FILIPINO

CONTEMPORARY
ARTIST
MODULE 3
CONTENTS
1. National Artists
1.1 (Architecture and Allied Arts)
1.2 (Visual Arts)
1.3 (Literature)
1.4 (Design)
1.5 (Dance)
1.6 (Music)
2. National Artist (Awarded During Duterte
Administration)
3. Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)
Awardees
4. Qualifications of National Living Treasures Award
The Order of National Artist
(ONA) [Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining]

is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have

made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts.

The Order of National Artist aims to recognize:

a) Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to the
cultural heritage of the country;

b) Filipino artistic accomplishment at its highest level and to promote

creative expression as significant to the development of a
national cultural identity; and

c) Filipino artists who have dedicated their lives to their works to

forge new paths and directions for future generations of Filipino
artists.
The Order of National Artist
(ONA) [Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining]

The order is jointly administered by the National Commission for

Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP) and conferred by the President of the Philippines
upon recommendation by both institutions.

The Categories are:

1. Dance
2. Music
3. Theater
4. Visual Arts
5. Literature
6. Film and Broadcast Arts
7. Architecture and Allied Arts
8. Design
The Order of National Artist
(ONA) [Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining]

1. BACKGROUND

1.1. The Order of National Artist (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) was established
under Proclamation No. 1001 dated April 27, 1972 to give appropriate recognition and
prestige to Filipinos who have distinguished themselves and made outstanding
contributions to Philippine arts and letters. The first award was conferred posthumously
later that year to Fernando Amorsolo.

1.2. Proclamation No. 1144 dated May 15, 1973 named the CCP Board of Trustees as the
National Artist Awards Committee and Presidential Decree No. 208 issued on June 7, 1973
reiterated the mandate of CCP to administer the National Artist Awards as well as the
privileges and honors to National Artists.
The Order of National Artist
(ONA) [Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining]

1. BACKGROUND

1.3. The NCCA was organized under Republic Act No. 7356 dated April 2, 1992 and given
broad responsibilities over the development and promotion of the Filipino national culture and
the arts, including awards to persons who have significantly contributed to the development and
promotion of Philippine culture and the arts.

1.4. Executive Order No. 236 dated September 19, 2003, otherwise known as the Honors
Code of the Philippines, conferred additional prestige on the National Artist Award by raising
it to the level of a Cultural Order, fourth in precedence among the orders and decorations that
comprise the Honors of the Philippines, and equal in rank to the Order of National Scientist
and the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA). The National Artist Award was
thereby renamed the Order of National Artist (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining).
 Honors and Privileges of NA
(ONA) [Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining]

National Artists receive the following honors and benefits:

1. The rank and title of National Artist, proclaimed by the President.
2. A gold-plated medallion and citation from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
3. Lifetime benefits comparable to high-ranking officials, including:
Living Awardees:
• Minimum of ₱200,000 cash award (tax-free).
• Minimum of ₱50,000 monthly stipend.
• Medical benefits up to ₱750,000/year.
• Life insurance premiums paid by the government.
• State funeral upon death, paid by the government.
Posthumous Awardees:
• ₱150,000 one-time cash award (tax-free), given to legal heirs.
 Criterial for Selection of NA

The Order of National Artist shall be given to artists who have met 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.
 Nomination, Selection and Screening
Process
1. Nomination - Any individual or organization can nominate a person for
National Artist. The nominee must have a body of work that has made
significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and culture.
2. Screening - The NCCA and CCP screen the nominees to ensure that they
meet the qualifications for National Artist. The screening process includes a
review of the nominees' body of work and other qualifications.
3. Shortlisting - The NCCA and CCP shortlist the nominees based on their
qualifications and contributions to Philippine arts and culture. The shortlist is
then submitted to the President of the Philippines for approval.
4. Final selection - The President of the Philippines selects the National Artists
from the shortlist submitted by the NCCA and CCP. The President can also
reject the shortlist and request for a new one.
For detailed Selection Process for NA click here.
 Presentation/Proclamation of Award

• National Artists are selected every three years.

• The President confers the award on June 11 or a suitable date in
a ceremony organized by the ONA Secretariat.

“It is important to note that the selection process is non-political

and is based solely on the nominees' qualifications and
contributions.”
THE GAMABA
Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
 THE GAMABA
Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan

It is an award that acknowledges folk and indigenous artists who,

despite the modern times, remain true to their traditions. It is
administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA) through Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Committee.

