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National
Artist Awards Kataas-taasan Kapita-pitagan Karapat-dapat? |
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CONFERRED
every three years, the Order of National Artist or
the National Artists Award is a state honor that recognizes
the outstanding achievements of individuals in the
fields of architecture, cinema, dance, historical
literature, literature, visual arts, music, theater
and film.
This
year, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo named seven
new artists, cited “for their preeminent excellence
in their own fields and for national genius that contributes
to the artistic heritage of the Philippines and the
world.”
Naturally,
there were controversies, questions about the inscrutability
of the selection process (administered by the National
Commission on Culture and the Arts and the Cultural
Center of the Philippines), including showbiz na showbiz
intriga about the choice of Fernando Poe Jr. as awardee
for film.
But
that’s par for the course.
While
the award comes with P100,000 cash, lifetime medical
benefits, allowances and state honors, the litmus
test appears to be how credible the choices are. Whether
you agree with the choices or not, here is our fresh
batch of National Artists. |
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Benedicto
Cabrera
Visual Arts |
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“Upheld
the primacy of drawing over the decorative color,”
according to the official citation. Best known for
his series on solitary figures of scavengers, “the
personification of human dignity threatened by life’s
vicissitudes and the vast inequities of Philippine
society.” His paintings, influenced by German
artist Kathe Kollwitz, were exhibited worldwide. He
has won numerous accolades including the 1992 Gawad
CCP Sa Sining. He lives and works in Baguio City. |
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Abdulmari
Asia Imao
Sculpture |
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The
69-year-old Imao is a sculptor, painter, photographer,
professor, metal casting consultant and cultural researcher.
He draws his inspiration from the Tausug and Maranao
artistic traditions of southern Philippines, and has
always been inspired by his Muslim faith. Some of
his works include a series of sculptures composed
of the elements of the name of Allah using Arabic
calligraphy. Imao is popular for his “sarimanok”
design of “okir” wood carving depicting
a bird holding a fish in its beak. Many “okir”
designs are used as decorative elements in architecture. |
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Bienvenido
Lumbera
Literature |
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Poet,
essayist and professor at the University of the Philippines
since 1976. Published his first stories and poems
in 1953. A 1993 recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award
in Journalism. Lumbera’s works include the rock
opera Tales of the Manuvu and Rama Hari. The Lipa,
Batangas native graduated cum laude with a journalism
degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1954.
He received master’s and doctorate degrees from
the Indiana University in the U.S. His Sunog sa Lipa
at Iba Pang Tula won a special prize in the Don Carlos
Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 1975. In
1991, he received the Gawad CCP (Cultural Center of
the Philippines) Para sa Sining for literature and
cultural research. |
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Ramon
Valera Posthumous
Fashion Design |
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The
first fashion designer honored as National Artist.
Revolutionized the terno by removing the pañuelo,
the cape-like addition to the traditional Filipino
dress to cover the chest. Also turned the traditional
Maria Clara into a wedding gown. Famous for his beadwork
and luxurious fabrics. Called the “Dean of Filipino
designers.” |
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Ramon
Obusan
Dance |
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A
well-known choreographer, dancer and scholar. Founded
the Ramon Obusan Folkloric in 1971 and has since choreographed
and directed 65 dance groups and over 100 productions
nationwide. Also documented the culture of Filipino
ethnic groups, winning the grand prize in a French
competition (Prix de Reportage) for the documentary
Sayaw in 1990. Won the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining in
1993. |
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Ildefonso
Santos Jr.
Architecture |
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Pioneered
landscape architecture in the Philippines. Cited for
transcending “the previously believed boundaries
of ‘landscape design.’” Santos “took
inspiration from the Filipino celebration of free
flowing, positive, maaliwalas space.” Also “understood
and accommodated Filipino physiological, behavioral
and social needs in providing shade, creating opportunities
for friendly seating and the sharing of food and laughter
in his public spaces.” His work, like his revival
of Paco Park was “sensitive to both built and
natural heritage.” He also set up the “Execution
of Dr. Jose Rizal” at Rizal Park. |
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Fernando
Poe Jr. Posthumous
Film |
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Actor-producer-director
known as the King of Philippine Movies. Ronald Allan
Kelly Poe in real life, FPJ was best known as the
laconic bida battling tremendous odds to defend the
poor and downtrodden. As Ronwaldo Reyes, he directed
many of the films he also starred in. Poe won five
FAMAS awards as best actor. In 2004 he ran for president
and lost to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He died in 2005.
For
more information on these artists, visit the website
of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts
at http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_cultarts/cultprofile/natarts.php. |
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