THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ARTIST

NATIONAL ARTIST- Filipino citizen who has been given
the rank and title of National Artist in recognition of his or her
significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts
and letters.
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GROUP 1
1. ANTONINO BUENAVENTURA- National Artist for
Music ( 1988) Born:May 4, 1904
1996
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Died: January 25,
Pursued a musical career that spanned SEVEN
DECADES of unwavering commitment to advancing
the frontiers of Philippine music.
1935, he joined Francisca Reyes-Aquino to conduct
research on folksongs and dances that led to its
popularization.
Composed songs, and compositions, for solo
instruments as well as symphonic and orchestral
works based on the folksongs of various Philippine
ethnic groups.
He proficiently played the clarinet with written
several marches:
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4.
o Triumphal March
o Echoes of the Past
o History Fantasy
o Second Symphony in E-flat
o Echoes from the Philippines
o Ode to Freedom
His orchestral music compositions:
o Concert Overture,
o Prelude and Fugue in G Minor
o Philippines Triumphant
o Mindanao Sketches
o Symphony in C Major
2. JOSE MACEDA- National Artist For Music (1997)
Born: January 31, 1917 Died: May 5, 2004
Occupation: He is a composer, musicologist, performer,
musicality of teacher explored and the the Filipino deeply.
 He embarked life-long dedication to on the
understanding and popularization of Filipino
traditional music.
 He’s researches and fieldwork have resulted in the
collection of an immense number of recorded music
taken from the remotest mountain villages and
farthest island communities.
 He wrote papers that enlightened scholars, both
Filipino and foreign, about the nature of Philippine
traditional and ethnic music.
 Maceda’s experimentation also freed Filipino musical
expression from a strictly Eurocentric mold.
 Usually performed as a communal ritual, his
compositions like Ugma-ugma(1963), Pagsamba
(1968), and Udlot-udlot (1975), monuments to are his
unflagging commitment to Philippine music. Other
Agungan, major works include Kubing, Pagsamba,
Ugnayan, Ading, Aroding, Siasid, Suling-suling.
3. LUCRECIA R. KASILAG- National Artist for Music
(1997) Born: 31 August 1918 Died:16 August 2008
Occupation: Educator, composer, had involved herself
wholly in sharpening the Filipino audience's
appreciation of music.
Kasilag's pioneering task to discover the Filipino
roots through ethnic music and fusing it with Western
influences has led many Filipino composers to
experiment with such an approach.
She dared to incorporate indigenous Filipino
instruments in orchestral productions, such as the
prize-winning “Toccata for Percussions and Winds,
Divertissement and Concertante, ” and the scores of
the Filiasiana, Misang Pilipino, and De Profundis.
“Tita King” , as she was fondly called, worked
closely as music director with colleagues Lucresia
Reyes-Urtula, Isabel Santos, Jose Lardizabal and Dr.
Leticia P. de Guzman and made Bayanihan
Philippine Dance Company one of the premier
artistic and cultural groups in the country.
Her orchestral music includes Love Songs, Legend of
the Sarimanok, Ang Pamana, Philippine Scenes, Her
Son, Jose, Sisa and chamber music like Awit ng mga
Awit Psalms, Fantaisie on a 4-Note Theme, and East
Meets Jazz Ethnika.
ERNANI J. CUENCO- National Artist for Music (
1999) Born: May 10, 1936 Died:June 11, 1988
Occupation: A composer, film scorer, musical director,
and music teacher, he wrote an outstanding and
memorable body of work that resonates with the
Filipino sense of musicality and which embody an
ingenious voice that raises the aesthetic dimensions of
contemporary Filipino music.
 He completed music degree in piano and cello from
the University of where Santo he taught for Tomas
also decades until his death in 1988.
 The latter song shows how Cuenco has enriched the
Filipino love ballad by adding the elements of
kundiman to it. Cuenco played with Filipino the
Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Manila
Symphony Orchestra from 1960 to 1968, and the
Manila Chamber Soloists from 1966 to 1970.
 His songs and ballads include "Nahan, Magtiis,"
Kahit and na na ang Uhaw "Diligin Mo ng Hamog
Lupa, "Pilipinas," "Inang Bayan," "Isang Dalangin,"
"Kalesa," "Bato Buhangin" sa and "Gaano Kita
Kamahal.