GAMABA began as a project of the Philippine Rotary Club Makati-

Ayala. In 1992, it was adopted by the government and institutionalized
through Republic Act No. 7335. This award aims to support and
motivate these artists to preserve their artistic heritage for the present
and future generations.
 THE PROCESS, AWARDS
AND INCENTIVES OF GAMABA

The Panel
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan is administered by
a committee, which is assisted by an ad hoc panel of
experts. The panel is composed of a representative
from each of the committees of the sub-commission
cultural communities and Traditional Arts, such as the
Office of the Muslim Affairs (OMA), the National
Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), and other
appropriate institutions
 THE PROCESS, AWARDS
AND INCENTIVES OF GAMABA

The Panel
The ad hoc panel of reviewers is composed of five
members of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
Committee and four individuals identified by the
Committee among scholars, practitioners, and
experts in the traditional art
 THE PROCESS, AWARDS
AND INCENTIVES OF GAMABA

The Nominations
Nominations can come from the members of the
ad hoc panel of experts, the sub-commissions on
cultural communities and traditional arts, government
and private institutions, universities, and other
persons knowledgeable of any of the categories:

(1)Folk architecture, (2)maritime transport, (3) weaving, (4)

carving, (5) performing arts, (6)literature, (7) graphic and
plastic arts, (8) ornament, (9) textile and fiber art, (10) pottery
and other artistic expressions of traditional culture.
 THE PROCESS, AWARDS
AND INCENTIVES OF GAMABA

The Screening
• The ad hoc search committees is deployed to
various priority areas in the country to conduct
searches and document the candidates’ art/ craft.
• The ad hoc panel of reviewers review the
qualifications of the candidates and submit their
recommendations to the NCCA Board of
Commissioners
• Once selected, the President of the Philippines
confers the awardees in a public ceremony in
Malacañan Palace.
 THE PROCESS, AWARDS
AND INCENTIVES OF GAMABA
How to Become a Manlilikha ng Bayan
To be recognized as a Manlilikha ng Bayan, a candidate must:
• Master traditional folk art, using tools and materials with
exceptional skill.
• Consistently create high-quality works over time.
• Practice an art form that has existed for at least 50 years.
• Earn respect and admiration for their character and integrity.
• Teach or be willing to pass on their skills to others.

Even if a candidate can no longer teach due to age or illness,

they may still be recognized if they meet these qualifications.
 THE PROCESS, AWARDS
AND INCENTIVES OF GAMABA
Awards and Benefits for Manlilikha ng Bayan

For Individual Awardees:

• Conferred the title Manlilikha ng Bayan by the President under the
Honors Code of the Philippines.
• Receives a GAMABA gold-plated medallion and a citation.
• Granted lifetime benefits, including:
1. ₱200,000 cash award (tax-free).
2. ₱50,000 monthly stipend for life.
3. Medical benefits up to ₱750,000 per year.
4. State funeral covered by the government.
5. Place of honor in official state and cultural events.
 THE PROCESS, AWARDS
AND INCENTIVES OF GAMABA
Awards and Benefits for Manlilikha ng Bayan

For Group Awardees:

• Conferred the title Manlilikha ng Bayan by the President under the
Honors Code of the Philippines.
• Receives a GAMABA plaque for the group.
• Granted a one-time ₱200,000 cash award (tax-free).
• The group selects a leader to represent them in official events and
cultural ceremonies, enjoying the same place of honor as individual
awardees.
• Place of honor in official state and cultural events.
Basic Recall Questions:

1.What is the main purpose of the Order of National Artist?

2.What is the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, and who does it recognize?
3.Which two institutions administer the Order of National Artist?
4.How is the Order of National Artist awarded? Who confers the title?
5.What are some traditional art forms recognized under GAMABA?

Conceptual and Analytical Questions:

6. Why do you think there is a need for separate awards for contemporary and traditional artists?
7. If you could add another category to the Order of National Artist or GAMABA, what would it be and
why?
8. If you were to nominate someone for the Order of National Artist or GAMABA, who would it be and
why?
9. Do you think younger generations appreciate the works of National Artists and GAMABA awardees?
Why or why not?
10. If you were a National Artist or a GAMABA awardee, how would you use your influence to inspire
others?
NATIONAL ARTISTS
Architecture and Allied Arts
PABLO S. ANTONIO
National Artist for Architecture (1976)
(January 25, 1902 – June 14, 1975)
pioneered modern Philippine architecture.
His basic design is grounded on
simplicity, no clutter. Clean, smooth lines
and curves, are made integral to the
structure. Every line must have a
meaning, a purpose. For him, function
comes first before elegance or form.

