CPAR g.

ARCHITECTURE, ALLIED DESIGN –

architecture design, interior design, industrial art
THE NATIONAL ARTIST AWARD– is the highest design, landscape architecture and fashion design
national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have
made significant contributions. 73 National Artists
o Music
o Dance National Artists Controversies
o Theater
1. 1982: FERDINAND MARCOS –CARLOS P.
It was established under PROCLMATION NO. 1001 dated ROMULO (for literature)
APRIL 27, 1972
2. 1997: FIDEL V. RAMOS created new category –
FERNANDO AMORSOLO (National Artist for Visual Arts) historical literature – CARLOS QUIRINO
– first awardee 3. 1999: JOSEPH ESTRADA– ERNANI CUENCO
for Music
The award is conferred every 3 years through a vigorous 4. 2003: GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO named
deliberation and selection process writer
ALEJANDRO ROCES a National Artist for
NCAA – National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Literature
Cultural Center of the Philippine (CCP) are conferred by the
President of the Philippines 5. 2006: Arroyo conferred the award on the late
SENATOR FRANCISCO “SOC” RODRIGO (for
Vision writing poetry and translating plays) and sculptor and
Unusual insights achievement measured painter ABDULMARI ASIA IMAO as a form of
Creativity and imagination “political accommodation”
Technical proficiency
6. 2009: Arroyo named as National Artists filmmaker
Objective of the Award CARLO MAGNO JOSE CAPARAS, theater
stalwart CECILE GUIDOTE-ALVAREZ, architect
a. Significant contributions to the cultural heritage of FRANCISCO “BOBBY” MANOSA, and fashion
the story designer JOSE “PITOY” MORENO– all not part pf
b. Accomplishments at its highest level and to promote the shortlist given by the NCAA-CCP
creative expression as significant to the development
of a national cultural identity ///
c. Dedicated their lives to their works to forge new parts NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR MUSIC
and directions for future generations of Filipino
artists ANTONIO MOLINA (N.A 1973)
 He was also known as the Claude Debussy of
Honors and Privileges impressionism in music.
 He founded the CEU String Quartet.
The rank and title of National artist; as proclaimed by  Hatinggabi: a serenade for solo violin and piano
President of the Philippines accompaniment.
Ana Maria: a special sarzuela presentation.
The National artist gold-plated medallion minted by the  As a member of the faculty of the UP Conservatory,
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) he had taught many of the country’s leading musical
personalities and educators like Lucresia Kasilag
a. 200,000 – minimum cash award and Felipe de Leon.
b. Lifetime personal monthly stipend 30,000
JOVITA FUENTES (N.A 1976)
A place of honor, in line with particular procedure, in state  Philippines’ first female national artist
functions, national commemorations  first Filipino international star in the world of
opera.
Nomination procedure  In April 1925, Fuentes made her international debut
as Cio Cio San in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly,
a. DANCE – choreography staged in Italy’s Teatro Municipale di Piacenza.
b. MUSIC – composition
 She founded various music associations such as
c. THEATER – direction/production design
Asociacion Musical de Filipinas, the Bach Society
d. VISUAL ARTS – painting, sculpture, printmaking,
of the Philippines, and the Artists’ Guild of the
photography, installation
Philippines
e. LITERATURE – poetry, fiction, essay, journalism
f. FILM & BROADCAST ARTS – cinematography,
HONORATA "ATANG" DELA RAMA (N.A 1987)
editing, camera work
 Queen of Kundiman and Queen of Sarswela.  He is also known for using the leaf as a musical
 Atang firmly believes that the sarswela and the instrument which led to being recognized as the
kundiman expresses best the Filipino soul. "only man who could play music using a leaf" by
 “Dalagang Bukid” – which became the first full- the Guinness Book of Records
length Tagalog film.  He composed OPM song like "Ikaw", "Kahit
 She was a Bodabil performer, an indigenized form of Konting Pagtingin", "Saan Ka Man Naroroon?“,
vaudeville which featured a hodgepodge of musical and wrote the lyrics of the famous Filipino lullaby
numbers, short-form comedy, and dramatic skits ”Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” .
