Issue No.
BALANGAY
A publication of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
National Artists
There are five stages in the process of nomination and
conferment. First, is the announcement of the Order of Na-
tional Artists Secretariat (Cultural Center of the Philippines and
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts), that nomi-
nations are open. NCCA and CCP then receive nominations
for screening and deliberation. The third step is the submis-
sion of the list of recommended artists to the President. Next
is the issuance of proclamation conferring the rank and title
on the recommended artists. Final stage is the conferment of
the Order of National Artists in a ceremony organized by the
Secretariat.
The artists nominated should be: (1) living artists who are
Filipino at the time of nomination, 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 a mode of
creative expression or style, thus earning distinction and making
The
Philippine
Factsheet
of the Philippines
This award is fourth in precedence
among the orders and decorations
that constitute the Honors of the
Philippines, and equal in rank to the
Order of National Scientists and the
Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan.
an impact on succeeding generations of artists; (4) Artists who
have created a substantial and significant body of work and/or
consistently displayed excellence in the practice of their art form,
thus enriching artistic expression or style; and (5) Artists who
enjoy broad acceptance through prestigious national and/or in-
ternational recognition, critical acclaim and/or reviews of their
works, respect and esteem from peers.
A National Artist is granted the following honors and
privileges: (1) The rank and title of National Artist, as pro-
claimed by the President of the Philippines; (2) The insignia
of a National Artist and a citation; (3) A lifetime of emolu-
ment and material and physical benefits comparable in val-
ue to those received by the highest offers of the land such
as: cash awards, monthly life pension, medical and hospital
benefits, life insurance coverage, state funeral and burial at
the Libingan ng mga Bayani and a place of honor, in line
with protocular precedence, at national state functions, and
recognition at cultural events.
 ARCHITECTURE Locsin Building is an original, and ILDEFONSO
identifiable with themes of floating mass P. SANTOS (2006)
and play of lights. Locsin’s major works September 5, 1929 – January 29, 2014
PABLO include the following: Istana Nurul
S. ANTONIO (1976) Iman, the palace of the Sultan of Brunei. He was the pioneer
January 25, 19012– June 14 1975 The CCP Complex itself is a virtual in landscape
Locsin Complex with all five major architecture--an
He was a pioneer of buildings designed by him. allied field of
modern Philippine architecture--in
architecture. His basic the Philippines.
design is grounded JUAN F. NAKPIL (1973) Santos, Jr.’s
on simplicity, no May 26, 1899 – May 7, 1986 contribution to
clutter. The lines are modern Filipino
clean and smooth, He was a pioneer and an innovator landscape
and where there are of Philippine architecture was the seminal public
curves, these are architecture. In landscape in Paco Park. His most recent
made integral to the essence, Nakpil’s projects were the Tagaytay Highland
structure. Including greatest contribution Resort, the Mt. Malarayat Golf and
the maximum use is his belief that Country Club in Lipa, Batangas, and
of natural light and cross ventilation. there is such a the Orchard Golf and Country Club in
Antonio’s major works include the thing as Philippine Imus, Cavite.
following: Far Eastern University Architecture,
Administration and Science buildings; espousing
Manila Polo Club; Ideal Theater and architecture reflective JOSE MARIA V.
Lyric Theater. of Philippine ZARAGOZA (2014)
traditions and December 6, 1912 - 1994
culture. Nakpil’s major works include
LEANDRO V. the following: International His place in Philippine architecture
LOCSIN (1990) Eucharistic Congress altar, history is defined by a significant body
August 15, 1928 – dome and a second belfry of the of modern edifices that address spiritual
November 15, 1994 Quiapo Church, University of and secular
the Philippines Administration requirements.
He believed that the true and University Library, and the His name is
Philippine Architecture is reconstructed Rizal house in synonymous
“the product of two great Calamba, Laguna. to modern
streams of culture, the ecclesiastical
oriental and the occidental... architecture.
to produce a new object of Among his works
profound harmony.” Every are the Santo

BALANGAY The Philippine

Factsheet
Issue No. 8
2015
PROF. FELIPE M. DE LEON, JR.
Chairman
Rene Sanchez Napeñas
Head, NCCA-PAIO/Editor
ADELINA M. SUEMITH
The balangay is an ancient Philippine edged-pegged
OIC-Executive Director
plank boat. More than a mere boat, it was more like a Leonor Petra Elepaño
vessel bearing a social unit, thus the term came to mean Research Assistant
MARLENE RUTH S. SANCHEZ, MNSA
the smallest political unit in the Philippines. In the late
Deputy Executive Director
1970s, balangays were excavated in Butuan City, Agusan
del Norte, then considered the first wooden watercraft
ever excavated in Southeast Asia. They are a testament to Mervin Concepcion Vergara
early Filipino craftsmanship and seamanship skills. Art Director

Ryan C. Arengo
Balangay: The Philippine Factsheet is a publication of the National Commission for
Graphic Artist/Illustrator
Culture and the Arts. It comes with Agung, the NCCA newsletter, and is also given
to educational institutions, libraries and the general public. Balangay: The Philippine
Factsheet aims to be a vessel and conveyor of knowledge on Philippine culture. It also
aims to broaden cultural literacy among our people and enhance their understanding
of Philippine arts and culture.