GROUP 2
5.
JOVITA FUENTES
Born: February 15, 1895
Died: August 7, 1978
 Long before Lea Salonga’s break into Broadway,
there was already Jovita Fuentes‘ portrayal of Cio-cio
san in Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly at
Italy’s Teatro Municipale di Piacenza. Her
performance was hailed as the “most sublime
interpretation of the part”.
 She was teaching at the University of the Philippines
Conservatory of Music (1917) before leaving for
Milan in 1924 for further voice studies.
 After eight months of arduous training, she made her
stage debut at the Piacenza.
 She later embarked on a string of music performances
in Europe essaying the roles of
o Liu Yu in Puccini’s Turandot,
o Mimi in Puccini’s La Boheme,
o Iris in Pietro Mascagni’s Iris,
 And the title role of Salome (which composer
Richard Strauss personally offered to her including
the special role of Princess Yang Gui Fe in Li Tai
Pe). In recognition of these achievements, she was
given the unprecedented award of “Embahadora de
Filipinas a su Madre Patria” by Spain.
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Her dream to develop the love for opera among her
countrymen led her to found the Artists’ Guild of
the Philippines, which was responsible for the
periodic “Tour of Operaland” productions. Her
life story has been documented in the biography
Jovita Fuentes: A Lifetime of Music (1978) written
by Lilia H. Chung, and later translated into Filipino
by Virgilio Almario.
Award; National Artist for Music in 1976.
6.
FELIPE DE LEON
Born: May 1, 1912
Died: December 5, 1992
Occupation; composer, conductor, and scholar, Filipinized
western music forms, a feat aspired for by Filipino composers
who preceded him.
 The prodigious body of De Leon’s musical
compositions, notably the sonatas, marches, and
concertos have become the full expression of the
sentiments and aspirations of the Filipino in times
of strife and of peace, making him the epitome of a
people’s musician.
Works:
 De Leon’s orchestral music include
o Mariang Makiling Overture (1939),
o symphonic legend (1950),
o Maynila Overture (1976),
o Orchesterstuk(1981)
 choral music like
o Payapang Daigdig,
o Ako’y Pilipino,
o Lupang Tinubuan,
o Ama Namin
 and songs
o Bulaklak,
o Alitaptap,
o Mutya ng Lahi.
Award: National Artist for Music in 1997.
7.
ANDREA VENERACION
Born: July 11, 1928
Died: July 9, 2013
 She is highly esteemed for her achievements as
choirmaster and choral arranger.
 Two of her indispensable contributions in culture and
the arts include the founding of the Philippine
Madrigal Singers and the spearheading of the
development of Philippine choral music.
 As a former faculty member of the UP College of
Music and honorary chair of the Philippine
Federation of Choral Music, she also organized a
cultural outreach program to provide music
education and exposure in several provinces.
 She is recognized as an authority on choral music
and performance
 Has served as adjudicator in international music
competitions.
Award: National Artist for Music in 1999.
8.
RAMON P. SANTOS
Born: February 251941–present)
Occupation: composer, conductor and musicologist, is
currently the country’s foremost proponent of
contemporary Filipino music.
 A prime figure in the second generation of Filipino
composers in the modern idiom, Santos has
contributed greatly to the quest for new directions
in music, taking non-Western traditions as basis,
in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
 He graduated in 1965 from the UP College of Music
with a Teacher’s Diploma and a Bachelor of Music
degree in both Composition and Conducting. Higher
studies in the United States exposed him to the world
of contemporary and avant-garde musical idioms:
o serialism,
o electronic and contemporary music,
o indeterminacy,
o new vocal and improvisational techniques.
 He received further training in New Music in
Darmstadt, Germany and in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
His initial interest in Mahler and Debussy while still
a student at UP waned as his compositional style
shifted to Neo Classicism and finally to a distinct
merging of the varied influences that he had
assimilated abroad.
 His return to the Philippines marked a new path in his
style. After immersing himself in indigenous
Philippine and Asian (Javanese music and dance,
Chinese nan kuan music), he became more interested
in
o open-ended structures of time and space,
o function as a compositional concept,
o environmental works,
o non-conventional instruments,
o the dialectics of control and non-control,
o the incorporation of natural forces in the
execution of sound-creating tasks
Award: National Artist for Music in 2014.
o But even now, he continues to shape a legacy of
modernity anchored on the values of traditional
Asian music.