(even magical acts).  He also composed folk songs including "Ang Pipit",
"Itik-Itik", and "Waray-Waray" and the famous
ANTONINO BUENAVENTURA (N.A 1988) Christmas carol "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit“
 Music Director of the UST Conservatory of Music
in 1961 and UE School Music of Arts in 1964. JOSE M. MACEDA (N.A 1997)
 Buenaventura’s music was influenced by different  He is a composer, musicologist, teacher, performer,
ethnic Philippine folksongs. He also created a pianist, anthropologist and ethnomusicologist.
minuet in 1937 largely based from Igorot tunes.  Founded the UP Center for Ethnomusicologist
 Around 1930, he composed the music of pandanggo  He wrote papers that enlightened scholars, both
sa ilaw Filipino and foreign, about the nature of Philippine
 He led the Philippine Constabulary band and then traditional and ethnic music.
later the Philippine Army band  Maceda Archives received a recognition from the
UNESCO Memory of the World.
LUKRESIA R. KASILAG (N.A 1989)  His works include "Pagsamba (1968)",
 Wrote more than 200 compositions, folksongs, "Ugmaugma(1963)" "Udlotudlot (1975)"
opera and orchestral works
 Known as “Tita King” and was a member of ANDREA VENERACION (N.A 1999)
“Kasilag Rondalla”  A lyric soprano soloist, accomplished pianist and
 She was known for incorporating indigenous Filipino accompanist.
music with Western influences; Filipino instruments  Two of her indispensable contributions in culture and
into orchestral productions. the arts include the founding of the Philippine
 She founded the Bayanihan Folk Arts Center for Madrigal Singers and the spearheading of the
research and theatrical presentations. development of Philippine choral music
 She is the founder and first conductor of the Asian
LUCIO SAN PEDRO (N.A 1991) Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM) Chorale
 known as a “romantic nationalist”  She is recognized as an authority on choral music
 He incorporated Philippine folk elements in his and performance and has served as adjudicator in
compositions with Western forms and harmony. international music competitions
 He wrote symphonic music, band, vocal, choral,
music-theater, chamber, movie music. ERNANI J. CUENCO (N.A 1999)
 He is known for the glorification of the Filipino  Composer, film, scorer, musical director and music
soul in his compositions. teacher
 His famous works include "Uggoy ng duyan  Pres. Joseph Estrada discovered him and asked to do
(1943)", "Lahing kayumanggi, 1916 (nationalistic the musical scorings of his movies.
symphonic Poem)", "Simbang gabi" and "Sa mahal  His works embody a Filipino sense of musicality that
kong bayan” contain the classical sound of the Kundiman
 His popular and well-loved compositions are “Gaano
FELIPE DE LEON (N.A 1997) Kita Kamahal” and “Bato sa Buhangin”
 He was a composer and conductor of classical music,  He collaborated with Levi Celerio for the song
and wrote music for the sarswela. “Gaano Kita Kamahal” in the same movie title.
 Musical Compositions: sonatas, marches, and
concertos FRANCISCO FELICIANO (N.A 2014)
 Known as a nationalist composer, he sought to  Avant Garde composer and conductor for band and
express the Philippines' cultural identity through his chorus.
compositions  He composed hundreds of liturgical pieces, mass
 Composed popular Christmas carol "Pasko Na settings, hymns, and songs for worship.
Naman", and two opera, "Noli Me Tangere" and  He founded the Asian Institute for Liturgy and
"El Filibusterismo” Music in Quezon City, a school for church musicians.
 He was the musical director of the movie "Ang
LEVI CELERIO (N.A 1997) Bukas ay Atin" which directed by Lamberto
 He wrote more than 4,000 Filipino songs Avellana.

RAMON P. SANTOS (N.A 2014)

 currently the country’s foremost exponent of
contemporary Filipino music. RAMON OBUSAN (N.A 2006)
 Contributed greatly to the quest for new directions in  He was a dancer, choreographer, stage designer and
music, taking as basis of nonWestern traditions in the artistic director who achieved phenomenal success in
Philippines and Southeast Asia. Philippine dance and cultural work.
 His works include Ding Ding Nga Diyawa,  He was also acknowledged as a researcher,
Nabasag na Banga archivist and documentary filmmaker who
 gamelan music of Java. broadened and deepened the Filipino understanding
of his own cultural life and expressions.
