CPAR-National Artists

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The Order of National Artists

The Order of National Artists

the highest recognition given to Filipinos who have contributed significantly to the status of Philippine arts, such as music, visual arts, literature, film, broadcast arts, theater, dance, architecture, design, and allied arts. 

The Order of National Artists

Originally, the recognition was called National Artists Award, until it was elevated in 2003 by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the rank of Order

Selection Criteria for the National Artists of the Philippines

• Must be a Filipino citizen;

• Work has contributed to nation-building;

• Their distinctive style and pioneering works impacts succeeding generations of artist;

• There is excellence in the practice of their art form;

• Their art form enriches artistic expression or style; and

• Their work is prestigious national and international recognition. 

A member of the Order of National Artists are granted the following honors and privileges

• The rank and title of National Artist, as proclaimed by the President of the Philippines;

• The insignia of a National Artist and a citation;

• material and physical benefits

Napoleon Abueva

hailed as the “Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture.” He made seemingly easy work out of hardwood, adobe, metal, stainless steel, cement, marble, bronze, iron, alabaster, coral, and brass.

LARRY ALCALA

His artworks were staples in the comics’ sections of magazines, newspapers, and comic books. His most famous creations are part of a series of illustrations called Slice of Life, which depict snippets of everyday lives of ordinary Filipinos. Barrio scenes and urban settings are his common .

FERNANDO C. AMORSOLO

the first National Artist of the Philippines. He is known as “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art”.

BENEDICTO CABRERA

• Better known as BenCab.  

• In 1963, he won first prize for his oil painting of a talipapa, or market, in a student competition

FRANCISCO COCHING

Regarded as the “Pillar of the Philippine Komiks Industry.” He was the creator of iconic Philippine Komiks characters such as Hagibis, Pedro Penduko, and Sabas, Ang Barbero. 

VICTORIO C. EDADES

Tagged as the Father of Modern Philippine Painting. He is known for his dark and subdued shades in his art pieces.

CARLOS “BOTONG” FRANCISCO

He was responsible for discovering the prehistoric Angono Petroglyphs in 1965. Among his greatest works are Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, and Filipino Struggles Through History.

ABDULMARI ASIA IMAO

The first Filipino Muslim to receive the recognition. His expertise is working on metal brass casting and ceramic sculpture. His themes are sometimes influenced by Islamic culture. He is known for intricate works using the okir and sarimanok designs.

JOSE T. JOYA

The pioneer of abstract expressionism in the Philippines. His works are strongly characterized by bold brushstrokes, quick gestures, and dynamic spontaneity.

ANG KIUKOK

His name means “save the country”

He gained prominence in the local and international art scene because of his unique style that fused expressionism, surrealism, and cubism. His imagery had been described as violent and gruesome, which contrasted his gentle and amiable personality.

CESAR LEGASPI

He is best known for exploring issues of social injustice in his Cuban-inspired works.

ARTURO LUZ

He helped establish the Neo-realist school in Philippine art but is most famous for his cubist and minimalist works not only in painting, but also in sculpture. He participated in numerous international shows, including the Tokyo Print Biennial in 1974 and the 8th British International Print Biennale in 1984.

VICENTE MANANSALA

He is recognized as a pioneer artist of transparent cubism, which is characterized by transparent and translucent tones, shapes, and patterns of various subjects that seem to be superimposed over each other. One of the best examples of this technique is his masterpiece, The Musicians.

J. ELIZALDE NAVARRO

He represented the Philippines in Sao Paolo Biennial in Brazil. Be began to work as a full-time painter in 1970. His style is characterized by bright, vibrant colors with abstract to modernist styles.

HERNANDO R. OCAMPO

best known for his modernist abstract paintings. He was one of the few artists who was self-taught in painting. He made use of bold palettes and biomorphic shapes — figures inspired by the human body.

