National Artist
National Artist
National Artist
Contribution to
Contemporary Arts
MUSIC
1.Antonino R. Buenaventura
He wrote songs and musical arrangement based on the folk songs of different ethnic groups
in the country
His notable marches include History of Fantasy, Triumphal March, Echoes of the Past, Second
Symphony in E-flat
He was also the conductor of the Philippine Army Band, that brought back the band’s
prestige as one of the world’s best military bands.
2. Jose Maceda
His life-long musical career focused on understanding and popularizing Filipino traditional
music.
His major works include Ugma-ugma, Pagsamba, Udlot-udlot, Kubing, Agungan, Ugnayan,
Aroding,Ading, Siasid, and Suling-suling
MUSIC
3. Lucrecia R. Kasilag
She reinforces the Filipino’s appreciation to music by fusing Western
influences to Philippine ethnic music
She made the group of the finest cultural dance group in the Philippines
4. Ernani J. Cuenco
He is one of the remarkable singer, composer, film scorer, and musician in
his time.
His popular works include Bato sa Buhangin, Bulong ng Puso, Kalesa, Gano
Kita Kamahal, Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, and Nahan
MUSIC
5. Lucio San Pedro
He is a master composer known for creatively using folk idioms in his
musical compositions.
He produced numerous works like songs, orchestral compositions,
chamber music, and cantatas
6.Antonio J. Molina
His notable contribution to the Philippine music is his use of folk music in his works.
He innovated the Philippine music in his time by using folk instruments like the
kulintangan and gabbang
He became known as the last musical triumvirate along with other musicians Nicanor
Abelardo and Francisco Santiago
MUSIC
7. Francisco Feliciano
He was a musician, composer, teacher, and conductor known for
incorporating “Asianess” in his music
His major works include Sihay sa Kabila ng Paalam, La Loba negra,
Pokpok Alimako, Pamagun,Yerma, and the Ashen Wings
8. Levi Celerio
He startedplaying the violin when he was 11 years old.
He became a lyricist and wrote a wide range of songs of different
themes.
MUSIC
9. Ramon Santos
His music highlights Asia’s and Philippines rich artistic tradition and
features elements from western and non-western areas.
He organized an international festival for rondalla and forum for
traditional music attended by composers
10. Jovita Fuentes
She was a remarkable Filipina artist known for her portrayal of
Madame Butterfly by Giac33omo Puccini, which was held in Teatro
Municipalecenza in Italy
MUSIC
11. Felipe Padilla de Leon
He is a “people’s musician for the sentiments and aspirations of the
Filipino people in times of war and of peace are evident in his
musical works.
12.Andrea Veneracion
She played a significant part in the development of the Philippine
choral music.
She also conducted cultural outreach programs providing music
education in several areas in the country
DANCE
1. Francisca reyes Aquino
In 1920’s, she vigorously researched on the different folk dances of the
Philippines which made her the “Folk Dance Pioneer” of the country.
Her research entitled “Philippine Dances and Games” contains the
country’s unrecorded celebrations, folk dances, rituals, and games.
2. Ramon Obusan
He researched on the different Philippine ethnic groups throughout the
country to perfectly perform their dances
His Ramon Obusan Folkloric group, through their performances, outreach
works, and tours, inspired many Filipinos to embrace the Filipino culuture
THEATER
1. Daisy Avellana
She is so-called First Lady of the Philippine Theater because of
her magnificent performances in classic Filipino and
international theater productions and plays.
2. Rolando Tinio
He is an outstanding stage director, poet, thespian, and
playwright known for his numerous remarkable productions
and notable scripts.
THEATER
3.Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero
He introduced and popularized Philippine theater to different
parts of the country by establishing the UP Mobile Theater
His major works include Wanted: A Chaperon, Condemned,
Perhaps etc.
4. Honorata “Atang” dela Rama
She performed kundiman and Filipino songs for indigenous
communities all over the country.
THEATER
5. Salvador F. Bernal
He was an exceptional theater designer who designed
hundreds of theater productions for a span of four decades.
He used local materials in producing creative and unique sets
and costumes
6. Severino Montano
He was a top caliber playwright, theater artist, and director
who took up degrees in and outside the country to master
theater arts
VISUAL ARTS
1. Fernando Amorsolo
He is known as the “Grand Old Man of the Philippine Art” was
the first National Artist of the Country
“Lighting” is the most prominent element of Amorsolo’s
painting.
2. Hernando Ocampo
His works were more radical and poetic