RYAN CAYABYAB (N.A 2018)  Obusan founded the Ramon Obusan Folkloric
 known as Mr. C Group (ROFG)
 His works range from commissioned full-length  His famous works include “Vamos a Belen! Series”
ballets, theater musicals, choral pieces, a Mass set to and “Obra Maestra,”
unaccompanied chorus, and orchestral pieces to
commercial recordings of popular music, film scores ALICE REYES (N.A 2014)
and television specials.  She is a multi-talented dancer, choreographer, artistic
 Composed “We Win as One”, sang by Lea Salonga director, and founder of Ballet Philippines.
 Rama-Hari; Smokey Mountain; One Christmas;  “Mother of Philippine Modern Dance.”
Larawan: The Musical; Da Coconut Nut; Kay Ganda  Her biggest contribution to Philippine dance is the
Ng Ating Musika; Kailan; Tuwing Umuulan at development of a distinctly Filipino modern dance
Kapiling Ka idiom.
 Tales of the Manuvu and Rama Hari, which she
NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR DANCE worked on with Ryan Cayabyab.

FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO (N.A 1973) NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR THEATER

 First National Artist for Dance
 acknowledged as the FolkDance Pioneer. LAMBERTO VERA AVELLANA (N.A 1976)
 the “Mother of Philippine Folk Dance” and  He was a prominent Filipino film director and
organized the Philippine Folk Dance Society. stage actor and director and was called “The Boy
 50 basic steps and 200 folk dances of various Wonder of Philippine Movies” as early as 1939.
modes and colors.  first to use the motion picture camera to establish
 Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Tinikling, Cariñosa and a point-of-view, a move that revolutionized the
Singkil, all which Reyes-Aquino documented in her techniques of film narration.
time.  His films, Anak Dalita and Badjao attained
international acclaim
LEONOR OROSA GOQUINGCO (N.A 1976)  His reputation has been eclipsed by the next wave of
 She was dubbed the “Trailblazer”, “Mother of directors like Brocka and Bernal
Philippine Theater Dance” and “Dean of Filipino
Performing Arts Critics” WILFRIDO MARIA GUERRERO (N.A 1997)
 After World War 2, she organized the Philippine  He was a Filipino playwright, director, teacher and
Ballet, where she brought to life Noli Me Tangere theater artist, who wrote well over 100 plays, 41 of
onstage. which have been published.
 In 1958 she founded the Filipinesca Dance  He is the first Filipino to have a theater named
Company. after him within his lifetime: The Wilfrido Ma.
 Her works include "Vinta!, Morolandia" Guerrero Theater of the University of the
(choreographed in 1938); Festival in Maguindanao Philippines.
(depicting a Muslim royal wedding)  Founder and artistic director of the UP mobile
theater
LUCRECIA REYES URTULA (N.A 1988)  Pioneered the concept of theater campus tour
 A choreographer, dance educator and researcher, who
spent almost four decades in the discovery and study ROLANDO S. TINIO (N.A 1997)
of Philippine folk and ethnic dances.  He was playwright, thespian, poet, teacher, critic,
 She had choreographed suites of mountain dances, translator and stage director
Spanish-influenced dances, Muslim pageants and  He was known for translating Western classics,
festivals and regional variations which includes the works of Sophocles, Shakespeare,
 She then became part of the Bayanihan Philippine Ibsen, Chekhov, Puccini and Verdi, into Tagalog.
Dance Company and was also its choreographer and  Revived the traditional Filipino drama in Teatro
dance director Pilipino
 She also published books such as Philippine National  His works include "Larawan - The Musical",
Dances; Fundamental Dance Steps and Music; "Makbet", "Rama-Har" and movies like "Sidhi",
Philippine Folk Dances "Ang Larawan", etc.
  His films, Anak Dalita and Badjao attained
DAISY H. AVELLANA (N.A 1999) international acclaim
 She was an actor, director and writer, and known as  His reputation has been eclipsed by the next wave of
the First Lady of Philippine Theater directors like Brocka and Bernal
 Elevated legitimate theater and dramatic arts to a new
level of excellence by staging and performing GERARDO DE LEON (N.A 1982)
 Together with her husband and other artists, she co-  Filipino actor-turned-film director.
founded the Barangay Theatre Guild in 1939  He was a medical doctor by profession, but his
which paved the way for the popularization of theatre ultimate love for film won him over. He made his
and dramatic arts in the country, utilizing radio and acting debut in the 1934 film Ang Dangal. He acted
television. in eight other films before becoming a director.