Guillermo Tolentino

One of the greatest sculptors in Philippine history. His works are immortalized as national monuments, the most prominent of which is the Bonifacio Monument, which was unveiled in 1933. Instead of basing the figures from printed photos or Katipuneros, he actually interviewed some of them to get an idea of how to correctly execute the sculpture.

Fredrico Anguilar Alcuaz

A distinguished master in cubist paintings, which often depicted nude women, interiors, landscapes, and still life. His style is characterized by blurred edges, contrasted with heavy lines and shapes.

Francisco Arcellana

He is considered as the pioneer in developing the lyrical prose-poetic form in Filipino literature. He placed second in the 1951 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for his short story, “The Flowers of May.” Some of his books include Selected Stories (1962), Poetry and Politics: The State of Original Writing in English in the Philippines Today (1977), and The Francisco Arcellana Sampler (1990).

Virgilio S. Almario

Best known as the country’s most reputable editor of the Filipino language. He has authored and edited the UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino, and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino: Manwal sa Masinop na Pagsulat. He is also a recipient of numerous Palanca Awards.

Cirilio Bautista

A recipient of several Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for poetry, fiction and essay in English and Filipino, and the prestigious Philippines Free Press Awards for Fiction. Some of his most notable works are “Boneyard Breaking,” “The Archipelago,” “Telex Moon,” and “Summer Suns”.

NVM Gonzales

Shot into prominence during the post-war era in 1947 when his stories, Seven Hills Away, were published in the Swallow Press in Denver, Colorado. As a master of short stories, Gonzales produced timeless pieces such as “Look, Stranger, on this Island Now,” “The Tomato Game,” and “The Bread of Salt.”

Amado V. Hernandez

Renowned for his works that have socio-political themes, which defined much of his genre. His writing was heavily influenced by his experiences as a guerrilla, a labor leader, and a political prisoner.

Nick Joaquin

In his generation, He was the greatest writer of Philippine Literature in English. His most prominent works were influenced by his traumatizing experience of World War II. Notably, despite the horrors, he expressed great optimism in the Filipino, which reflected in his opus.

F. Sionil Jose

His writings were influenced by the works of Jose Rizal. His major works espouse social justice and societal change. Important works include the novel, Two Filipino Women, and the short story collection, Waywaya: Eleven Filipino Short Stories.

Bienvenido Lumbera

Acknowledged as one of the pillars of contemporary Philippine Literature (1946 to the 1970s), along with Nick Joaquin and few others. He specialized in poetry and drama. His most important works were produced during the Martial Law years: Tales of the Manuvu; Rama, Hari, Nasa Puso ang Amerika; Bayani, Noli me Tangere: The Musical, and Hibik at Himagsik Nina Victoria Laktaw.

Resil B. Mojares

Known as the Visayan Titan of Letters, is best known for his works on Philippine History, especially Visayan literature on history. Some of his major works are The War Against the Americans: Resistance and Collaboration in Cebu Province, and House of Memory: Essays.

Alejandro Roces

As a writer, He worked the expansive province of short stories. His mind is the creative genius behind titles like “We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers,” which won Best Short Story at the University of Arizona during his freshman year there. Other interesting works are “My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken,” “Of Cocks and Kites,” and “Fiesta.”

Carlos P. Romulo

Best known for being the first Asian President of the United Nations General Assembly. He was a remarkable diplomat, and prior to that, a soldier. But he was also a journalist and literary author. Some of his most notable books are I Saw the Fall of the Philippines, Mother America, and I See the Philippines Rise..

Edith L. Tiempo

One of the greatest Filipino poets of her generation. As a poet, she weaved words into intricate descriptions of profound experiences, yet managed to keep her poems from being scrupulously detailed. Some of her best poetry collections include “The Tracks of Babylon and Other Poems,” “Marginal Annotations and Other Poems,” and “The Charmer’s Box and Other Poems.”

Jose Garcia Villa

His works make extensive use of commas, earning him the title of “Comma Poet.” As a writer, he used the pen name Doveglion, which was derived from the words dove, eagle, and lion. 