Domingo Church, Our Lady of the censors, free the artists, give justice RONALD ALLAN
Rosary in Tala, Don Bosco Church, to the oppressed, and enlighten as well K. POE (2006)
the Convent of the Pink Sisters, Pius as entertain the audience. Among his August 20, 1939 –
XII Center, Metropolitan Cathedral notable films are “Himala”, “City After December 12, 2004
of Cebu City and the Meralco Building Dark”, and “Nunal sa Tubig”.
(Pasig) among others.
MANUEL CONDE (2009) He was also known as
October 9, 1915 – August 11, 1985 “FPJ”, was a cultural
CINEMA icon of tremendous
audience impact and
He indigenized cinema artist and
LINO BROCKA (1997 cinema, by assigning craftsman--as actor,
April 3, 1939 - May 21, 1991 it a history and director, writer and
culture of its own; producer. The image
by revitalizing folk of the underdog and
He espoused the term “freedom culture with urgent a hero was projected in his films such
of expression” in the Philippine issues; by depicting as Ang Alamat, Ang Pagbabalik ng
Constitution. and critiquing Lawin including his Panday series and
Brocka took his Filipino customs, the action adventure films adapted from
social activist spirit values and traditions komiks materials such as Ang Kampana
to the screen leaving according to the needs of the present; sa Santa Quiteria, Santo Domingo, and
behind 66 films by employing and at the same time Alupihang Dagat, among others.
which breathed innovating on the traditional cinematic
life and hope for
the marginalized
genres of his time; and by establishing EDDIE
sectors of society
the presence of the Filipino cinema in S. ROMERO (2003)
the world. His major works are: Ibong Cinema and Broadcast Arts
-- slumdwellers, Adarna, Prinsipe Teñoso, Siete Infantes July 7, 1924 – May 28, 2013
prostitute, de Lara, Genghis Khan and Sigfredo.
construction
workers, etc. GERARDO “GERRY” He was a screenwriter,
Brocka’s films include the following: DE LEON (1982) film director and
“Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang”, producer, was the
September 12, 1913 – July 25, 1981
“Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag”, quintessential Filipino
“Insiang”, “Jaguar”, “Macho Dancer” filmmaker whose life
and “Orapronobis”. He was the first filmmaker to be was devoted to the
recognized as a Philippine National art and commerce
ISHMAEL BERNAL Artist. He departed from the conventions of cinema spanning
(2001) of the Tagalog movie, and made use three generations of
September 30, 1938 – June 2 1996 of Expressionist images that are as filmmakers. His concepts, ironically,
remarkable in our days as they were as stated in the National Artist citation
innovative in his. His biggest pre-war hit “are delivered in an utterly simple style
He was recognized as a director of films was “Ang Maestra” – minimalist, but never empty, always
that serve as social commentaries and with Eddie Romero calculated, precise and functional, but
bold reflections on as writer. He also never predictable.” Among his notable
the existing realities produced many films films are “Ganito Kami Noon…
of the struggle of the including “Daigdig Paano Kayo Ngayon?”, “Aguila”,
Filipino. His art extends ng Mga Api,” “Noli “Kamakalawa”, “Banta ng Kahapon”,
beyond the confines of Me Tangere,” “El “Noli Me Tangere” and “Hari sa Hari”.
aesthetics. By polishing Filibusterismo,”
its visuals, or innovating and “Sisa”, “Sawa sa
in the medium, he Lumang Simboryo,”
manages to send his and “Dyesebel”.
message across: to fight
DANCE RAMON OBUSAN (2006)
June 16, 1938 – December 21, 2006
FRANCISCA REYES
AQUINO (1973)
March 9, 1899 – November 21, 1983 He was a dancer,
choreographer, stage
designer, artistic
She was director, a researcher,
acknowledged as the archivist and
Folk Dance Pioneer. documentary filmmaker
Her research on the who broadened and
unrecorded forms deepened the Filipino
of local celebration, understanding of
ritual and sport his own cultural life and expressions.
resulted into a 1926 He fortified cultural and diplomatic
thesis titled “Philippine Folk Dances exchanges using the multifarious
and Games,” and arranged specifically aspects and dimensions of the art
for use by teachers and playground of dance. Among the productions
instructors in public and private schools. he choreographed are: “Vamos a
Her books include the following: Belen! Series”, “Noon Po sa Amin”,
Gymnastics for Girls; Fundamental “Unpublished Dances of the
Dance Steps and Music and Philippine Philippines”, “Water, Fire and Life,”
Folk Dances, Volumes I to VI. and “Glimpses of ASEAN”.