 Her famous works are "A portrait of the Artist as  nicknamed "Manong” and became the most awarded
Filipino", "Sakay film director in the history of the Filipino Academy
of Movie Arts and Sciences' (FAMAS) Awards.
SEVERINO MONTANO (N.A 2001)  Noli me tangere and filibusterismo are two of his
 theater organizer with an output of one novel, 150 famous films.
poems and 50 plays, and was considered as one of
the Titans of Philippine Theater. LINO BROCKA (N.A 1997)
 He was the forerunner in institutionalizing  He was a radical filmmaker whose socially
“legitimate theater” in the Philippines, and conscious films explored the plight of the
organized the Arena Theater to bring drama to the marginalized and ignored sectors of Filipino society.
masses. He used his own money to start the Arena  In 1983, he founded the organization Concerned
Theater. Artists of the Philippines (CAP).
 He also established the Arena Theater Playwriting  He directed landmark films such as Tinimbang Ka
Contest and trained Rolando S. Tino Ngunit Kulang (1974), Maynila sa mga Kuko ng
 His works include "Sabina", "Parting at Liwanag (1975), Insiang (1976), Bayan Ko: Kapit
Calamba" sa Patalim (1984), and Orapronobis (1989)
 Brocka served as a jury member of the 39th Cannes
SALVADOR F. BERNAL (N.A 2003) Film Festival.
 “Father of Philippine Stage Design,”
 He had over 300 productions in art, film and music ISHMAEL BERNAL (N.A 2001)
and was known for using indigenous and locally  was noted for his melodramas, particularly with
available materials foe his stage designs, such as feminist and moral issues
bamboo, abaca fabric, twice-raw hemp, and rattan  Among his notable films are “Pahiram ng Isang
chain links Umaga” (1989), “Broken Marriage” (1983),
 he organized the PATDAT (Philippine Association “Himala” (1982), “City After Dark” (1980), and
of Theatre Designers and Technicians) in 1995 “Nunal sa Tubig” (1976).
 His famous works include "Sa Bunganga ng  Bernal considered himself a feminist director and
Pating", "Lapu-Lapu" admitted that it was part of his interest to tackle
issues affecting women (Relasyon, Hinugot sa langit
AMELIA LAPENA BONIFACIO (N.A 2018) and Working Girls
 known as the "Grande Dame of Southeast Asian EDDIE S. ROMERO (N.A 2003)
Children’s Theatre."  considered one of the finest in the cinema of the
 Tita Amel started Teatrong Mulat, writing and Philippines.
producing puppet plays because she wanted to base  His body of work delved into the history and politics
the story and the material on Asian and Filipino tales. of the Philippines depicted in his 1976 film Ganito
 Teatrong Mulat has placed the Philippines on the Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon?
artistic map of world theater.  His 13-part series Noli Me Tangere brought
 Her literary output consists of 20 books, 40 plays, Philippine national hero José Rizal's novel to a new
130 stories, including the famous "Papet Pasyon" generation of viewers.
and "Sita and Rama"
FERNANDO POE JR. (N.A 2006)
FILM AND BROADCAST ARTS  nickname "King of Philippine Movies" (often
shortened to Da King).
LAMBERTO VERA AVELLANA (N.A 1976)  He inspired a generation of television and movie
 He was a prominent Filipino film director and stage impersonators, both serious and comedic.
actor and director and was called “The Boy Wonder  His movie role as the 'Pinoy Robin Hood' and
of Philippine Movies” as early as 1939. 'People's Champion' in most of his films have
 He was the first to use the motion picture camera repeatedly been clichéd by Filipino action films for
to establish a point-of-view, a move that years to come.
revolutionized the techniques of film narration.  257 movies
 ILDEFONSO P. SANTOS JR. (N.A 2006)
MANUEL CONDE (N.A 2009)  was known for being the "Father of Philippine
 He was a Filipino actor, director and producer, and Landscape Architecture."
directed about 40 films.  He pioneered the practice of landscape architecture
 He used the screen name Juan Urbano during the in the Philippines that have enhanced contemporary
1930s aside from his more popular screen name. Filipino life.