Lazaro Francisco

He shot into literary stardom during the pre-war years when five of his novels gained critical acclaim. Two of his most important opus are Singsing na Pangkasal and Tatsulok, which won the Commonwealth Literary Contest in 1940 and 1946, respectively.

Carlos Quirino

Nephew of former president Elpidio Quirino which is recognized as one of the first historians to write a biography about Jose Rizal. He also wrote biographies of former president Manuel Quezon and painter Damian Domingo.

Lino Brocka

One of the rare heavyweights in the Philippine film industry for his ability to produce multiple masterpieces that earned international critical acclaim. Some of his landmark films were produced in the ‘70s: Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag, and Insiang.

Lamberto Avellana

He is known as the “Boy Wonder of Philippine Movies.” He was a film and stage director. Some of his most notable works include Ang Bukas ay Atin (1973), Bus to Bataan (1961), Death was a Stranger (1963), and Anak Dalita (1956). 

Ishmael Bernal

Responsible for directing iconic films that defined Filipino pop culture in the ‘60s and ‘70s, such as Working Girls, Tisoy, and Playboy. He also touched on relationships and social issues with films like Manila by Night, Aliw, Relasyon. His most prominent film, however, is Himala which starred Nora Aunor. Himala gained international critical acclaim, winning numerous awards from various circuits and film festivals around the world.

Gerardo “Gerry” De Leon

The most awarded filmmaker in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences or FAMAS. He is also responsible for some of the country’s first horror flicks, which includes the 1959 Terror is a Man. Through the ‘60s, he co-directed a slew of vampire flicks, including The Blood Drinkers, Blood is the Color of the Night, Curse of the Vampires, and Brides of Blood.

Eddie Romero

One of his most significant films was the 1976 movie, Ganito Kami Noon… Paano Kayo Ngayon? It depicted the Philippines in the 20th century when it revolted against Spain and was about to fall under American rule. Another important film is Kamakalawa, an exploration of Philippine folklore during the pre-colonial years.

Fernando Poe Jr.

Affectionately known as FPJ and Da King, and was arguably the most popular action star of Philippine cinema. 

Manuel Conde

Responsible for giving the Philippines its first internationally acclaimed film in 1955, Genghis Khan. Then, in 1959, he directed Juan Tamad Goes to Congress, the very first satirical film shown in Philippine theaters. He himself starred as Juan Tamad in the movie.

Kidlat Tahimik

Considered by Filipino filmmakers as the “Father of Philippine Independent Cinema.” He pioneered independent filmmaking in the country with films such as Mababangong Bangungot, Turumba, and Sinong Lumikha ng yoyo? Sinong Lumikha ng Apoy?

Levi Celerio

Recognized as the most prolific Filipino composer, with more than 4,000 songs credited to his name. Some of his most familiar creations include “Saan Ka Man Naroroon” and “Kahit Kaunting Pagtingin.” He also wrote the lyrics for the folk song, “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan.” He became a pop icon for his ability to play music with using a leaf from a Japanese bamboo plant.

Ernani J. Cuenco

His hand in Philippine music is easily recognizable in compositions that elegantly fused ballad and kundiman. His compositions include “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” “Bato sa Buhangin,” and “Nahan Kahit na Magtiis.”

Felipe de Leon

A composer and conductor who made a name in the world of orchestra. Some of his most notable orchestral works include “Mariang Makiling Overture” (1939), “Maynila Overture” (1976), and “Bataan,” tone poem (1947).

Francisco F. Feliciano

A Filipino composer and conductor. He composed and arranged numerous pieces, including “Buksan Mo ang Aming mga Labi” (1982), “Pokpok Alimpako” (2002), and “Pamugun” (2002).

Lucrecia R. Kasilag

A composer and pianist who rose to prominence because of her unique style of incorporating indigenous Filipino instruments into orchestral works, such as “Dularawan: Salakot na Ginto” (1969), “The Legend of Sarimanok” (1963), and “Ang Pamana” (1966).

