CPAR Q2 - National Artist

Order of National Artist of the Philippines

Official name of the National Artists of the Philippines

Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining ng Pilipinas

Filipino official name of the National Artists of the Philippines

Presidential Proclamation No. 1001

National Artist of the Philippines was Established by virtue of

April 27, 1972

National Artist of the Philippines was Inducted on

• Music

• Dance

• Theater

• Visual Arts

• Literature

• Film and Broadcast Arts

• Architecture, Design and ALlied Arts

Categories

National artist of the Philippines

• Focus on Development of Philippine Art

• Contemporary Art

• Cultural Organizations

• Educational Institutions

• Private Foundations and councils

Who gets to nominate:

• Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)

• National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)

Screened by:

The President

Who decides for the Final List of Awardees

•  Filipino citizens (living or deceased after 1972 at time of death).

• Contributed to building a Filipino sense of nationhood through their works. 

• Pioneered creative styles or expressions that influenced future artists.

• Produced a significant body of work showing consistent excellence.

• Gained broad acceptance through: 

• Prestigious national/international awards. 

• Critical acclaim and reviews. 

• Respect and esteem from peers.

Qualifications:

• Conferred the rank and title of National Artist by the President. 

• Receives the National Artist insignia and citation. 

• Cash award: ₱100,000 (living awardees). ₱75,000 (posthumous, given to heirs). 

• Monthly life pension, medical and hospitalization benefits. 

• Life insurance (if still insurable). 

• State funeral and burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani. 

• Place of honor at national functions and cultural events.

Benefits:

Fernando C. Amorsolo

First National Artist of the Philippines

Alejandro Roces

• Writer, Journalist, and Public Servant

• National Artist for Literature in 2003.

• Notable Works: Short story “My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken” and “We Filipinos are Mild Drinkers”

• Highlighted and preserved neglected aspects of Filipino culture through writings. 

• Promoted local festivals and safeguarded national traditions.

• Encouraged the use of Filipino languages in arts and culture. 

• Advocated for moving Independence Day to June 12, elevating Filipino heritage and gaining recognition locally and abroad.

Francisca Reyes Aquino

• Pioneer of Philippine Folk Dance, researcher, documenter, and preserver.

• National Artist of the Philippines for Dance in 1973.

• Notable works: Philippine Folk Dances and Games, Philippine National Dances and Fundamental Dance Steps and Music.

• Researched and documented fading cultural traditions in the 1920s, integrating folk dances into schools and textbooks.

• Founded the Philippine Folk Dance Society, preserving indigenous dances and promoting cultural pride; recognized as the first female National Artist for Dance. •

• Advocated for including traditional dances, songs, and games in physical education to preserve them for future generations.

Antonino Buenaventura

• National Artist for Music (1988)

• Composed works for solo instruments, symphonies and orchestra

• Fused traditional Filipino melodies with Western classical forms, creating a distinct “Filipino sound” that celebrated national identity and greatly influenced Philippine art.

  
  

Francisco Feliciano

• National Artist for Music (2014)

• Notable Works: Wrote operas and choral pieces that blend asian and western styles. Founded the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM)

• Elevated Philippine sacred and contemporary music globally, leaving a legacy through his works and students.

• Promoted a strong Filipino identity in music while mentoring future composers and church musicians.

Ryan Cayabyab

• National Artist for Music (2018)

• Notable Works: Composer of “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika”, “Tuwing Umuulan”, “Paraiso”

• Popularized OPM music 

• Blended different genres

• Often called “Mr. C”, shaped the modern music scene in the Philippines.

• Influences and inspire young musicians

Daisy Avellana

• National Artist of the Philippines for Theater and Film in 1999

• Co-founded the Barangay Theater Guild (1939), starred in landmark plays, and earned the title “First Lady of Philippine Theater” for elevating stage and screen productions as director, actress, and writer.

• Revolutionized theater: accessible, professional, relevant. 

• Introduced Filipino plays & Western adaptations.

• Set high standards, paved way for future artis

Jose Maceda

• National Artist of the Philippines for Music in 1998.

• Filipino composer and National Artist for Music

• Conducted extensive field research to document the traditional music of the Philippines and Southeast Asia

• Established the UP Cneter for Ethnomusicology

• Preserved indigenous musical traditions and safeguarded them for future generations.