An Antonio structure is the maximum use of

natural light and cross ventilation. He
believes that buildings must be
progressive, simple in design but dignified,
true to a purpose without resorting to an
applied set of aesthetics and should Pioneered modern Philippine architecture with simplicity,
functionality, and maximum use of natural light and
eternally recreate truth. ventilation."
Manila Polo Club
Ideal Theatre
JUAN F. NAKPIL
architect, teacher, and civic leader is a
pioneer and innovator in Philippine architecture. In
essence, Nakpil’s greatest contribution is his belief
that there is such a thing as Philippine
Architecture, espousing architecture reflective of
Philippine traditions and culture. It is also largely due
to his zealous representation and efforts that private
Filipino architects and engineers, by law, are now able
to participate in the design and execution of
government projects.
He has integrated strength, function, and
beauty in the buildings that are the country’s heritage
today. He designed the 1937 International
Eucharistic Congress altar and rebuilt and
enlarged the Quiapo Church in 1930 adding a
dome and a second belfry to the original design. And National Artist for Architecture, 1973
he reconstructed Rizal house in Calamba, Laguna. (May 26, 1899 – May 7, 1986)
1937 International Eucharistic Congress altar
Magsaysay Building Geronimo de los Reyes Building
Rizal Theatre Captain Pepe Building
Philippine Village Hotel UP Library
LEANDRO V. LOCSIN
Leandro V. Locsin reshaped the urban landscape with a
distinctive architecture reflective of Philippine Art
and Culture. He believes that the true Philippine
Architecture is “the product of two great streams of
culture, the oriental and the occidental… to produce a
new object of profound harmony.” It is this synthesis that
underlies all his works, with his achievements in concrete
reflecting his mastery of space and scale.

Every Locsin Building is an original, and

identifiable as a Locsin with themes of floating
volume, the duality of light and heavy, buoyant and
massive running in his major works. From 1955 to
1994, Locsin has produced 75 residences and 88
buildings, including 11 churches and chapels, 23
public buildings, 48 commercial buildings, six major
hotels, and an airport terminal building. National Artist for Architecture, 1990
(August 15, 1928 – November 15, 1994)
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) - Located in Manila, this iconic structure
was built in 1966 and was designed as a multi-purpose venue for various cultural
events such as concerts, theater plays, and exhibitions.
Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) - Another landmark building in
Manila, PICC is a massive structure designed to host international conferences,
exhibitions, and events. It was completed in 1976.
Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) - Another landmark building in
Manila, PICC is a massive structure designed to host international conferences,
exhibitions, and events. It was completed in 1976.
Folk Art Center
Ayala Museum - Situated in Makati City, this museum is known for its modernist design
and houses a collection of Filipino art and artifacts.
National Arts Center - Situated on a hilltop in Mt. Makiling in Laguna, this cultural
center was built in 1976 and houses facilities for the performing arts and visual arts.
ILDEFONSO P. SANTOS, JR.
Ildefonso Paez Santos, Jr.,
distinguished himself by pioneering the
practice of landscape architecture–an allied
field of architecture–in the Philippines and then
producing four decades of exemplary and
engaging work that has included hundreds of
parks, plazas, gardens, and a wide range of
outdoor settings that have enhanced
contemporary Filipino life.

Santos, Jr., who grew up in Malabon, 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. Santos, Jr.’s contribution National Artist for Architecture, 2006
to modern Filipino landscape architecture (September 5, 1929 – January 29, 2014)
was the seminal public landscape in Paco Park.
Tanghalang Pambansa also known as the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex,
it is a multi-purpose venue for various cultural events such as concerts, theater plays, and
exhibitions. It was built in 1966 and designed in collaboration with other architects such as
Leandro V. Locsin and National Artist for Architecture Pablo S. Antonio.
The Tagaytay Highlands is considered the best showcase of IP Santos’ tropical landscape style.
Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa was designed by Ildefonso P. Santos Jr.
Orchard Golf and Country Club in Imus, Cavite
San Miguel Corporation Building , by Francisco T. Mañosa and Ildefonso Santos Jr.
JOSÉ MARÍA V. ZARAGOZA
José María V. Zaragoza is a key figure in
Philippine modern architecture, renowned for his
contributions to modern ecclesiastical architecture
and versatile secular works. A UST graduate (1936),
he became the country’s 82nd architect in 1938 and
later trained in liturgical art in Rome, shaping mid-
century Catholic church designs.
His prolific career spanned over 50 years,
producing 45 churches (e.g., Santo Domingo
Church, Don Bosco Church, Quiapo Church
restoration) and over 300 structures, including
offices, hotels, hospitals, and residences— blending
modernist principles with spiritual and functional
needs.
National Artist for Architecture (2014)
- Modern Ecclesiastical Architecture refers to the contemporary design (December 6, 1912 – November 26, 1994)
and construction of religious buildings, particularly churches, that break
away from traditional styles while maintaining spiritual symbolism and
functionality
Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City
Don Bosco Church
San Beda Convent
Restoration of Quiapo Church
FRANCISCO T. MAÑOSA
For over 60 years, Ar. Bobby Mañosa dedicated his
career to designing Filipino architecture. From the Sulo
Hotel in the 1960s to his retirement in 2015, he
passionately created original Filipino forms with intricate
details. More than his designs, he led a movement that
shaped Philippine architecture, leaving a lasting legacy
that reflects Filipino identity and is recognized
worldwide.
Major Works:
San Miguel Building, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (designed with the Mañosa
Brothers)
Chapel of the Risen Lord, Las Piñas City
Our Lady of Peace Shrine, EDSA, Quezon City
World Youth Day Papal Altar, Quirino Grandstand, Manila, 1995
Metrorail Transit System Stations for LRT 1, circa 1980s National Artist for Architecture and
Quezon Memorial Circle Development Plan Allied Arts (2018)
Lanao del Norte Provincial Capitol, Tubod, Lanao del Norte Birthday: 12 February 1931
Tahanang Pilipino (Coconut Palace), CCP Complex, Manila Death: Feb 20, 2019
Amanpulo Resort, Palawan
Chapel of the Risen Lord, Las Piñas City
Our Lady of Peace Shrine, EDSA, Quezon City
Tahanang Pilipino (Coconut Palace), CCP Complex, Manila
NATIONAL ARTISTS
Visual Arts
FERNANDO AMORSOLO
National Artist for Visual Arts
(May 30, 1892 – April 24, 1972)