Jose Maceda

He studied the cultural and social roots of Filipino music, including indigenous music. Starting in 1952, He researched and helped preserve ethnic Filipino music. He also investigated various ethnic music from Southeast Asia.

Antonio Molina

A composer, conductor, and music academician. During his lifetime, he composed over 500 songs, and taught harmony, composition, music history, and cello at the UP Conservatory of Music. His most important orchestral works are Misa Antoniana Grand Festival Mass (1964) and Ang Batingaw (1972).

Lucio San Pedro

A composer, conductor, and music teacher. He is best known for his hymns such as “Nuestra Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Lord Jesus the Nazarene).”

Ramon P. Santos

One of the few Filipino composers who are also ethnomusicologists. He is recognized as a respected figure in Music Composition and Theory. In 1987, he was awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres in France. It is given to people who made a significant contribution to the arts.

Andrea Veneracion

Founder of the Philippine Madrigal Singers or Madz, whom she trained and molded to become one of the most respected choral groups in the world. The Madz have won numerous international awards and choral competitions, helping cement the reputation of the Philippines as powerhouse in choral competitions.

Antonino Buenaventura

He helped preserve ethnic Filipino folksongs by studying them and creating songs that made use of ethnic instruments and melodies.  He composed the popular Pandanggo sa Ilaw.

Jovita Fuentes

A soprano singer who was dubbed as the First Lady of Philippine Music and was the first Filipino to be awarded a National Artist award in Music. She debuted as Cio-Cio San in the opera Madame Butterfly in 1925. She also played Mimi in La Boheme, and Iris in Salome. 

Ryan Cayabyab

He formed the iconic singing group Smokey Mountain in the ‘90s. As a composer, He is a go-to musician for movie sound tracks. He composed numerous tracks for movies, including songs for the musical Ang Larawan (2017). He is also credited for hit songs like “Tuwing Umuulan,”

Pablo S. Antonio

Considered as a pioneer in Philippine modern architecture. From 1938 to the 1952, he designed various buildings with art deco style. Among the prominent structures he designed are the main building of the Far Eastern University and the Capitan Luis Gonzaga Building 

Juan Nakpil

His projects as an architect are all over national hallmarks such as the University of the Philippines’ Quezon Hall, the Rizal Shrine, the San Carlos Seminary, and the Philippine Trust Co. Building (Plaza Lacson). He was also the architect of the now demolished Rizal Theater and the Capitol Theater.

Leandro V. Locsin

As an architect, his works were grand and ambitious. Most of his projects in the ‘70s are characterized by brutalist design, including the Tanghalang Pambansa of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Tanghalang Maria Makiling of the National Arts Center.

Francisco T. Tamosa

His projects include the EDSA Shrine. He is also recognized as the pioneer Philippine neo-vernacular architecture.

Ildefonso P. Santos Jr.

Recognized as the “Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture.” He was responsible for landscaping numerous public areas such as Nayong Pilipino, the Asian Institute of Management complex, Paco Park, San Miguel Corporation building, Rizal Park, and Tagaytay Highlands Gold and Country Club, among others. 

Ramon O. Valera

He was responsible for designing the standard of what is recognized today as the terno. Designers today still use his blueprint of the terno: its construction, beadworks, applique, etc.

Jose Maria Zaragoza

Credited with designing some of the most prominent religious buildings in the country, including the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, the Quiapo Church Expansion, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. He designed more than 40 churches and religious structures.

Francisca Reyes Aquino

Credited for her unparalleled and extensive research on Philippine folkdance and traditional games. She painstakingly described, illustrated, and recorded these in her 1926 thesis titled “Philippine Folk Dances and Games.” Because of her, Philippine folkdance and traditional games are preserved and immortalized in school curriculums nationwide as part of Physical Education. 

Leonor Orasa Goquingco

She was the first Filipino who choreographed a ballet, The Elements (1940). After World War II, she formed the Philippine Ballet (not to be confused with Ballet Philippines), and choreographed Noli Me Tangere, bringing the novel to life in ballet as the Noli Dance Suite. 

