of the worlds Theater and the Honorary version of the Sarsuela
like Genghis Khan (1950). Chair of the Association of “Dalagang Bukid.”
Ballet Academies of the
Philippines.
Eddie S. Romero (July 7, Ramon Obusan (June 16, Salvador F. Bernal
1924 – May 28, 2013) He 1938 – December 21, (January 7, 1945 –
is a screenwriter, film 2006) A dancer, October 26, 2011)
director and producer choreographer, artistic Honored as National Artist
who is behind the Filipino director, researcher, and for Theater Design in
classics such as “Ganito documentary filmmaker. 2003, Bernal used local
Kami Noon...Paano Kayo He was able to promote materials including
Ngayon?”, “Banta ng Filipino culture in other bamboo, abaca, hemp
Kahapon” and “Aguila” as countries using the art of twine, and rattan in
well as the 13-part series dance through the Ramon theater design for local
“Noli Me Tangere”. Obusan Folkloric Group. productions.
Lino Brocka (April 3, 1939 – Lucrecia Reyes – Urtula (June Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero
May 22, 1991) Catalino “Lino” 29, 1929 – August 24, 1999) (January 22, 1910 – May 1,
Ortiz Brocka is recognized for Reyes-Urtula was the dance 1995) He served as the
his films which explores the director of the Bayanihan director of UP Dramatic Club
lives of people in the Philippine Dance Company, for for 16 years since 1947. He
marginalized sectors. Brocka which she choreographed founded the UP Mobile
also directed for theater different Philippine folk, ethnic Theater, which started the
organizations such as the dances, pageants and festivals. concept of theater campus
Philippine Educational Theater tour.
Association (PETA) and the
Concerned Artists of the
Philippines (CAP).
Gerardo de Leon Alice Reyes (October 14, Severino Montano
(September 12, 1913 – 1942) Reyes is known in (January 3, 1915 –
July 25, 1981) De Leon is a blending styles and December 12, 1980) He
prominent film maker in movements from organized the Arena
the 50’s and 60’s Philippine indigenous Theater Playwriting
producing classics such as dance, classical ballet, and Contest which became
“Daigdig ng Mga Api,” modern dance in the initial ground for
“Noli Me Tangere,” “El expressing Filipino subject playwrights to showcase
Filibusterismo,” matters. This is said to be their talents in writing
“dyesebel” and “Sisa.” the “contemporary dance while serving as Dean of
language that is uniquely Instruction of the
Filipino.” Philippine Normal
College.
Ishmael Bernal (September 30, 1938 – June
2, 1996) Bernal, who was hailed by the
critics as “The Genius of the Philippine
Cinema,” is known for directing films that
projects the realities of the Filipinos. He was
hailed as Director of the Decade of the
1970s by the Catholic Mass Media Awards;
four-time Best Director by the Urian Awards
(1989, 1985, 1983 and 1977); and given the
ASEAN Cultural Award in Communication
Arts in 1993.
Ronald Alan K. Poe (August 20, 1939 –
December 14, 2004) More known as
Fernando Poe, Jr. He is an icon in film
industry as an actor, director, writer and
producer. He starred in films like “Mga
Alabok sa Lupa” (1967), “Partida”. (1985),
“Ang Probinsyano” (1996), and among
others.
 Music
Felipe Padilla de Leon (May 1, 1912 – December 5, 1992) He was known for Filipinizing
western music forms. His.works, which include “Mariang Maikling Overture,” “Maynila
Overture,” “Payapang Daigdig,” and “Ako’y Pilipino,” expressed sentiments and aspirations
of the. Filipino in times of strife and peace.
Lucrecia R. Kasilag (August 31, 1918 – August 16, 2008) she was known for fusing Filipino
ethnic music with Western musical influences. She was also known for incorporating
Filipino indigenous musical instruments in orchestral works.

Antonino Buenaventura (May 4, 1904 – January 25, 1996) He was known for his marches
including the “Triumphal March,” “History Fantasy,” “Echoes from the Philippines,” and
“Ode to Freedom.” He was a conductor of the Philippine Army Band. He wrote
compositions for solo instruments, symphonic and orchestral works, which are based on
Philippine folksongs.
Ernani Cuenco (May 10, 1936 – June 11, 1988) He was known for the following songs: “Bato sa
Buhangin,” “Gaano Kita Kamahal,” “Inang Bayan,” “Isang Dalangin,” “Kalesa,” and “Pilipinas.” These
works brought contemporary Filipino music to a higher level. The song, “Gaano Kita Kamahal”, he added
elements of Kundiman. He played with the Filipino Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Manila
Symphony Orchestra from 1960 to 1968.

Francisco Feliciano (February 19, 1941 – September 19, 2014) His major works include “Ashen Wings,”
“Sikhay sa Kabila ng Paalam,” and “Pamugun.” He was known for the use of modal scales in his operas
and orchestral works. He used indigenous music in his compositions.
Jovita Fuentes (February 15, 1895 – August 7, 1978) She was best known for her portrayal of Cio-cio
San in Giacamo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly in Italy in April 1925. When she returned to the Philippines,
she established the Artists’ Guild of the Philippines in an effort to instill love for opera in her
countrymen.
Jose Maceda (January 31, 1917 – May 5, 2004) He conducted researches and fieldwork to explore.
Filipino traditional music further and to understand the nature of Philippine ethnic and traditional
music. His efforts gave birth to a huge number of recorded Philippine ethnic and traditional music.
Lucio San Pedro (February 11, 1913 – March 31, 2002) Best known for his compositions “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,” “Sa Mahal Kong
Bayan,” “Dance of the Fairies,” “Triumphal March,” and “Lahing Kayumanggi,” Lucio San Pedro was the conductor of the Peng
Kong Grand Mason Concert Band, the San Pedro Band of Angono, and the Benda Angono Numero Uno. Working with these
bands and other town bands helped in the development of a civic culture among Filipino communities.

Levi Celerio (April 30, 1910 – April 2, 2002) Celerio is most known for his recognition as the only man who could play music
with a leaf in the Guinness Book of World Records. He also earned Lifetime
Achievement Award of the Film Academy of the Philippines for writing songs for local movies. He was also known as the dean
of Filipino lyricists.
Antonio J. Molina (December 16, 1894 – January 29, 1980) Molina was known for introducing the pentatonic scale, whole tone
scale, linear counterpoints and the use of dominant ninths and eleventh chords in Philippine music.

Ramon P. Santos (February 25, 1941) Santos is a Filipino composer, musicologist and ethnomusicologist who was made a
Chevalier de I’Orde des Arts et Lettres in 1987. He helped in advocating modern Philippine music that is still based on early
Asian practices and way of life.
Andrea Veneracion (July 11, 1928 – July 9, 2013) She was the founder of the world-renowned University of the Philippines
Madrigal Singers, or simply the Philippine Madrigal Singers, which is the first choir in the world to win the European Grand Prix
for Choral Singing twice. Veneracion is also recognized as an important authority in the development of Philippine choral
music.