Fernando C. Amorsolo was the first National Artist

of the Philippines and was honored as the “Grand
Old Man of Philippine Art” in 1969. After studying
abroad in the 1920s, he developed a signature
backlighting technique were figures, a cluster of
leaves, a spill of hair, the swell of breast, are seen
aglow on canvas. Writer Nick Joaquin described
his use of light as a reflection of his deep love for
the Philippines. Amorsolo’s work captured the
country’s beauty and culture, leaving a lasting
impact on Philippine art.
Maiden in the Stream El Ciego
Dalagang Bukid
 El Ciego

Sunday Morning Going to Town

The Planting Rice
CARLOS “BOTONG” FRANCISCO
National Artist for Painting (1973)
(November 4, 1912 – March 31, 1969)
Carlos “Botong” Francisco, known as the poet of
Angono, revived the lost art of mural painting and
became its leading artist for nearly 30 years. His
murals, like those in Manila City Hall, vividly depict the
bravery of Filipino ancestors.
He was part of the "The Triumvirate of
modernist" with Victorio Edades and Galo Ocampo,
shaping modern Philippine art. His works are known
for their strong composition, vibrant colors, and
deep connection to folk traditions.

His other major works include the following: 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, Sandugo.
Harana, 1957 (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection)
The First Mass at Limasawa
Bayanihan sa Bukid
The Invasion of Limahong
Muslim Betrothal
Blood Compact
The Martyrdom of Rizal
GUILLERMO TOLENTINO
National Artist for Sculpture (1973)
(July 24, 1890 – July 12, 1976)

Guillermo Estrella Tolentino was a leading artist of the

Philippine Revival period. After studying in Europe, he
became a professor at the UP School of Fine Arts in
1925. He created the UP Oblation, a symbol of
freedom for the university. His greatest work, the
Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan, was completed
in 1933 and remains a powerful symbol of the Filipino
fight for freedom.

Other works include the bronze figures of President Quezon at Quezon

Memorial, life-size busts of Jose Rizal at UP and UE, marble statue of
Ramon Magsaysay in GSIS Building; granolithics of heroic statues
representing education, medicine, forestry, veterinary science, fine arts
and music at UP.
He also designed the gold and bronze medals for the Ramon
Magsaysay Award and did the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.
The Bonifacio Monument Oblation
 The Great Seal of the
The Ramon Magsaysay Award
Republic of the Philippines
NAPOLEON ABUEVA
National Artist for Sculpture (1976)
(January 26, 1930 – February 16, 2018)

Napoleon V. Abueva, from Bohol, became the

youngest National Artist at 46 and is known as the
Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture. He
mastered both traditional and modern styles,
using various materials like wood, metal, marble,
and brass. In 1951, he introduced “buoyant
sculpture,” designed to float on water. His works
are displayed in museums worldwide, including the
United Nations headquarters in New York.
NAPOLEON ABUEVA
National Artist for Sculpture (1976)
(January 26, 1930 – February 16, 2018)

Some of Napoleon Abueva's major works:

• Kaganapan (1953)
• Kiss of Judas (1955)
• Thirty Pieces of Silver
• The Transfiguration (1979) - Eternal Garden
Memorial Park
• UP Gateway (1967)
• Nine Muses (1994) - UP Faculty Center
• Sunburst (1994) – Peninsula Manila Hotel
• Teodoro M. Kalaw bronze statue – National
Library
• Marble murals – National Heroes Shrine, Mt.
Samat, Bataan
Nine Muses
The Transfiguration (1979) – Eternal Garden Memorial Park
National Heroes Shrine, Mt. Samat, Bataan.
VICENTE MANANSALA
National Artist for Painting (1981)
(January 22, 1910 – August 22, 1981)

Vicente Manansala’s paintings blend reality with

abstraction. As a child, he showed talent by copying
images like the Sagrada Familia and his mother’s portrait.
After studying fine arts at the University of the Philippines,
he left home and worked as an illustrator for the
Philippines Herald, where he connected with artists
Hernando R. Ocampo, Cesar Legaspi, and Carlos
“Botong” Francisco, whom he deeply admired.
He was influenced by Cezanne and Picasso for
their balance of skill and artistry. Manansala trained in
Paris and at the Otis School of Drawing in Los Angeles.
He believed the true beauty of art lies in the process,
comparing painting to the passion of making love,

“The climax is just when it’s really finished.”