LEONOR OROSA ALICE REYES (2014)
GOQUINGCO (1976) October 14, 1942 -
July 24, 1917 – July 15, 2005
She is a dancer,
She was dubbed the choreographer, teacher
“Trailblazer”, “Mother and director, who
of Philippine Theater makes a great impact
Dance” and “Dean of on the development
Filipino Performing and promotion of
Arts Critics”, pioneer contemporary dance
Filipino choreographer in the Philippines.
in balletic folkloric Perhaps the biggest
and Asian styles, contribution of
has produced for Alice Reyes to Philippine dance is the
over 50 years highly development of a distinctly Filipino
original, first-of-a- modern dance idiom. Among her
kind choreographies, major works: Amada, At a Maranaw
mostly to her own storylines. These Gathering, Itim-Asu, Tales of the
include “The Magic Garden,” “The Manuvu, Rama Hari and Bayanihan
Clowns,” “Noli Dance Suite,” and “The Remembered.
Flagellant”. Seen as her most ambitious
work is the dance epic “Filipinescas: LUCRECIA REYES
Philippine Life, Legend and Lore.” URTULA (1988)
June 29, 1929 – August 4 1999
She was a choreographer, dance educator
and researcher, who spent almost four
decades in discovering and studying
Philippine folk and
ethnic dances. She
applied her findings
to project a new
example of an ethnic
dance culture that
goes beyond simple
preservation and
into creative growth.
Among the widely
acclaimed dances she had staged were
the following: Singkil, Vinta, Tagabili,
Pagdiwata, Salidsid, Idaw, Banga and
Aires de Verbena.
FASHION DESIGN
RAMON VALERA (2006)
August 31, 1912 – September 1972
His contributions lie in
performing his magical
seminal innovations
on the Philippine
terno, producing a
single piece of clothing
from a four-piece
ensemble (blouse,
skirt, overskirt, and
long scarf ). He also
constructed the butterfly sleeves (became
the terno’s defining feature), giving them
a solid, built-in but hidden support. He
unified the components of the baro’t saya
into a single dress with exaggerated bell
sleeves, cinched at the waist, grazing the
ankle, and zipped up at the back.
HISTORICAL
LITERATURE
CARLOS QUIRINO
(1997)
January 14, 1910 – May 20, 1999
He was a biographer, who had the
distinction of having written one of
the earliest biographies of Jose Rizal
titled The Great Malayan. Quirino’s
 books and articles He pioneered the development of the “masterful handling of the Tagalog
span the whole gamut short story as a lyrical prose-poetic form. language” and “supple prose style”.
of Philippine history For Arcellana, the pride of fiction is “that He put up an arm to his advocacy
and culture--from it is able to render truth that is able to of Tagalog as a national language by
Bonifacio’s trial to present reality”. Arcellana’s published establishing the Kapatiran ng mga
Aguinaldo’s biography, works are Poetry and Politics: The Alagad ng Wikang Pilipino (KAWIKA)
from Philippine State of Original Writing in English in 1958. His masterpiece novels—Ama,
cartography to culinary in the Philippines Today, some of his Bayang Nagpatiwakal, Maganda Pa
arts, from cash crops to short stories are Frankie, The Man Who Ang Daigdig and Daluyong—affirm his
tycoons and presidents’ Would Be Poe, Death in a Factory, eminent place in Philippine literature.
lives, among so many subjects. His Lina, A Clown Remembers and Now
book Maps and Views of Old Manila Sleeps the Crimsom Petal. NESTOR VICENTE
is considered as the best book on the MADALI GONZALES
subject. CIRILO F. BAUTISTA (1997)
(2014) September 8, 1915
July 9, 1941 - – November 28, 1999
LITERATURE
VIRGILIO S. ALMARIO He is a poet, He was better known
(2003) fictionist and essayist as N.V.M. Gonzalez,
March 9, 1944 - with exceptional fictionist, essayist,
achievements poet and teacher,
and significant who articulated
He is also known as contributions to the the Filipino spirit
Rio Alma, a poet, development of the in rural and urban
literary historian and country’s literary landscapes. He used the English language
critic, who revived and arts. As a teacher of to express, reflect and shape Philippine
reinvented traditional literature, he brought poetry and fiction culture and Philippine sensibility. His
Filipino poetic forms, closer to the people who otherwise major works include: The Winds of
even as he championed would not have the opportunity to April, Seven Hills Away, Children of
modernist poetics. develop their creative talent. He has the Ash-Covered Loam and Other
He put a face to the updated students and student-writers on Stories, The Bamboo Dancers and The
Filipino writer in the country, one strong literary developments and techniques Bread of Salt and Other Stories.
face determinedly wielding a pen into particularly in creating innovations in
untruths, hypocrisy and injustice. He poetic structure and use of metaphor. His AMADO
has published many books, including the major works are Summer Suns, Words V. HERNANDEZ (1973)
seminal Makinasyon, Peregrinasyon, and Battlefields, The Trilogy of Saint September 13, 1903 – March 24, 1970
Doktrinang Anakpawis, Mga Retrato Lazarus and Galaw ng Asoge.
at Rekwerdo and Muli, Sa Kandungan
ng Lupa. LAZARO FRANCISCO He was a poet,
(2009) playwright, novelist
FRANCISCO February 22, 1898 – June 17, 1980 and one of the Filipino
ARCELLANA (1990) writers who practiced
September 6, 1916 – August 1, 2002 “committed art”.