• Redefined modern Philippine music

• Notable Works: “Ugma-Ugma” and “Pagsamba”

Kidlat Tahimik

• National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in the Philippines (2018)

• Founder of the Philippine Independent Cinema

• “Philippine New Wave”

• Inspired Filipinos to embrace and tell local stories through challenging the west’s cultural dominance

• Paved the way for Indie Films

• Notable Works: Perfumed Nightmare

Lino Brocka

• National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts(1997)

• Introduced Social Realism in Philippine Cinema

• Directed internationally acclaimed films: Insiang(1976)

• Inspired future generations of filmmakers and artists to use cinema for truth and social change

• Notable Works: Insiang (1976), Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (1948)

Rolando S. Tinio

• National Artist for Theater and Literature in the Philippines in 1997

• Modernized Filipino Poetry

• Theatre Direction and Dramatic Arts

• Translation

• Kept Filipino Traditions Alive

• Inspired Future artist

• Gave prestige to the arts

• Notable Works: Mga Tula, Dunung-Dunungan

Ang Kiukok

• National Artist for Visual Arts (2001)

• Cubism, Expressionism, & Surrealism

• Introduced Figurative expression to the Philippines

• Inspired modern-day contemporary Filipino artists with his distinct style and socio-political topics.

• Notable Works: “Thinking Man”; Watercolor on paper, “Crucifixion”; Oil on canvas

Leandro V. Locsin

• National Artist for Architecture (1990)

• Notable Works: CCP and PICC (The Philippine Internation Convention Center

• Redefined Philippine architecture by proving that buildings can be more than structures — they can be cultural symbols

Andrea Veneracion

• National Artist for Music

• Founder and Choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers (Madz,1963)

• Founded Philippine Madrigal Singers (1963); unique semicircle, conductor-less style.

• Led group to international wins (e.g., European Grand Prix), elevating PH choral music.

• Veneracion professionalized Philippine choral singing, trained generations of artists, and gained global respect for Filipino choral music.

Ricky Lee

• National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts (2022)

• Notable Works/Contributions: Screenwriter of landmark films Himala (1982), Moral (1982), Brutal, and Karnal. 

• Authored screenwriting manual Trip to Quiapo.

• Key figure in the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema.

• Elevated Filipino screenwriting with socially relevant stories.

• Mentored generations of writers.

• Gave voice to marginalized narratives in Philippine cinema.

Carlos P. Romulo

• National artist for Literature (1982)

• Notable works “I walked with heroes” (Autobiography), "The United” (Collection of Essays and Speeches), “I saw the fall of the Philippines” (Wartime Memoir)

• Shaped Filipino identity globally

• Journalist, diplomat, soldier, educator

• Documented key events in history

• Inspired Patriotism and Cultural Pride

Lucio San Pedro

• National Artist for Music(1991)

• President Corazon C. Aquino proclaimed him

• Notable Works: Sa Ugoy ng Duyan and Lahing Kayumanggi

• Blended Filipino folk traditions with classical music, creating a unique Filipino sound.

• Actively supported town bands, especially Banda Angono Numero Uno. • Helped develop civic musical culture and trained young musicians.

• Fostered national pride through music performed across generation

Tony Mabesa

• Father of Philippine University Theater

• National Artist for Theater (2018); honored as director, actor, teacher, and theater founder.

• Founded Dulaang UP and UP Playwrights’ Theatre.

• Directed 170+ plays, from Shakespeare to Filipino works.

• Mentored generations of performers. Impact on Philippine Arts:

• Dubbed the “Father of Philippine University Theater.”

• Professionalized theater and linked education with artistic excellence.

• Protégés became leading actors, directors, and cultural figures. Significance: 

• Legacy ensures Philippine theater thrives academically and artistically.

Virgilo S. Almario

• National Artist for Literature(2003)

• Notable works: Authored poetry collections Doktrinang Anakpawis and Makinasyon at Ilang Tula ni Rio Alma. 

• Advocated for the promotion of the Filipino language in literature, education, and culture.

• Birthdate: March 9, 1944 (81)

Salvador F. Bernal

• National Artist for Theater and Design in 2003.

• Renowed for more than 300 productions in theather, opera, ballet, and film

• Pioneer/ “Father of Theater Design in the Philippines”

• Teaching, Mentorship, and Institutional Contributions

Jose Garcia Villa

• National Artist of the Philippines for Literature (1973) 

• Guggenheim Fellowshop for Creative arts, Us & Canada (1943

• Category: Poet, short story writer, and critic

• Known for unique technique like comma poems and reversed consonance

• August 5, 1908 - February 7,1997)

Angel Dakudao Locsin

• National Artist of the Philippines for Dance (2022)

• Gawad CCP Award para sa Sining (2013)

• Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for best book on arts (2013)

• Birthdate: September 28, 1957

• Pioneered neo-ethnic dance, blending ballet, modern dance, and Filipino rituals/traditions.

• Preserved and reimagined cultural heritage for contemporary audiences.

• Celebrated Filipino identity while gaining global recognition.