 “Genghis Khan” was the first Filipino film to be  He introduced a new concept of outdoor shopping
acclaimed at an international film festival in Venice with landscaped walks, fountains and sculptures
in 1952, and his “Juan Tamad Goes To Congress” as accents.
is considered the best Filipino satire ever filmed.  Among his notable works are CCP complex;
 He is better known as Mr. Shooli in a television Bantayog ng mga Bayani; Manila Hotel; San
comedy series Mongolian Barbecue. Miguel Corporation Building

KIDLAT TAHIMIK (N.A 2018) RAMON O. VALERA (N.A 2006)

 Eric de Guia is a film director, writer and actor  Valera is known to the public as the “High priest of
whose films are commonly associated with the Third local fashion”
Cinema movement through their critiques of  He was the only male counter his contemporaries
neocolonialism. had, and he would do the designing, cutting,
 "Father of Philippine Independent Cinema". pasting, and sewing all by himself.
 In recent years, Tahimik has become a noted  He was the man behind the transformation of the
installation artist with his works exhibited in various traditional four-piece terno into a single piece with
public spaces in the Philippines. bell sleeves and back zipper—and the same man
 His most acclaimed work is "Perfumed Night" who defied traditionalists (and the old-fashioned) for
doing so.
NATIONAL ARTISTS IN ARCHITECTURE
JOSE MARIA ZARAGOZA (N.A 2014)
JUAN NAKPIL (N.A 1973)  He studied at International Institute of Liturgical
 He was an architect, teacher, civic leader, civil Art (IILA) in Rome in 1950, where he received a
engineer,was a pioneer and innovator in Philippine diploma of in liturgical art and architecture.
Architecture.  Zaragoza derived traditional forms from Spanish
 He was regarded as the Dean of Filipino colonial architecture and combined it with simple,
Architects. unornamented designs of the International style
 He has integrated strength, function, and beauty in  His innovation designed a whooping 45 churches
the buildings that are the country's heritage today. and religious centers, including the Santo Domingo
 Major works include "Quiapo Church", "UP Church, Our Lady of Rosary in Tala, Quezon, Don
Quezon Hall", and theaters like "Avenue, Rizal Bosco Church, the Convent of the Pink Sisters, etc.
and Capitol"
FRANCISCO MAÑOSA (N.A 2018)
PABLO S. ANTONIO (N.A 1976)  He was a Filipino architect considered one of the
 pioneered modern Philippine Architecture. His most influential Filipino architects of the 20th
architecture adapts the Art Deco techniques which century, for pioneering the art of Philippine
is dominant motif during his time and practiced neovernacular architecture.
maximum use of natural light and cross ventilation.  "Father of Philippine Neo-vernacular
 "Function over Elegance" Architecture“
 use of natural light and cross ventilation.  “Bobby” Mañosa was known for some of today's
 His major works are: Far Eastern University; iconic landmarks and immortalizing Bahay
Manila Polo Club; Ideal theater; lyric theater; Kuboinspired architectural style and aesthetics in
Galaxy theater modern architecture.
 His works include "EDSA Shrine"; "Coconut
LEANDRO V. LOCSIN (N.A 1990) Palace"; "San Miguel Corporation"
 His architecture was known for his use of concrete,
floating volume and simplistic design in his NATIONAL ARTISTS IS LITERATURE
various projects.
 He believed that the true Philippine Architecture is AMADO V. HERNANDEZ (N.A 1973)
“the product of two great streams of culture, the  was known for his criticism of social injustices in
oriental and the occidental to produce a new the Philippines
object of profound harmony.  In his view, the function of the writer is to act as the
 His major works are: Largest single work: Istana conscience of society and to affirm the greatness of
Nurul Iman, CCP Complex Cultural Center of the the human spirit in the face of inequity and
Philippines Folk Arts Theater oppression.
 promoting worker’s rights and freedom.
  Some of his literary works are "Bayang Malaya",  Gonzalez failed his University of the Philippines
"Isang Dipang Langit" and "Luha ng Buwaya" entrance examination, but in 1949 he became the
first to teach college courses there without holding
JOSE GARCIA VILLA (N.A 1973) a degree.
 He is a poet, writer, critic and was part of the first  Among his literary works are "The Novel of Justice:
generation Filipino English writers. Selected Essays 1968-1994" and "A Grammar of
 Villa introduced the reversed consonance rime Dreams and Other Stories"
scheme, including the comma poems that made full
use of the punctuation mark in an innovative, poetic CARLOS QUIRINO (N.A 1997)
way.  He was a biographer, has the distinction of having
 Doveglion (Dove, Eagle, Lion) as penname. written one of the earliest biographies of Jose Rizal
 Villa is also known for the tartness of his tongue. titled The Great Malayan.