He developed the Hernandez’s contribution
social realist tradition to the development
He was a writer, in Philippine fiction. of Tagalog prose is
poet, essayist, critic, His novels embody the considerable -- he stripped
journalist, teacher author’s commitment to Tagalog of its ornate character and
and one of the most nationalism. Francisco wrote in prose closer to the colloquial
important progenitors gained prominence as than the “official” style permitted. His
of the modern Filipino a writer not only for works include Mga Ibong Mandaragit,
short story in English. his social conscience but also for his Bayang Malaya, Isang Dipang
Langit, Luha ng Buwaya, Amado
V. Hernandez: Tudla at Tudling:
Katipunan ng mga Nalathalang Tula
1921-1970, Langaw sa Isang Basong
Gatas at Iba Pang Kuwento ni Amado
V. Hernandez.
NICK JOAQUIN (1976)
May 4, 1917 – April 29, 2004
He enriched the
English language
with critics coining
“Joaquinesque”
to describe his
baroque Spanish-
flavored English
or his reinventions
of English based
on Filipinisms.
Bienvenido
Lumbera writes that Joaquin’s
significance in Philippine literature
involves his exploration of the Philippine
colonial past under Spain and his
probing into the psychology of social
changes. Among his works are The
Woman Who Had Two Navels, A
Portrait of the Artist as Filipino,
Manila, My Manila: A History for the
Young, The Ballad of the Five Battles,
Rizal in Saga, Almanac for Manileños,
Cave and Shadows.
F. SIONIL JOSE (2001)
December 3, 1924 -
Mass, and Po-on, captured the sweep
of Philippine history simultaneously
narrating the lives of the Samsons whose
personal lives intertwine with the social
struggles of the nation.
BIENVENIDO
LUMBERA (2006)
April 11, 1932 –
He is a poet who
introduced to
Tagalog literature
what is now known
as Bagay poetry, a
landmark aesthetic
tendency that has
helped to change the
vernacular poetic tradition. As a librettist
for the Tales of the Manuvu and Rama
Hari, he pioneered the creative fusion
of fine arts and popular imagination.
As a scholar, his major books include
the following: Tagalog Poetry, 1570-
1898: Tradition and Influences in its
Development; Philippine Literature: A
History and Anthology, Revaluation:
Essays on Philippine Literature, and
some librettos, Tales of Manuvu, Rama
Hari and Noli Me Tangere.
ALEJANDRO R. ROCES
(2003)
July 13, 1924 – May 23, 2011
currency and passports, and recovered
Jose Rizal’s manuscripts when they were
stolen. He is known for his work “My
Brother’s Peculiar Chicken.” His other
works include : We Filipinos are Mild
Drinkers, Of Cocks and Kites, Fiesta
and Something to Crow About.
CARLOS P.
ROMULO(1982)
January 14, 1898 – December 15, 1985
His multifaceted career spanned 50
years of public
service as educator,
soldier, university
president, journalist
and diplomat. He
was the only Asian to
win America’s coveted
Pulitzer Prize in
Journalism for a series
of articles predicting
the outbreak of World War II. Romulo,
in all, wrote and published 18 books, a
range of literary works which included
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).
EDITH L. TIEMPO
(1999)
April 22, 1919 – August 21, 2011

He was a short story

His writings, when writer and essayist, She was a poet,
taken collectively and the country’s best fictionist, teacher and
can best be writer of comic short literary critic and one
described as epic. stories. He focused on of the finest Filipino
It is consistent the neglected aspects writers in English
in espousing the of the Filipino cultural whose works were
aspirations of heritage. He brought characterized by a
the Filipino--for to public attention remarkable fusion of
national sovereignty the aesthetics of the country’s fiestas and style and substance,
and social justice-- helped popularize several local fiestas. of craftsmanship and
that guarantees the value of his oeuvre. He campaigned to change the country’s insight. Her poems
His five-novel masterpiece, the Rosales Independence Day to June 12, caused are intricate verbal transfigurations of
saga, consisting of The Pretenders, the change of language from English significant experiences. Her language
Tree, My Brother, My Executioner, to Filipino in the country’s stamps, has been marked as “descriptive but
unburdened by scrupulous detailing.” Philippine Army Band to its former FELIPE PADILLA DE
Tiempo’s works include: The Little prestige. His composiotions include: By LEON (1997)
Marmoset, Bonsai, A Blade of Fern, the Hillside, Triumphal March, Ode to May 1, 1912 – December 2, 1992
The Native Coast, The Alien Corn and Freedom, Concert Overture, Mindanao
The Charmer’s Box and Other Poems. Sketches and Symphony in C Major,
among others. He was a composer,
JOSE GARCIA conductor, and a scholar,
VILLA (1973) LEVI CELERIO (1997) who utilized the essence
August 05, 1908 – February 7, 1997 April 30, 1910 – April 2, 2002 of Filipino folk music
to create masterpieces.