GROUP 3
9.
LUCIO SAN PENDRO
Born: February 11, 1913
Angono, Rizal, Philippine Islands, U.S.
Died: March 31, 2002 (aged 89) Angono, Rizal, Philippines
Resting place: Angono Catholic Cemetery, Angono, Rizal
Occupation: Composer, teacher, conductor
Known for: National Artist of the Philippines for Music,
composer of hymns like Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno
Awards: Order of National Artists of the Philippines
 Botong Francisco The Painter is his cousin. Maestro
Lucio San Pedro have left a legacy in Angono, he
really contributes a lot for the Angono, Rizal to be
the center of arts.
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proclaimed National Artist of the Philippines for
Music in 191991.
Awards:
o Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan from the City of
Manila in 1984
o the Asean Award for Music and a Papal award in 19,
1990.
Works/ orchestral music:
The Devil’s Bridge,
o Malakas at Maganda Overture,
o Prelude and Fugue in D minor, Hope and Ambition
and many more.
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Known for National Artist of the Philippines for
Music and composer of hymns like Nuestro Padre
Jesús Nazareno
10. ANTONIO J. MOLINA
Born: December 26, 1894 Quiapo, Manila, Captaincy
General
of the Philippines
Died: January 29, 1980 (aged 85)
Occupation: Composer, teacher, conductor and Music
Administrator Known for: Ana Maria, Hatinggabi
Awards: Order of National Artists of the Philippines
 He is the son of Juan Molina, a customs inspector
during the final years of the Spanish
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regime, and Simeona Naguiat. Antonio Molina was
married to Pilar Siauingco with whom he had six
children – among them are:
o Rostia, a pianist;
o Exequiel (Lito), a jazz artist and journalist;
o Antonio Maria,
o Jr., a US-based conductor and composer.
National Artist of the Philippines for his services to
music.
At an early age, he took to playing the violoncello
Played as an orchestra soloist for the Manila Grand
Opera House.
Member of the faculty of the UP Conservatory
He had taught many of the country’s leading musical
personalities and educators like Lucresia Kasilag and
Felipe de Leon.
Molina’s most familiar composition is Hatinggabi, a
serenade for solo violin and piano accompaniment.
Other works are (orchestral music) Misa Antoniana
Grand Festival Mass, Ang Batingaw, KundimanKundangan; (chamber music) Hating Gabi, String
Quartet, Kung sa Iyong Gunita, Pandangguhan;
(vocal music) Amihan, Awit ni Maria Clara, Larawan
Nitong Pilipinas, among others.
11. FRANCISCO FELECIANO
Born: February 19, 1941 Morong,
Rizal, Philippine Commonwealth
Died: September 19, 2014 (aged
73) Manila, Philippines
Occupation: Composer and Conductor
Awards: Order of National Artists of the Philippines
 Philippines’ most important composers.
 Dr. Feliciano created more than 30 major works that
include operas and music dramas including:
o La Loba Negra,
o Ashen Wings,
o Sikhay Sa Kabila ng Paalam (Beyond the
Farewell), and
o the life of wartime Filipino hero, Jose Abad
Santos.
 Among his large works are
o Transfiguration and Missa Mysterium for
orchestra and large chorus,
o the ballet Yerma, and several prize winning
compositions including Pokpok Alimpako,
o a favorite piece of choirs in international
choral competitions, and
o Salimbayan.
 His father Maximiano Feliciano exposed him to their
band “Morriz Band” and their genre of music.
 He started his music career when he joined a band in
high school and played cymbals and the clarinet.
 He studied at the University of the Philippines (UP)
and attained a Masters degree in Music Composition.
12. LEVI CELERIO
Born: Born April 30, 1910
Tondo, Philippines
Died: April 2, 2002 (aged 91)
Tondo, Philippines
Awards: Order of National
Artists of the Philippines
Occupation:Prolific lyricist and composer for decades.
 He effortlessly translated/ wrote anew the lyrics to
traditional melodies:
o “O Maliwanag Na Buwan” (Iloko),
o “Ako ay May Singsing” (Pampango),
o “Alibangbang” (Visaya)
Among others.