 "Footnote to the youth" is one of his major literary  He became the very first Filipino correspondent for
works the United Press Institute.
NICK JOAQUIN (N.A 1973)  He was responsible for a subject-wide collection of
 Filipino novelist, poet, playwright, essayist, and literary publications such as political pamphlets and
biographer whose works present the diverse travel literature
heritage of the Filipino people.  First penned for the 1938 Commonwealth Biography
 Starting as a proofreader for the Philippines Free contest, Carlos Quirino's The Great Malayan is a
Press, Joaquin rose to contributing editor and essayist sweeping and majestic life story of the Philippine
under the nom de plume “Quijano de Manila” national patriot, Jose Rizal.
(“Manila Old-Timer”).
 He was well known as a historian of the brief Golden ROLANDO S. TINIO (N.A 1997)
Age of Spain in the Philippines.  He was playwright, thespian, poet, teacher, critic,
 Two of his major literary works are "The Woman translator and stage director
Who Had Two Navels" and "A Portrait of the Artist  He was known for translating Western classics,
as Filipino" which includes the works of Sophocles,
Shakespeare, Ibsen, Chekhov, Puccini and Verdi,
CARLOS P. ROMULO (N.A 1982) into Tagalog.
 He was multifaceted career spanned 50 years of  Revived the traditional Filipino drama in Teatro
public service as an educator, soldier, university Pilipino
president, journalist, and diplomat.  His works include "Larawan - The Musical",
 He was the first Asian president of the United "Makbet", "Rama-Hari" and movies like "Sidhi",
Nations General Assembly. "Ang Larawan", etc.
 He was the only Asian to win America’s coveted
Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for a series of articles LEVI CELERIO (N.A 1997) at the top
predicting the outbreak of World War II. Romulo, in
all, wrote and published 18 books.
 "I walked with Heroes" was one of his major literary
works. EDITH TIEMPO (N.A 1999)
 She is a poet, fictionist, teacher and literary critic.
FRANCISCO ARCELLANA (N.A 1990)  Her works are characterized by a remarkable fusion
 He was a Filipino writer, poet, essayist, critic, of style and substance, of craftsmanship and
journalist and teacher. insight.
 He pioneered the development of the short story as a  She founded and directed the Silliman National
lyrical prose-poetic form, Writers Workshop in Dumaguete City, which has
 For him, the pride of fiction is “that it is able to produced some of the country’s best writers.
render truth, that is able to present reality”.  Her works include (Novels) "A Blade of Fern",
 A brilliant craftsman, his works are now an "The Native Coast", and "The Alien Corn"
indispensable part of a tertiary level-syllabi all over
the country. F. SIONIL JOSE (N.A 2001)
 Among his works are "Frankie", "The Man Who  José's works have been translated into 28 languages,
Would Be Poe" and "Death in a Factory" including Korean, Indonesian, Czech, Russian,
Latvian, Ukrainian and Dutch
NESTOR VICENTE MADALI GONZALEZ (N.A 1997)  In his regular column, Hindsight, in The Philippine
 He was one of the most prolific Filipino authors of STAR, dated 12 September 2011, he wrote "Why we
literature written in English. are shallow“
 He was an essayist, poet, fictionist, and professor and  His novels and short stories depict the social
one of the most widely recognized, anthologized and underpinnings of class struggles and colonialism
closely studied among Filipino writers in Filipino society.
 VIRGILIO ALMARIO (N.A 2003) with his wide variety of novels, from comedy to
 Known as Rio Alma, satire and even feminist.
 Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF).  His most famous work was the 1946 novel
 He was a founding member of the Gallan sa Arte at Margosatubig, the first-ever Ilonggo bestseller,
Tula (GAT), and was a founder and workshop which re-wrote the history of West Visayan fiction
director of Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo
(LIRA). RESIL MOJARES (N.A 2018)
 Ang Makata sa Panahon ng Makina (1972), now  A MULTI-AWARDED Cebuano writer
considered the first book of literary criticism in  first-ever Cebuano to become a National Artist
Filipino is one of his greatest contributions  Conferred the country's highest recognition for the
arts
ALEJANDRO ROCES (N.A 2003)  He is acknowledged as a leading figure in the
 Ever the champion of Filipino culture, Roces promotion of regional literature and history.