The prodigious body
He was considered He was a prolific of De Leon’s musical
as one of the finest lyricist for decades. compositions (art songs,
contemporary poets He effortlessly wrote opera, concertos and
regardless of race the lyrics of countless music for all occasions),
or language. Villa, popular songs such as: have become the full expression of
introduced the Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan, the sentiments and aspirations of the
reversed consonance Bakya Mo Neneng, Filipino in times of strife and of peace,
rhyme scheme, Sa Libis Ng Nayon, making him the epitome of a people’s
including the Galawgaw, Pasko musician. His music include: Mariang
comma poems that Na Naman, Sana Makiling Overture, Roca Encantada,
made full use of the Ka Man Naroroon, Orchesterstuk, Payapang Daigdig,
punctuation mark in Waray-waray, Tuna Na Tuna and Ang Pasko Na Naman, Noche Buena, Ako’y
an innovative, poetic way. Villa was also Pasko ay Sumapit. Pilipino, Lupang Tinubuan, and the
known for the tartness of his tongue. operatic masterpieces, Noli Metangere
Villa’s works include: Have Come, Am ERNANI JOSON and El Filibusterismo.
Here, Footnote to Youth, Many Voices, CUENCO (1999)
Poems by Doveglion, Poems 55, Poems May 10, 1936 – July 11, 1988 FRANCISCO
in Praise of Love: The Best Love Poems FELICIANO (2014)
of Jose Garcia Villa as Chosen By 19 February 1941 – 19 September 2014
Himself, among others. He was a seasoned
musician composer,
film scorer, musical His lifetime
MUSIC director and music conscientiousness in
teacher, he wrote bringing out the unique
ANTONINO R. an outstanding and sounds of our indigenous
BUENAVENTURA (1988) memorable body of music in compositions,
May 4, 1904 – January 25, 1996 works that resonate having high technical
with the Filipino demands equal to the
sense of musicality compositions of masters
He vigorously pursued and which embody an ingenious voice anywhere in the world,
a musical career that raises the aesthetic dimensions of contributed to the
with an unwavering contemporary Filipino music. His works awareness of people globally, to view
commitment to include “Nahan, Kahit na Magtiis,” and the Asian and Philippine culture,
advancing the “Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na as a rich source of inspiration and
frontiers of Philippine Lupa,” “Kalesa,” “Bato sa Buhangin” a celebration of our ethnicity. He
music. In 1935, and “Gaano Kita Kamahal.” elevated the Filipino artistry into one
Buenaventura joined that is highly esteemed by the people
Francisca Reyes- all over the world. His major works
Aquino to conduct are: Ashen Wings, Sikhay sa Kabila
research on folksongs ng Paalam, La Loba Negra, Yerma,
and dances that led to its popularization. Pamugun, Pokpok Alimpako.
He also conducted and restored the
JOVITA FUENTES (1976) JOSE MACEDA (1997) LUCIO D. SAN
February 15, 1895 – August 7, 1978 January 31, 1917 – May 5, 2004 PEDRO(1991)
February 11, 1913 – March 31, 2002

Her portrayal of Cio-cio He was a composer,

San in Giacomo Puccini’s musicologist, teacher He was a composer,
Madame Butterfly at and performer, conductor, and
Italy’s Teatro Municipale who explored the teacher whose
di Piacenza, has been musicality of the works incorporated
hailed as the “most Filipino deeply. folk elements and
sublime interpretation of Maceda embarked on traditional musical
the part”, which made a life-long dedication form. His commitment
the scarcely heard of to the understanding and work in chorale
Philippines, known in and popularization of music, contributed
Europe. She embarked Filipino traditional to the vigorous
on a string of music music. Maceda’s development of chorale singing and
performances in Europe experimentation also freed Filipino opened a creative outlet to Filipino
essaying the roles of Liu Yu in Puccini’s musical expression from a strictly communities all over the country. His
Turnadot, Mimi in Puccini’s La Eurocentric mold. Usually performed as music include: Malakas at Maganda
Boheme, Iris in Pietro Mascagni’s Iris, a communal ritual, his compositions like Overture, Easter Cantata, Sa Mahal
the title role of Salome (which composer Ugma-ugma (1963), Pagsamba (1968), Kong Bayan, Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,
Richard Strauss personally offered to her and Udlot-udlot (1975), are monuments Triumphal March and Lahing
including the role of Princess Yang Gui to his unflagging commitment to Kayumanggi.
Fe in Li Tai Pe). Philippine music. Other major works
include Agungan, Kubing, Pagsamba, RAMON
LUCRECIA Ugnayan, Ading, Aroding and Siasid. P. SANTOS (2014)
R. KASILAG (1989) February 25, 1941 -
August 31, 1917 – August 16, 2008 ANTONIO
J. MOLINA (1973)
December 26, 1894 – January 29, 1980 He is a composer,
She was an conductor and
educator, composer, musicologist,
performing artist, He was a versatile who is currently
administrator and musician, composer the country’s
cultural entrepreneur and music educator, foremost exponent
of national and who was the last of the of contemporary
international caliber, musical triumvirate of Filipino music.
who involved Abelardo and Santiago. Embedded in
herself wholly in He was a pioneer in his work, are the
sharpening the the use of folk music people-specific concepts central to
Filipino’s appreciation of music. She in large musical the ethnomusicological discipline, the
pioneered the task of discovering Filipino compositions. He is translation of indigenous musical systems
roots through fusing ethnic music and credited for introducing into modern musical discourse, and the
Western influences (incorporating such innovations as the whole tone marriage of Western and non-Western
indigenous Filipino instruments in scale, pentatonic scale, exuberance of sounds. He is instrumental in espousing
orchestral productions). Her works are dominant ninths and eleventh cords, and a modern Philippine music rooted in
Toccata for Percussions and Winds, linear counterpoints. His compositions old Asian practices and life concepts.