• Bridged tradition and modernity, inspiring future generations of artist

Ramon Valera

• National Artist for Fashion Deisgn (2006)

• Distinguished Lasallian byb the DLSU Alumni Association

• AUgust 31, 1912 - May 25, 1972

Alice Reyes

• National artist for Dance

• Founded Ballet Philippines in 1969, the country’s premier ballet and contemporary dance company

• Introduced modern dance to the Philippines by blending ballet, folk, and modern styles

• Created iconic works like Amada, Itim Asu, Tales of the Manuvu, and Rama Hari

• Showcased Philippine culture, history, and mythology through dance

• Preserved and showcased Filipino identity by highlighting local stories and traditions

• Trained and inspired generations of dancers and choreographers who continue to shape Philippine dance

• Brought Philippine dance to the global stage through international performances

• Named National Artist for Dance in 2014 for her lasting impact on Philippine performing arts

• Notable works: Amada (1969), Itim Asu(1970), Tales of the Manuvu(1977)

Adelita Bagcal

• National artist for Ilokano Oral Traditions

• Performing arts (sung poetry)

• Notable works: Dallot – traditional Ilocano improvised sung poetry performed at community events and special occasions Duayya – a soothing Ilocano lullaby

• the last remaining expert of dallot, is nationally recognized for reviving and preserving the Ilocano oral tradition.

Severino Montano

• National artist for Theater

• playwright, director, actor, and theater organizer

• Founded Arena Theater in 1953 at Philippine Normal College, pioneering theater-in-the-round for the masses

• Wrote ~50 plays, 150 poems, and a novel; notable works include The Love of Leonor Rivera, Parting at Calamba, Sabina, The Ladies, and The Senador

• Institutionalized legitimate theater in the Philippines, elevating it as a respected art form

• Expanded theater beyond major cities, bringing performances to rural communities

• Trained and mentored generations of influential Filipino dramatists and theater practitioners

• The Love of Leonor Rivera (1954)

• Parting at Calamba (1953)

• Sabina (1953)

Benedicto Cabrera

• National Artist for Visual Arts

• Contemporary Arts

• Sabel Series – ongoing since the 1960s, symbolizes humanity’s struggles and resilience, highlighting the marginalized

• Larawan Series – celebrates the beauty, strength, and cultural identity of Filipina women, inspired by 19th-century photos

• Master of Figurative Expressionism – known for expressive portrayals of Filipino life, culture, and history

• Printmaking Innovation – advanced Philippine graphic arts through expert etching and print techniques

• BenCab Museum (Baguio) – founded to preserve and showcase Philippine art and heritage

• Known for fluid lines, intricate textures, and keen observation that capture Filipino culture and human experience

• Achieved national and international recognition through numerous exhibitions

• Honored with multiple awards, including the Presidential Medal of Merit

• Advocated for cultural heritage preservation and environmental awareness in the Philippines

• Established as a prominent and respected figure in Philippine art history

Lazaro Francisco

• National Artist for Literature

• Novelist, essayist, and playwright

• Maganda Pa ang Daigdig – groundbreaking novel on peasants’ struggles, justice, and social change

• Daluyong – continues themes of resilience and hope, exposing oppression and calls for reform

• Known as the “Master of the Tagalog Novel” for masterful storytelling in the Filipino language

• Championed the dignity of ordinary Filipinos, amplifying their voices in national literature

• Deepened appreciation of Tagalog as a literary language and inspired future writers toward nationalism, social awareness, and reform

Teofilo Garcia

• National Artist for traditional Crafts - Hat Making

• Tabungaw Hats – Ilocano headwear made from gourds, learned from his grandfather at age 15

• Innovation – modernized traditional designs with nito and bamboo decorations, improving interiors while preserving cultural meaning

• Saving Cultural Heritage – kept tabungaw hat-making alive, preserving Ilocano and Philippine traditions; hats still used in festivals and events

• Inspiring Others – encourages youth to learn the craft, demonstrates locally and abroad, boosting global recognition of Philippine traditional arts

• Recognition – awarded the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure Award) in 2012 for cultural contributions

Levi Celerio

• National Artist for Music & Literature

• Songwriting and Lyricism

• Wrote lyrics for 4,000+ Filipino songs, including beloved classics Ang Pasko ay Sumapit and Sa Ugoy ng Duyan

• Recognized by Guinness World Records as the only person to make music using a leaf as an instrument

• Impact on Philippine Arts: preserved and popularized Filipino folk and traditional music, elevated Filipino identity through poetic lyrics, and inspired generations of musicians and songwriters

• Notable Works:

  • Ang Pasko ay Sumapit (1950) – iconic Filipino Christmas carol

  • Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (1943) – lullaby co-written with Lucio San Pedro, expressing a child’s longing for a mother’s love

  • Kahit Konting Pagtingin (1960s) – classic love song showcasing his lyrical artistry