Jeepneys Kalabaw
Sabungero Madonna of the Slums
Mother and Child, 1967
CESAR LEGASPI
National Artist for Visual Arts (1990)
(April 2, 1917 – April 7, 1994)

Cesar Legaspi, a pioneer of Neo-Realism

in the Philippines, is known for refining Cubism in a
local context. He was part of the "Thirteen
Moderns" and later the "Neo-Realists," groups
that helped introduce modern art to the country.
Legaspi used geometric fragmentation—
breaking down images into shapes—to create
powerful and intense compositions. His works
often combined social themes with elements of
mythology and modern life, making a significant
impact on Philippine art.
The Builders Gadgets
Combancheros, 1954.
HERNANDO R. OCAMPO
National Artist for Visual Arts (1991)
(April 28, 1911 – December 28, 1978)

Hernando R. Ocampo, a self-taught

painter and key member of the Thirteen
Moderns (a group that shaped modern Philippine
art), depicted the country’s harsh social realities
after World War II, inspiring nationalism.
His abstract works, known for bold colors,
reflected the Philippine landscape. He also helped
sustain the country's first art gallery. His
masterpiece Genesis inspired the curtain design of
the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main
Theater.

Bold colors refer to bright, vivid, and intense hues that

stand out due to their high saturation and contrast
Genesis Tempo Rubato
 a) Abstract b) Abstract, ca. 1960

Fifty-Five "A", 1955

BENEDICTO ‘BENCAB’ CABRERA
National Artist for Visual Arts (2006)
Benedicto R. Cabrera, known as Bencab,
emphasized drawing over decorative color.
Beginning in the 1960s as a lyrical expressionist,
he depicted solitary scavengers in dark
landscapes, highlighting poverty and social
struggles. His iconic figure, Sabel, symbolizes
dislocation, despair, and dignity amid life’s
hardships and inequality in Philippine society.

Lyrical Expressionism – An art style that combines emotional

expression with free, flowing lines and forms, often
conveying deep personal or social themes.
These three individual paintings are all forms of “Sabel”, that’s why it is called
Studies of Sabel, dyptych, 1991
The Three Faces of Sabel
BENEDICTO ‘BENCAB’ CABRERA
National Artist for Visual Arts (2006)
Benedicto R. Cabrera, known as Bencab,
emphasized drawing over decorative color.
Beginning in the 1960s as a lyrical expressionist,
he depicted solitary scavengers in dark
landscapes, highlighting poverty and social
struggles. His iconic figure, Sabel, symbolizes
dislocation, despair, and dignity amid life’s
hardships and inequality in Philippine society.

Lyrical Expressionism – An art style that combines emotional

expression with free, flowing lines and forms, often
conveying deep personal or social themes.
JOSE JOYA
National Artist for Visual Arts (2003)
(June 3, 1931 – May 11, 1995)
Jose Joya, a painter and multimedia artist,
developed a unique Filipino abstract style beyond
foreign influences. Inspired by Philippine landscapes,
he used harmonious colors and rice paper in his
collages to reflect folk art transparency. His curving
forms resembled kiping from the Pahiyas festival, while
his mandala series drew from Asian aesthetics. Joya
valued kinetic energy and spontaneity in painting,
mastering gestural painting—applying paint freely with
brushes, spatulas, or directly from the tube.
His 1958 work Granadean Arabesque
showcased textured impasto and sand. Representing
the Philippines at the 1964 Venice Biennale marked a
milestone in modern Philippine art.
Granadean Arabesque, 1958 (Ateneo Art Gallery Collection)
JOSE JOYA
National Artist for Visual Arts (2003)
(June 3, 1931 – May 11, 1995)
He also explored multimedia art, designing on
ceramics, prints, and graphics, inspiring younger
artists. His legacy includes works like Beethoven
Listening to the Blues and Space Transfiguration.
1. Kiping – Thin, colorful, leaf-shaped rice wafers used
as decoration in the Pahiyas festival.
2. Mandala – A circular design symbolizing balance and
unity, often used in Asian art.
3. Gestural painting – A painting technique where
brushstrokes are expressive and spontaneous,
emphasizing movement and emotion.
4. Impasto – A technique where paint is applied thickly,
creating texture on the canvas.
5. Venice Biennale – A prestigious international art
exhibition held in Venice, Italy.
Space Configuration (1959)
Space Transfiguration, 1959
NATIONAL ARTISTS
Literature
NICK JOAQUIN
National Artist for Literature (1976)
(May 4, 1917 – April 29, 2004)
Nick Joaquin is one of the most respected Filipino
writers in English. He wrote in various forms—plays, novels,
poems, short stories, essays, and journalism—covering many
aspects of Filipino culture and history. His unique writing style,
influenced by Spanish and Filipino expressions, is called
“Joaquinesque.”
His works often explore the Philippines' colonial past
under Spain and how social changes affect young people, as
seen in stories like Doña Jeronima, Candido’s Apocalypse, and
The Order of Melchizedek. As a journalist, he wrote under the
pen name Quijano de Manila.
Notable works include The Woman Who Had Two
Navels, A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, Manila, My
Manila, and Cave and Shadows.
National Artist Francisco Arcellana praised his writing
as always being of the highest quality.
The Woman Who Had Two Navels is a novel by Nick Joaquin that explores the
effects of colonialism and identity crisis in the Philippines. The story follows
Connie Escobar, a woman who believes she has two navels, which symbolizes
her struggle with her personal and national identity. She seeks help from a
Filipino doctor in Hong Kong, where her story unfolds alongside the
experiences of other characters dealing with the remnants of Spanish and
American influences on Filipino culture.
The novel delves into themes of history, tradition, identity, and the
psychological impact of colonial rule, showing how the past continues to
shape Filipino society and individuals.
A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino Summary:
This is a play by Nick Joaquin that explores themes of family, art, tradition, and
national identity. Set in pre-World War II Manila, it follows the story of two
sisters, Candida and Paula Marasigan, who struggle to maintain their family's
honor as they care for their aging father, Don Lorenzo, a once-great painter.