Ramon Obusan

Instrumental in promoting Philippine traditional dance and cultural work. He founded the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, a folk dance company. 

Alice Reyes

A dancer, choreographer, and the founder of Ballet Philippines. She brought Filipino culture to the ballet scene with works such as “Bungkos Suite,” “Carmen,” “Carmina Burana,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Rama Hari”.

Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula

Recognized as the person who brought Filipino folk dance to the realm of theater. She led the adaptation of Filipino folkdance into the theater stage by transforming them from the simple repetitive routine to a livelier, colorful, and dynamic dance. Her creativity in choreography brought her and her Bayanihan Dance Company around the world, promoting Filipino culture.

Daisy H. Avellana

She and her husband, Lamberto, established the Barangay Theater Guild in 1939. She is recognized as the “First Lady of Philippine Theater.” On her own, she is a talented director, actor, and writer. She directed the Philippine theater scene in the ‘30s through the ‘70s and elevated it to a higher level of professionalism.

Honorata “Atang” Dela Rama

Best known for her role in vaudeville, more commonly referred to as bodabil by Filipinos in the ‘30s. During the American occupation, she campaigned for the dominance of Filipino kundiman and sarsuela in performance stages. She was also a talented singer. She lent her voice to the sarsuela, Dalagang Bukid, which helped make her famous.

Rolando S. Tinio

Recognized as one of the titans of Philippine theater. He led productions of the Ateneo Experimental Theater, in which he explored the concepts of being an actor and tested the limits of what was considered acceptable in theater culture. 

Salvador F. Bernal

A prolific theater producer, with over 300 works credited to his name. In 1995, he organized the Philippine Association of Theatre Designers and Technicians, which he used as a platform to introduce and promote Philippine theater to the world.

Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero

He was instrumental in the development of notable figures in Philippine performing arts scene: He was a teacher to Joonee Gamboa, Behn Cervantes, and Celia Diaz-Laurel

Severino Montano

A playwright, director, actor, and theater organizer who produced numerous masterpieces that include 50 plays, 150 poems, and one novel. His four most significant plays that became tour staples around the world are The Love of Leonor Rivera, Parting at Calamba, The Ladies and the Senador, and Sabina.

Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio

A playwright, puppeteer, and educator who earned her title as the “Grand Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater.”

Gemino Abad

He co-founded the Philippine Literary Arts Council (PLAC), which published Caracoa, a poetry journal in English. e was elevated to the rank of University Professor by UP Diliman, the highest honor awarded by the University to an exemplary retiring faculty member.

Fides Cuyugan-Asensio

She formed the Music Theater Foundation of the Philippines (MTFP). In 1988, she became Chair of the Voice and Music Theater Department in the UP College of Music

Agnes Locsin

Known for developing the “neo-ethnic” Filipino dance choreography, which blends indigenous themes with Western classical and modern techniques

Antonio “Tony” Mabesa

He served as Theater Director of the Manila Metropolitan Theater. In 2005, he founded the Angeles University Foundation Repertory Theater. He was named UP Professor Emeritus in 2002.

Ricardo “Ricky” Lee

was affiliated with Panulat para sa Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan (PAKSA, or Pen for People’s Progress). His two stage plays, Pitik-Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero and DH (Domestic Helper), played to SRO crowds. He has written more than 150 produced scripts, earning him over fifty awards from the Philippine film industry

Nora Aunor

the 10th recipient of the UP Gawad Plaridel, the highest award given by the University to an outstanding media practitioner, for her excellence in film and television.

Marilou Diaz-Abaya

she was the founder and president of the Institute and Arts Center named after her, a film school based in Antipolo, Philippines. She was the director of the 1998 film José Rizal She was part of the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema.

Salvacion Lim-Higgins

also known professionally as Slim, was a Filipino fashion designer known for her haute couture. She is considered by many Filipino culture critics to be the mother of the modern terno.