 Filipino composer and lyricist who is credited with
writing over 4,000
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National Artist of the Philippines for Music and
Literature in 1997.
Joined the Manila Symphony Orchestra, becoming its
youngest member.
He made it to the Guinness Book of World Records
as the only person able to make music using just a
leaf.
GROUP 4
13. HONORATA "ATANG" DELA RAMA
Born: January 11, 1902 Died: July 11, 1991
Awards: National Artist of the Philippines for Theater and Music
(1987)
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At the age of 15, she starred in the sarsuela Dalagang
Bukid, where she became known for singing the song
"Nabasag na Banga". Queen of Kundiman in 1979
First actress in the very first locally produced Filipino
film.
Works:
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Mahiwagang binibini: Ang kiri (1939),
Dalagang bukid (1919),
Oriental Blood (1930)
14. WILFREDOARIA GUERRERO
Born: January 22, 1911
Died: April 28, 1995
Awards: National artist of the Philippines for Theater (1997)
Occupation: Teacher, director, and theater artist. Founder and artistic
director of the UP Mobile Theater.
 He wrote over 100 plays, 41 of which have been
published.
 Pioneered the concept of theater campus tour and
delivered no less than 2, 500 performances in a span of
19 years of service.
Works:
o
o
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Half an Hour in a Convent
Wanted: A Chaperon
The Forsaken House
15. ROLANDO S. TINIO
Born: March 5, 1937
Died: July 7, 1997
Awards: National Artist of the Philippines for Theater and Literature
(1997)
 Prolific poet and writer who helped establish the Filipinolanguage drama.
 Revived traditional Filipino Drama by re-staging old theater
forms like sarswela.
 Known for translating Western classics. works of Sophocles,
Shakespeare, Ibsen, Chekhov, Puccini and Verdi, into Tagalog.
Works:
o
o
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"Sitsit sa Kuliglig" (Poem),
Pahimakas ng Isang Ahente (Sinalin mula sa Ingles)
Larawan (Play)
16. DAISY H. AVELLANA
Born: January 26, 1917
Died: May 12, 2013
Award: National Artist of the Philippines for Theater (1999)
Occupation: Filipino stage actress, theater director and writer ; cofounded the Barangay Theatre Guild (1939)
 She is best remembered for her portrayal of Candida
Marasigan in the stage and film versions of Nick Joaquin's
Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.
Works:
o
o
o
Died: July 15, 2005, due to cardiac arrest following a cerebrovascular accident at the age of 87.
Starred in plays like Othello (1953),
Casa de Bernarda Alba (1967),
Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1955)
17. SEVERINO MONTANO.
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Born: January 3, 1915
Her pen name was Cristina Luna and she was known as:
o Trailblazer,
o Mother of Philippine Theater Dance and
o Dean of Filipino Performing Arts Critics.
Her parents were Sixto Orosa and Severina Luna, both
physicians who graduated from the University of the
Philippines.
Died: December 12, 1980
Awards:
Award: National Artist of the Philippines for Theater (2001)
Occupation: He was a playwright director, actor, and theater
organizer; established a graduate program at Philippine Normal
College for training of playwrights, director, actors etc.
 Organized the Arena Theater “to bring drama to the
masses”
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Ang Pag-Ibig ni Leonor Rivera,
Paalaman sa Calamba,
o
Sabina
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
”Return to Native”
“In a Javanese Garden Sports"
“Vinta!”
“In a Concentration Camp”
“The Magic Garden”,
“The Clowns”
“Firebird”
“Noli Dance Suite”
“The Flagellant”
“The Creation”
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Works:
o
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Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award in 1969 and
1964
Rizal Centennial Award in 1962
Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1964
Presidential Award of Merit in 1970
Tandang Sora Award and the Columbia University
Alumni Association Award in 1975
National Artist for Dance on March 27, 1976
Works:
18. SALVADOR F. BERNAL
Born: January 7, 1945
Died: October 26, 2011
Award: National Artist for Theater and Design (2003)
 His output included over 300 productions in art, film and music.
 Bernal organized the Philippine Association of Theatre
Designers and Technicians (Patdat) in 1995, through which he
introduced Philippine theater design to the world.