His final masterpiece, A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, becomes a symbol of

resistance against materialism and the changing values of society. The play
highlights the conflict between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to
modernization. It is considered a classic in Philippine literature and has been
adapted into films and stage productions.
ALEJANDRO ROCES
National Artist for Literature (2003) “You cannot be a great writer; first,
(July 13, 1924 – May 23, 2011) you have to be a good person”
- Alejandro Roces
Alejandro Roces was a Filipino writer known for his
humorous short stories, especially My Brother’s Peculiar
Chicken. He wrote many newspaper columns highlighting
Filipino culture and traditions. He helped promote local festivals
like the Moriones and Ati-atihan and played a key role in
changing the country’s Independence Day from July 4 to June
12.
He also pushed for using Filipino in stamps, money,
and passports and helped recover Jose Rizal’s stolen
manuscripts.
During World War II, he fought as a guerrilla. Later, he
opposed martial law and helped form an opposition party
against the dictatorship. His works earned him many national
and international awards.
My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken by Alejandro Roces is a humorous short story
about two brothers, Kiko and his younger sibling, who find a strange chicken.
The chicken has features of both a hen and a rooster, leading to a debate
about its gender. The brothers ask different people, including their parents,
neighbors, and even a scientist, but no one can determine whether it is male or
female. In the end, the chicken lays an egg, proving it is a hen, but then crows
like a rooster, leaving everyone more confused.

The story highlights Filipino culture, the love for cockfighting, and the
idea that sometimes, not everything needs a definite answer.
BIENVENIDO LUMBERA
National Artist for Literature (2006)
Bienvenido Lumbera was a Filipino poet, librettist,
and scholar. As a poet, he introduced Bagay poetry to
Tagalog literature, a style that made poetry more relatable by
using everyday language and real-life themes.
Some of his notable works include Likhang Dila,
Likhang Diwa (1993), Balaybay: Mga Tulang Lunot at
Manibalang (2002), and Pakikiramay (2004), which contains
the poem Agunyas sa Hacienda Luisita.
As a librettist (a writer of lyrics for musicals or operas),
he worked on Tales of the Manuvu and Rama Hari, combining
fine arts with popular storytelling.
As a scholar, he wrote important books about
Philippine literature, such as Tagalog Poetry, 1570-1898:
Tradition and Influences in its Development and Philippine
Literature: A History and Anthology.
Summary of Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa (1993) by Bienvenido Lumbera

Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa (translated as Crafted by the Tongue, Created by