brought to public attention the aesthetics of the  Two of his famous works are "House of Memory"
country’s fiestas. and "Waiting for Mariang Makiling"
 In his innumerable newspaper columns, he has
always focused on the neglected aspects of the NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR VISUAL ARTS
Filipino cultural heritage. He recovered Jose Rizal’s
manuscripts when they were stolen from the FERNANDO AMORSOLO (N.A 1972)
National Archives.  “Grand Old Man of the Philippine Art”
 Considered as the country’s best writer of comic  Lighting is the most prominent element of
short stories. He is known for his widely Amorsolo’s painting. His trademark was the
anthologized “My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken.” backlighting technique which makes the subjects of
his painting seems to glow.
DR. BIENVENIDO LUMBERA (N.A 2006)  The technique is called Chiarocuro
 As a poet, he introduced to Tagalog literature what is  His work of art were also notable for reflecting the
now known as Bagay poetry, a landmark aesthetic artistic and cultural heritage of the Philippines.
tendency that has helped to change the vernacular  Among his famous artworks are "Bayanihan" and
poetic tradition. "Dalagang Bukid"
 He pioneered the creative fusion of fine arts and
popular imagination. CARLOS V. FRANCISCO (N.A 1973)
 Written and edited numerous books on literary  He was a muralist who single-handedly revived the
history, literary criticism, and film. art of mural painting in Philippines.
 He has collaborated with various National artists in  His works depicts the historical past of the
“Tales of the Manuvu” and “Rama Hari” Philippines; abiding faith of folk values, folklore,
traditional life of Filipinos.
LAZARO FRANCISCO (N.A 2009)  He is one of the so-called “The Triumvirate” along
 “Foremost Filipino novelist of his generation” with other modernist Galo Ocampo and Victorio
 Kapatiran ng mga Alagad ng Wikang Pilipino Edades.
 One of the finest novelists since the beginning of  Famous works include "Blood Compact" and
the 20th century and developed the social realist "Bayanihan"
tradition in Philippine fiction
 His reputation as the “Master of the Tagalog GUILLERMO E. TOLENTINO (N.A 1973)
Novel” is backed up by numerous awards he received  He was the master sculptor who introduces classical
for his meritorious novels. sculpture in the country.
 He was known for creating monuments and bust
CIRILO F. BAUTISTA (N.A 2014) figures of Philippine Heroes like Andres Bonifacio
 he has established a reputation for fine and and Jose Rizal and Philippine Presidents like Manuel
profound artistry; L. Quezon and Ramon Magsaysay.
 He was also the moving spirit behind the founding of  Masterpieces are UP Oblation and Bonifacio
the Philippine Literary Arts Council in 1981, the Monument.
Iligan National Writers Workshop in 1993, and the  He also designed the gold and bronze medals for the
Baguio Writers Group. Ramon Magsaysay Award and did the seal of the
 He was instrumental in the formation of the Republic of the Philippines
Bienvenido Santos Creative Writing Center.
NAPOLEON B. ABUEVA (N.A 1976)
RAMON MUZONES (N.A 2018)  Youngest National Artist awardee (46)
 A Hiligaynon poet and a lawyer by profession, and  Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture
he authored an unprecedented 61 completed novels  he referred to as “buoyant sculpture” — sculpture
 He enriched Hiligaynon literature as it’s highest, and meant to be appreciated from the surface of a placid
played a great role in refining Hiligaynon literature pool.
 Among his artworks are "Nine Muses" and  His figure paintings were inspired by Balinese art
"Sunburst" and culture.
 As a sculptor, he was popular to his masks, carved in
VICTORIO C. EDADES (N.A 1976) hardwood with combined features of human and
 “Father of Modern Filipino Painting” animal.
 He shocked many Filipinos on his exhibit due to his  "I'm Sorry Jesus, I Can't Attend Christmas This
non-conventional style of painting. Year" was one of his major works
 He deviated from Amorsolo’s use of happy and
bright colors, and instead used dark and sad hues in ANG KIUKUK (N.A 2001)
his paintings.  He was one of the most vital and dynamic figures
 Depicted in his works were the hardship in the life of  Angst, anguish, and anger are the glaring emotions
the laborers and low class in the society. contained in his cubistic works as these were created
 Major works include "The Sketch" and "Builders" in the time of Martial Law.