 “Father of Theater Design in the Philippines”
21. LUCRECIA REYES- URRULA
Works:
o
o
o
Designed sets for “Sa Bunganga ng Pating”,
“Luna”,
“Lapu-Lapu”
GROUP 5
19. ALICE GARCIA REYES
Born: October 14, 1942
Born: June 29, 1929
Died: August 4, 1999
Occupation: choreographer, theater director, teacher, author and
researcher on ethnic dance. She was the founding director of the
Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company and was
named National Artist of the Philippines for dance in 1988.
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Died: Feb 17, 2016
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Reyes took up lessons in classical ballet at Maryknoll
College where she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in
History and Foreign Services.
She further trained under the guidance of Leonor Orosa
Goquingco and Ricardo Casell of the Philippine Women's
University (PWU).
Marrried to Dick Upton, the current treasurer of Ballet
Philippines, but they got separated in 1982.
Retired from Ballet Philippines in 1985 but still served as
its artistic director until 1989.
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Awards/ Achievements
o
Awards:
o
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Gawad CCP para sa Sining and in 2012
Gawad Buhay Outstanding Choreopgrahy for Dance for
Rama Hari
National Artist for Dance in 2014.
o
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works:
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o
o
She worked to translate folk dancing into the realm of
theater. She adapted indigenous dance traditions to the
demands of the modern stage, and performances of her
works received international attention.
Daughter of Antonia Faustino, a nurse, and Col. Leon S.
Reyes of the Philippine Constabulary (PC), who later
served as a brigadier general and a military governor.
She grew up amidst music and dance. Her mother's family
included many musicians and her musician father could
play many instruments. He was a regular participant at
fiestas and special occasions in his hometown of Calamba.
o
Amada (1969)
At a Maranaw Gathering (1970)
Itim-Asu (1971)
Tales of the Manuvu (1977)
Rama Hari (1980)
Bayanihan Remembered (1987)
20. LEONOE OROSA-GOQUINGCO
Born- July 24, 1917 in Jolo, Sulu
ASEAN Tourism Association for the Best ASEAN
Cultural Effort, Pattayas, Thailand (1990)
Tandang Sora Award for the Arts (1982)
Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award from the
City of Manila (1973)
International Women's Award in UNAP's Women of
Distinction (1963)
Republic Cultural Heritage Award for Research in
Folk Dance (1963)
Conferred a title, "Bai Kiokmay" (means, most active
princess in the Arts)) in a ritual performed by the
Mandaya tribe of Davao, attended by the tribes of
Agusan participated in by 16 datus. (1963)
Works:
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o
o
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Singkil
Tagabili
Pagdiwata,
Salidsid
IdawBanga
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Aires de Verbena
GROUP 6
22. RAMON AREVALO OBUSAN
Ps. Eto talaga yung super dami :<<
Occupation: dancer, choreographer, stage designer and artistic
director. He is also an acclaimed archivist, researcher and
documentary filmmaker who focused on Philippine culture.
24. FERNANDO CUETO AMORSOLO
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Credited for his work in promoting Philippine
traditional dance and cultural work.
Awards:
Born: May 30, 1892
Died: April 24, 1972.
Occupation: portraitist and painter of rural Philippine landscapes.
Credits:
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Order of National Artist for Dance by President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo at the Malacañan in 2006
Parangal : Sayaw Bulawan , Philippine Folk Dance
Society in 2005
Folkloric Group , Aliw Awards Foundation Inc.
(AAFI)
Folkloric Group , Consumers’ Choice Awardee , Most
Outstanding Artistic Dance Group , Consumers
Choice and Dangal ng Pilipinas Annual Awards in
2003
Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Award in 1993
Patnubay ng Kalinangan Award by City of Manila in
1992
Folkloric Group , Golden Scroll Awardee ,
1991Golden Scroll awards GSA in 1991
Outstanding Achiever of Camarines Norte in the field
of ARTS and CULTURE1987
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He was recognized as such for his "pioneering use of
impressionistic technique" as well as his skill in the use of
lighting and backlighting in his paintings, "significant not
only in the development of Philippine art but also in the
formation of Filipino notions of self and identity."
In 1972, Fernando Amorsolo became the first Filipino to
be distinguished as the Philippine's National Artist in
Painting.