the Mind) is a collection of poems written in both Filipino and English. The
book reflects Lumbera’s mastery of language and his deep understanding of
Filipino culture, history, and identity. The poems explore themes such as
nationalism, social issues, and everyday Filipino life. The title itself suggests
the power of words (dila or "tongue") and thought (diwa or "mind") in
shaping reality, identity, and art. Through his poetry, Lumbera captures the
struggles and hopes of the Filipino people while also preserving and
innovating the country’s literary traditions.
Pakikiramay is a collection of poems that reflect on social realities, history,
and the struggles of ordinary Filipinos. The title Pakikiramay, which means
"sympathy" or "solidarity" in Filipino, suggests themes of compassion,
collective suffering, and the Filipino spirit of standing together in difficult
times.
One of the notable poems in this collection is Agunyas sa Hacienda
Luisita, which mourns the tragic deaths of sugarcane workers who fought for
fair wages and better working conditions. The poems in this book showcase
Lumbera’s deep concern for social justice, nationalism, and the power of
poetry to inspire awareness and action.
LEVI CELERIO
National Artist for Literature / Music (1997)
(April 30, 1910 – April 2, 2002)
Levi Celerio was a talented Filipino lyricist and
composer known for writing over 4,000 songs. He
adapted traditional melodies into Filipino songs, such as O
Maliwanag Na Buwan (Ilocano), Ako ay May Singsing
(Kapampangan), and Alibangbang (Visayan).
Born in Tondo, he earned a scholarship at the
Academy of Music in Manila and became the youngest
member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
He gained worldwide recognition for being the only
person who could play music using a leaf, earning him a
spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Many of his songs were written for local films,
earning him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film
Academy of the Philippines. His music has influenced
generations and is loved by people from all social
backgrounds.
Famous Songs by Levi Celerio
Ang Pipit
Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
Kahit Konting Pagtingin
Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal
Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak
Waray-Waray
Ikaw ang Mahal Ko
Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin
Tunay na Ligaya
JOSE GARCIA VILLA
National Artist for Literature (1973)
(August 5, 1908 – February 7, 1997)
José García Villa was a highly respected Filipino
poet known for his unique writing style. He introduced the
reversed consonance rime scheme and comma poems,
where he creatively used punctuation in poetry. His poem
Have Come, Am Here (1942) gained international
recognition, earning him prestigious awards like the
Guggenheim Fellowship, Bollingen Prize, and American
Academy of Arts and Letters Award.
He used the pen name Doveglion (Dove, Eagle,
Lion), representing his personality, which inspired a poem by
e.e. cummings. Villa was also known for his sharp wit and
direct way of speaking.
His famous works include Footnote to Youth, Poems
by Doveglion, Poems 55, and The Essential Villa. His
influence remains strong in Philippine literature.
Summary of Footnote to Youth by José García Villa
Footnote to Youth is a short story about Dodong, a young boy who insists on
getting married at 17 despite his father’s warnings about the hardships of
adult life. He marries Teang, and they soon have a child, but Dodong quickly
realizes that married life is full of struggles, responsibilities, and
disappointments. As years pass, Dodong watches his own son grow up and
express the same desire to marry young, making him realize the cycle of
youthful mistakes and the realities of life.

- The story serves as a lesson on maturity, responsibility, and the importance

of experience before making life-changing decisions.
NATIONAL ARTISTS
Fashion Design
RAMON VALERA
National Artist for Fashion Design (2006)
(August 31, 1912 – May 25, 1972)

Ramon Valera, from Abra, was a legendary

Filipino fashion designer known for revolutionizing the
“terno”, the Philippines' national dress.
In the 1940s, he transformed the baro’t saya (a
traditional four-piece outfit) into a single elegant dress
with butterfly sleeves, a cinched waist, and a back
zipper— a bold change at the time.He also removed the
panuelo (a modesty scarf), shocking many but
modernizing the design. His structural innovations in the
terno made it an international fashion symbol.
Today, designers continue to study Valera’s
techniques, as his work greatly influenced Philippine
fashion and national identity.
Terno by Ramon Valera
SALVACION LIM-HIGGINS
National Artist for Fashion Design (2022)
January 28, 1920 – September 15, 1990

Salvacion Lim-Higgins, known as "Slim’s",

was a Filipino fashion designer who modernized the
terno by blending traditional Filipino elements with
European couture techniques. She gave the national
dress a more elegant and feminine look, making it
world-class, especially in the post-war era.
Aside from designing, she was also a
dedicated educator. She founded the Slim’s
Fashion and Arts School, which continues to shape
future designers and celebrated its 60th anniversary in
2020.

-Mother of Modern Terno

NATIONAL ARTISTS
Dance
FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO
National Artist for Dance (1973)
(March 9, 1899 – November 21, 1983)

Francisca Reyes Aquino, the Folk Dance

Pioneer from Bulacan, began researching Philippine folk
dances in the 1920s, traveling to remote barrios in
Central and Northern Luzon. Her work documented
unrecorded local celebrations, rituals, and sports,
culminating in her 1926 thesis "Philippine Folk Dances
and Games," designed for teachers and playground
instructors.
As a physical education supervisor at the Bureau
of Education in the 1940s, she helped integrate folk
dancing into schools to promote cultural awareness. In
1954, she received the Republic Award of Merit from
President Ramon Magsaysay for her contributions to
Filipino culture, among many other accolades.
FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO
National Artist for Dance (1973)
(March 9, 1899 – November 21, 1983)

Her books include the following:

• Philippine National Dances (1946);