Divertissement and Concertante, Love include: Hatinggabi, Misa Antoniana His major works are, Rituwal ng
Song Cycle, Legend of the Sarimanok Grand Festival Mass, Ang Batingaw, Pasasalamat, PENOMENON, Parangal
and Dularawan Kundiman- Kundangan; Amihan, kay SW, L’Bad, Daragang Magayon,
Awit ni Maria Clara, Larawan Nitong Dw’Gey.
Pilipinas, among others.
ANDREA O. Filipino. Her directorial credits include Pilipinas Circa, Dalagang Bukid,
VENERACION (1999) Diego Silang, and Walang Sugat. Banaag at Sikat, Rajah Sulayman,
July 11, 1928 – July 9, 2013 Among her screenplays are Sakay and Abaniko, La Traviata, Tomaneg at
Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. Aniway and Pagkahaba-haba man ng
Prusisyon sa Simbahan din ang Tuloy.
Her indispensable LAMBERTO V.
contribution to AVELLANA (1976) HONORATA “ATANG”
Filipino musical February 12, 1915 – April 25, 1991 DELA RAMA (1987)
heritage was the January 11, 1902 – July 11, 1991
founding of the
Philippine Madrigal He was a director for theater and
Singers, first choral film, who was called She was honored
group winning twice “The Boy Wonder of as the Queen of
in the European Philippine Movies.” Kundiman, then,
grand prix, and the He was the first to use already 74 years old
spearheading of the motion picture singing “Nabasag
the development of camera to establish a na Banga” which
Philippine choral music. She organized point-of-view, a move she sang as a 15-
a cultural outreach program to provide that revolutionized year old girl in the
music education and exposure to the art the techniques of sarsuela Dalagang
of choral singing in several provinces. She film narration. In Bukid. The same
transformed the madrigal from an Italian his film Sakay, he sarsuela, became the
renaissance musical form to a versatile demonstrated a kind of visual rhythm first Tagalog film, and she became the
vehicle of Philippine musical thoughts, that established a new filmic language. first actress essaying the same role. She
feelings and creative imagination. The first Filipino filmmaker at the believes that sarswela and kundiman
Cannes International Film Festival, express best the Filipino soul. Among
showing his film Kandelerong Pilak. the songs she premiered or popularized
THEATER Among his directed films released were Pakiusap, Ay, Ay Kalisud, Kung
worldwide are Sergeant Hasan, Iibig Ka Madaling Araw, and Mutya
Destination Vietnam, and The Evil ng Pasig.
DAISY Within.
AVELLANA (1999) WILFRIDO MA.
January 26, 1917 – May 12, 2013 SALVADOR GUERRERO (1997)
January 22, 1911 – April 28, 1995
F. BERNAL (2003)
January 7, 1945 – October 26, 2011
She was an actor,
director and a writer. He was the founder
She elevated legitimate and artistic director
Salvador Bernal was a theater designer
theater and dramatic of the UP Mobile
designed more than 300 productions
arts to a new level of Theater, he pioneered
distinguished for their originality since
excellence by staging the concept of
1969. Sensitive to the budget limitations
and performing theater campus tour.
of local productions, he harnessed the
in breakthrough By bringing theatre
design potential of inexpensive local
productions of to the countryside,
materials, pioneering
classic Filipino and he made possible
or maximizing the
foreign plays and for students and
use of bamboo, raw
by encouraging the audiences in general
abaca, abaca fiber,
establishment of performing groups to experience the
hemp twine, rattan
and the professionalization of Filipino basic grammar
chain links and
theater. She was best remembered as of staging and acting in familiar and
gauze cacha. His
Candida Marasigan in the stage and friendly ways through his plays that
major set designs
film versions of Portrait of the Artist as humorously reflect the behavior of the
were Rama at Sita,
Filipino. His plays include Half an Hour
in a Convent, Wanted: A Chaperon, of contemporary Western drama. made of paper and mixed media. His
Condemned, Deep in My Heart, Three Among his works are: Now and works are highly favored for its studied
Rats, Our Strange Ways, The Forsaken Forever, Gamitin Mo Ako, Bayad Puri, refinement and the ease and pleasure
House. Milagros, Ang Mestisa, Ako, Ang Kiri, conveyed by his choice of light, color and
Ana Maria, Orosman at Zafira and composition with its playful expressionist
SEVERINO Larawan, the musical. and cubist elements.
MONTANO (2001)
Jan. 3, 1915 – December 12, 1980 FERNANDO
C. AMORSOLO (1972)
VISUAL ARTS May 30, 1892 – April 24, 1972
He was a playwright,
director, actor,
theater organizer NAPOLEON He was the first
and the forerunner V. ABUEVA (1976) National Artist,
in institutionalizing January 26, 1930 - with the official title
“legitimate theater” “Grand Old Man
in the Philippines. of Philippine Art.”