VICENTE S. MANANSALA (N.A 1981)  He pursued an expression imbued with nationalist
 He was a cubist painter who painted with a fervor and sociological agenda.
 He contributed in modernism of Philippine visual  "Pieta" and "The Last Supper" were his major
arts by his style of transparent cubism. works
 He believes that the beauty of art is in the process, in
the moment of doing a particular painting. JOSE T. JOYA (N.A 2003)
 “Market Vendor” and “Madonna of the Slums” are  known for his “gestural paintings”.
his major works.  The prominent elements of his artworks include their
color harmony inspired by the country’s
CESAR F. LEGASPI (N.A 1990) landscapes, their kinetic energy, and their
 He is one of the Thirteen Moderns who promoted spontaneity.
modern arts in the country and was a neo-realist.  He is also a multimedia artist who painted on
 He indigenized cubism and produce artworks ceramics such as vessels, plates, and tiles.
showing local temperaments  Famous artworks are "Hills of Nikko" and
 His distinctive style and daring themes contributed "Granadean Arabesque"
significantly to the advent and eventual acceptance of
modern art in the Philippines. BENEDICTO T. CABRERA (N.A 2006)
 Major artworks are "Gadgets II" and "Women and  known as BenCab, is an award winning painter and
Children" printmaker who was tagged as a master of Philippine
contemporary art, upheld the primacy of drawing
HERNANDO R. OCAMPO (N.A 1991) over the decorative color.
 One of the Thirteen Moderns who paved way to art  His exploration of form, finding his way out of the
modernism in the Philippines. late neo-realism and high abstraction of the sixties to
 His works were more radical and more poetic be able to reconsider the potency of figurative
showing the kind of society there was after World expression had held out vital options for Philippine
War II. art in the Martial Law years in the seventies through
 He developed a new style of abstraction through the contemporary era.
his use of fierce and striking colors.  "Mother and Child" and "Sabel" are his major
 He proved that the abstract and non-traditional style works
of painting can also result to nationalistic art.
 Major works are "Genesis" and "Slum Dwellers" ABDULMARI ASIA IMAO (N.A 2006)
 visual artist from Sulu, who articulated the Muslim
ARTURO R. LUZ (N.A 1997) culture and art in the country.
 He is an abstractionist known for his minimalist  He preserved and promoted the Philippine indigenous
paintings and sculpture art through the use of ethnic themes like the ukkil,
 He produced works that elevated Filipino aesthetic sarimanok, and naga in his paintings and sculptures.
vision to new heights of sophisticated simplicity.  "Monument for the Pursuit of Happiness" and an
 By establishing the Luz Gallery, he inspired and unnamed sculpture out Vargas Museum are two of
developed a Filipino artistic community that nurtures his major works
impeccable designs.
 Major works are “Bagong Taon” and “Street FEDERICO AGUILAR ALCUAZ (N.A 2009)
Musicians”  He was an artist known for his gestural abstract
expressionistic paintings using a variety of
J. ELIZALDE NAVARRO (N.A 1999) mediums like acrylic and oil.
 As a painter, he created both abstract and figure  He was also a sculptor who produced abstract and
paintings using oil and watercolor. figurative sculpture made of materials like ceramics,
paper and mixed media.
 His works are highly favored, because of the ease and
pleasure conveyed by his choice of light, color and
composition
 "Tres Marias" and "Reveries of Love" are his
major works

FRANCISCO V. COCHING (N.A 2014)

 Tagged as the “Dean of Filipino Illustrators”, he
was popular for his komiks drawing.
 His significant features in his works were their fluid
drawings and dramatic storyline: fantasy, love and
adventure were the usual themes of his works
drawing inspiration from awit and korido.
 His works illustrated gallant men and beautiful
ladies, and the victory of good over evil.
 Major works include "Pedro Penduko" and "Lapu-
lapu"

LARRY ALCALA (N.A 2018)

 Dean of Filipino Cartoonists, an achievement award
for his lifetime dedication to the art of capturing
humor in the character and everyday life in the
Philippines.
 In 1991, he promoted the formation of a group of
young children's book illustrators called Ang
Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK).
 believed in the far-reaching role of cartoons in
education and value formation.
 Major works include "Mang Ambo" and "Kalabog
en Bosyo"