• Gymnastics for Girls (1947);
• Fundamental Dance Steps and Music (1948);
• Foreign Folk Dances (1949);
• Dances for all Occasion (1950);
• Playground Demonstration (1951); and
• Philippine Folk Dances, Volumes I to VI.
ALICE REYES
National Artist for Dance (2014)

Alice Reyes is a key figure in Philippine dance,

known for her contributions as a dancer,
choreographer, teacher, and director. She played a
major role in developing and promoting contemporary
dance in the country.
She began her training in classical ballet under
Rosalia Merino Santos, later learning folk dance with the
Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company. She
also studied modern dance and jazz in the United
States. Over a career spanning more than 20 years, her
artistic vision and leadership shaped Philippine dance.
ALICE REYES
National Artist for Dance (2014)

Her greatest contribution is creating a uniquely

Filipino modern dance style by blending indigenous
dance, modern dance, and classical ballet. This can
be seen in works like Amada, Itim-Asu, and Bayanihan
Remembered.
In 1970, she introduced the first modern
dance concert at the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP), making the art form more popular.
Through outreach programs, school lectures, TV
promotions, and performances, she helped grow
audiences and develop dancers, teachers, and
choreographers, ensuring the lasting impact of modern
dance in the Philippines.
AGNES LOCSIN
National Artist for Dance (2022)
September 28, 1957

Agnes Dakudao Locsin is a renowned

choreographer, director, and teacher known as one of
the Philippines' most progressive contemporary
choreographers. She developed "neo-ethnic"
choreography, blending Filipino beliefs, rituals, and
ethnic traditions in her works. Notable pieces include
Babaylan, which won second place at the 1993 Tokyo
International Choreography Competition, Taong
Talangka (Man-Crab), and Salome, which earned
dancer Camille Ordinario second place at the 1994
Concours International de la Danse in Paris.
AGNES LOCSIN
National Artist for Dance (2022)
September 28, 1957
Locsin was a faculty member at the Cultural Center
of the Philippines (CCP) Dance School and the University of
the Philippines College of Music dance program. She became
artistic director of Ballet Philippines II in 1990, helping
elevate the company to national prominence. She also
choreographed for Tanghalang Pilipino, PETA, and CCP
productions.

Returning to Davao, she continued leading the Locsin

Dance Workshop, founded by her mother. She has received
numerous awards, including the
1. Gawad CCP para sa Sining (2013),
2. Gawad Buhay Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), and
the Gador Award (2020).
3. Her 2012 book,
4. Neo-Ethnic Choreography: A Creative Process, won the
Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Arts at the 32nd
National Book Awards.
NATIONAL ARTISTS
Music
ANTONIO MOLINA
National Artist for Music (1973)
(December 26, 1894 – January 29, 1980)

Antonio J. Molina, known as the Father of Philippine

Impressionist Music, was a versatile musician, composer,
and educator who, along with Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco
Santiago, helped elevate Philippine music beyond folk
traditions. A skilled cellist, he performed as an orchestra
soloist at the Manila Grand Opera House.
He introduced new harmonies and textures in Filipino
compositions, pioneering musical innovations like the whole-
tone and pentatonic scales, complex chords, and linear
counterpoint. As a professor at the UP Conservatory, he
mentored leading musicians, including Lucrecia Kasilag and
Felipe de Leon.
His most famous work, Hatinggabi, is a serenade for
violin and piano. Other notable compositions include Misa
Antoniana Grand Festival Mass, Ang Batingaw, Kundangan,
and Awit ni Maria Clara.
RYAN CAYABYAB
National Artist for Music (2018)
Birthday: 4 May 1954

Ryan Cayabyab, known as Mr. C, is one of the

most accomplished composers, arrangers, and
musical directors in the Philippines since the
1970s. His versatile style covers both classical
music—such as symphonies, operas, and religious
pieces—and popular music, including theater, dance,
and film.
A familiar face in national media, he has hosted
an arts and culture TV show and served as a judge in
reality singing competitions. His compositions
celebrate life and joy, capturing the essence of the
Filipino spirit.
LUCIO SAN PEDRO
National Artist for Music (2018)
Birthday: 4 May 1954

Ryan Cayabyab, known as Mr. C, is one of the

most accomplished composers, arrangers, and
musical directors in the Philippines since the
1970s. His versatile style covers both classical
music—such as symphonies, operas, and religious
pieces—and popular music, including theater, dance,
and film.
A familiar face in national media, he has hosted
an arts and culture TV show and served as a judge in
reality singing competitions. His compositions
celebrate life and joy, capturing the essence of the
Filipino spirit.
MUSIC
LEVI CELERIO (1973)

Levi Celerio effortlessly translated/wrote anew the lyrics to traditional

melodies. He made it to the Guinness Book of World Records as the
only person able to make music using just a leaf. Songs in an idiom
that has proven to appeal to all social classes.