Taking up courses He is considered Amorsolo developed
and graduate as the Father of the backlighting
degrees abroad, he Modern Philippine technique that
honed and shared his expertise with his Sculpture, being adept became his
countrymates. He established a graduate in either academic trademark where
program at the Philippine Normal representational style figures, a cluster
College for the training of playwrights, or modern abstract, of leaves, spill of
directors, technicians, actors, and utilizing almost all kinds hair, the swell of
designers. He also established the of materials. Among the breast, are seen aglow on canvas. His
Arena Theater Playwriting Contest. His early innovations Abueva introduced citation underscores all his years of
published works include: The Love of in 1951 was what he referred to as creative activity which have “defined and
Leonor Rivera, But Not My Sons Any “buoyant sculpture” -- sculpture meant perpetuated a distinct element of the
Longer, Gabriela Silang, The Merry to be appreciated from the surface of a nation’s artistic and cultural heritage.”
Wives of Manila, The Ladies and the placid pool. His major works include His major works include: Maiden in a
Senador and Parting at Calamba. Kaganapan, Kiss of Judas, Thirty Stream; El Ciego; Dalagang Bukid;
Pieces of Silver, The Transfiguration, The Mestiza; Planting Rice; Sunday
ROLANDO UP Gateway, Nine Muses, Sunburst, Morning Going to Town; Antipolo
S. TINIO (1997) Pitong Diwata at the UP faculty center, Fiesta and Afternoon Meal of Rice
March 5, 1937 – July 7, 1997 and the National Heroes Shrine, Mt. Workers.
Samat, Bataan.
BENEDICTO R.
He was a playwright, FEDERICO AGUILAR Y CABRERA (2006)
thespian, poet, teacher, ALCUAZ (2009) April 10, 1942 -
critic and translator, June 6, 1932 – February 2, 2011
who marked his career
with prolific artistic He (“Bencab”)
productions. As a stage He was known upheld the primacy
director, his original for his gestural of drawing over the
insights in the scripts paintings in decorative color. He
handled, brought acrylic and oil. As has christened the
forth productions a sculptor, he emblematic scavenger
notable for their rendered abstract figure “Sabel”,
visual impact and intellectual cogency. and figurative which for him, is a
He revived traditional Filipino drama, works in ceramics, melancholic symbol
re-staging old theater forms like the tapestries and even of dislocation,
sarswela and opening a treasure-house in relief sculptures despair and isolation-
-the personification of human dignity
threatened by life’s vicissitudes, and the
vast inequities of Philippine society. His
exploration of form, finding his way
out of the late neo-realism and high
abstraction of the sixties contributed
to the potency of figurative expression
in Philippine art. He has championed
the marginalized Filipino in his most
characteristic works. His works include
The Larawan Series and Sabel.
FRANCISCO
COCHING (2014)
January 29, 1919 – September 1, 1998
He was
acknowledged
as the “Dean
of Filipino
Illustrators,” a
master storyteller
- in images and
in print. His
illustrations
and novels are products of that happy
combination of fertile imagination,
a love of storytelling, and flawless
draftsmanship. He synthesizes images
and stories informing Philippine folk
and popular imagination of culture.
His works reflect the dynamics brought
about by the racial and class conflict in
Philippine colonial society in the 19th
century. Among his works are Lapu-
Lapu, Sagisag ng Lahing Pilipino,
Marabini, Haring Ulopong, Pusakal,
Talipandas and El Vibora.
VICTORIO
C. EDADES (1976)
December 23, 1895 – March 7, 1985
He emerged as the
“Father of Modern
Philippine Painting,”
with distorted
human figures
in rough, bold
impasto strokes, and
standing tall and
singular in his advocacy and practice
of what he believes is creative art. He
also introduced a liberal arts program
that offers subjects as art history and
foreign languages that will lead to a
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Among
his works are The Artist and the Model,
Portrait of the Professor, Japanese Girl,
Mother and Daughter, The Wrestlers,
Poinsettia Girl
CARLOS “BOTONG”
V. FRANCISCO (1973)
November 4, 1912 – March 31, 1969
He single-handedly
revived the forgotten art
of mural and remained
its most distinguished
practitioner for
nearly three decades.
His unerring eye for
composition and
antomy, the lush
tropical sense of color
and an abiding faith in
the folk values typified
by the townspeople of Angono became
the hallmark of his art. His major works
include the following: The Mural in
Manila City Hall, Maria Makiling,
The Invasion of Limahong, Muslim
Betrothal, First Mass at Limasawa, The
Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, and
Sandugo.
ABDULMARI
ASIA IMAO (2006)
January 14, 1936 – December 16, 2014
He was a sculptor,
painter, photographer,
ceramist,
documentary film
maker, cultural
researcher, writer,
and articulator of
Philippine Muslim
art and culture.
Through his works, the indigenous
ukkil, sarimanok and naga motifs have
been popularized and instilled in the
consciousness of the Filipino nation
and other peoples as original Filipino
creations. Among his works are Industry
Brass Mural, PNB, San Fernando, La
Union, Mural Relief on Filmmaking,
Manila City Hall, Industrial Mural,
BSP, San Fernando, La Union, Sulu
Warriors, Sulu Provincial Capitol.
JOSE T. JOYA (2003) 
June 3, 1931 – May 11, 1995
He was a painter and
multimedia artist
who distinguished
himself by creating
an authentic
Filipino abstract
expressionist idiom
that transcended its
foreign provenance.
His use of rice paper
in collages promoted transparency, a
common characteristic of folk art. He
espoused the value of kinetic energy
and spontaneity in painting which
became significant artistic values in
Philippine art. Among his compositions
are Granadean Arabesque, Space
Transfiguration, Hills of Nikko,
Dimension of Fear, Naiad, Torogan
and Cityscape.
ANG KIUKOK (2001)
March 1, 1931 - May 9, 2005
He was one of those
who came at the heels
of the pioneering
modernists during the
60’s, he blazed a formal
and iconographic
path of his own
through works of high
visual impact and
compelling meaning.
He crystallized in
vivid, cubistic figures the terror and angst,
shaped in the furnace of the political
turmoil of those times. He pursued a style
of expression imbued with humanist fervor
and social concern. Some of his works
include: Geometric Landscape, Face,
Crucifixion, Pieta and the Seated Figure.
CESAR LEGASPI (1990)
April 2, 1917 - April 7, 1994
He was a pioneer “Neo-
Realist” of the country,
and remembered for his
singular achievement of
refining cubism in the
Philippine context. He
belonged to the so-called
“Thirteen Moderns” and
later the “Neo-realists.”
He made use of the
geometric fragmentation
technique, weaving social comment and
juxtaposing the mythical and modern
into his overlapping, interacting forms
with power and intensity. His works
include Gadgets I, Gadgets II, Diggers,
Idols of the Third Eye, Facade, Ovary,
Flora and Fauna, Triptych, Flight,
Bayanihan, Struggle, Avenging Figure,
Turning Point, Peace and The Survivor.
ARTURO R. LUZ (1997)
November 20, 1926 -
He is a painter,
sculptor, and
designer, who created
masterpieces that
exemplify an ideal of
sublime restraint in
expression and form.
From the Carnival
series to the later
Cyclist paintings,
he produced works
that elevated Filipino
aesthetic vision to new heights of
sophisticated simplicity. He inspired and
developed a Filipino artistic community
that nurtures impeccable , minimalist
designs. Among his other significant
paintings are Vendador de Flores,
Procession, Night Glows, Cities of the
Past, Imaginary Landscapes and his
mural painting Black and White.
VICENTE S.
MANANSALA (1981) HERNANDO R.
January 22, 1910 – August 22, 1981 OCAMPO (1991)
April 28, 1911 – December 28, 1978
His paintings
are described as He was a self-taught painter
visions of reality and leading member of the
teetering on the pre-war “Thirteen Moderns”
edge of abstraction. who chartered the course of
Manansala believes modern art in the Philippines.
that the beauty of His works created an
art is in the process, awareness of the harsh social
in the moment of realities in the country and
doing a particular contributed to the rise of the
painting, closely associating it with nationalist spirit during the
the act of making love. His distinct post-war era. His abstract works - inspired
contributions to the world of art is by the rhythmic, vibrant organic forms of
transparent cubism which he introduced Philippine cultural and natural life - left an
in the eaâly 60’s, in his Bird Series. indelible mark on Philippine modern art.
Manansala’s works also include A Cluster He played a major role in sustaining the
of Nipa Hut, Banaklaot, Market Philippine Art Gallery, the country’s first.
Venders, Madonna of the Slums, Still His works include Genesis in CCP Main
Life with Green Guitar, Via Crucis, Theater, Calvary, Slum Dwellers, Man
Whirr and Homage to Pieter de and Carabao, Angel’s Kiss, Ancestors,
Hooch’s Interior of a Dutch House. The Resurrection, Backdrop and Fiesta.
J. (JEREMIAS) GUILLERMO
ELIZALDE ESTRELLA TOLENTINO
NAVARRO (1999) (1973)
May 22, 1924 – June 10, 1999 July 24, 1890 - July 12, 1976
He was a proficient
painter and He belongs to a period
sculptor. His masks when Filipinos firmly
carved in hardwood asserted their dignity
merge the human and independence from
and the animal; his colonial rule resulting in
paintings consists works of majestic, heroic
of abstracts and style and idealism, such
figures in oil and as the UP Oblation,
watercolor; and his acknowledged as his
assemblages fuse found objects and masterpiece and The
metal parts. He has done a series of Bonifacio Monument in
figurative works drawing inspiration Caloocan which stands as
from Balinese art and culture, an enduring symbol of the Filipinos’ cry
demonstrating his power as a master of for freedom. Other works include the
colors. His major works include: I’m bronze figures of President Quezon at
Sorry Jesus, I Can’t Attend Christmas Quezon Memorial, life-size busts of Jose
This Year, Homage to Dodjie Rizal at UP and UE, and the marble
Laurel, The Seasons and A Flying statue of Ramon Magsaysay in GSIS
Contraption for Mr. Icarus. Building. He also designed the seal of the
Republic of the Philippines.