He was named as the "Grand Old Man of Philippine
Art" during the inauguration of the Manila Hilton's art
center, where his paintings were exhibited on January 23,
1969.
Paintings:
o
Works:
o
o
o
o
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La Jota Paragua
Abaruray de Catanauan
Sinakiki
Kasanduayan
Takiling
o
23. FRANCISCA REYES- AQUINO
Born: Bocaue, Bulacan on March 9, 1899.
o
Died: November 21, 1983, Manila
o
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Reyes-Aquino's most noted works is her research on folk
dances and songs as a student assistant at the University
of the Philippines (UP).
Pursuing her graduate studies, she started her work in the
1921 traveling to remote barrios in Central and Northern
Luzon.
Published a thesis in 1926 entitled "Philippine Folk
Dances and Games" where she noted on previously
unrecorded forms of local celebration, ritual and sports.
Reyes-Aquino discovered and taught dances through her
books such as Tinikling, Maglalatik, Lubi-lubi, Polka sa
Nayon.
The education body distributed her work and adapted the
teaching of folk dancing in an effort to promote
awareness among the Filipino youth regarding their
cultural heritage.
Her contributions to physical education also introduced
the subject to the American school curriculum.
o
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AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
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Awards:
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Republic Award of Merit, Ramon Magsaysay
Award in 1954
Order of National Artists of the Philippines in 1962
Works (books):
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“Philippine Folk Dances and Games”
Philippine National Dances (1946
Gymnastics for Girls (1947)
Fundamental Dance Steps and Music (1948)
Foreign Folk Dances (1949)
Dances for all Occasion (1950)
Playground Demonstration (1951)
Philippine Folk Dances, Volumes I to VI.
Maiden in a Stream(1921)-GSIS collection - This
standout artworks is from the 1940s - the era described
by art critics as the “golden period” of Fernando
Amorsolo, the first National Artist. Lot 31, a genre
scene is a prime example of the idealized vision of the
Philippine countryside bathed in“sweetness and light.”
The Mestiza (1943)– National Museum of the
Philippines collection - This fine boceto by the first
National Artist shows elan - an airy, chic joie de vivre
quality depicting a Filipina beauty holding a fan in an
eye-catching ochre off-the-shoulder formal gown
known as the mestiza dress.
El Ciego (1928)-Central Bank of the Philippines
collection;
Dalagang Bukid (1936) – Club Filipino collection an extremely rare masterpiece work by Filipino
Modern Master, Fernando Cueto Amorsolo.
o Amorsolo is known primarily for his
vibrantly coloured romantic genre scenes of
young Filipina women amid the bucolic
landscapes of the Philippine countryside,
caught amid their daily tasks among the rice
fields and participating in rural community
traditional activities
Planting Rice (1946)-UCPB collection - The
‘Planting Rice with Mayon Volcano, Exhibits the
happiness across from the difficulties in planting rice.
Sunday Morning Going to Town (1958) – Ayala
Museum Collection
o
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o
1908 – 2nd Prize, Bazar Escolta (Asocacion
Internacional de Artistas), for Levendo Periodico
1922 – 1st Prize, Commercial and Industrial Fair in
the Manila Carnival
1929 – 1st Prize, New York's World Fair, for
Afternoon Meal of Rice Workers (also known as
Noonday Meal of the Rice Workers)
1940 – Outstanding University of the Philippines
Alumnus Award
1959 – Gold Medal, UNESCO National Commission
1961 – Rizal Pro Patria Award and Honorary
Doctorate in the Humanities, from the Far Eastern
University
1963 – Diploma of Merit from the University of the
Philippines, Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award,
from the City of Manila and Republic Cultural
Heritage Award
1972 – Gawad CCP para sa Sining, from the Cultural
Center of the Philippines
25. HERNANDO RUIZ OCAMPO
Born; April 28, 1911 in Manila, Philippines
26. BENEDICTO CABRERA
Died: December 28, 1978 in Caloocan, Philippines at the age of 67
Born: April 10, 1942( Malabon Phil)
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also known as HR Ocampo was a leading radical
modernist artist in the Philippines.
member of the Saturday Group of artists (also known as
the Taza de Oro Group), and was one of the pre-war
Thirteen Moderns, a group of modernist artists founded
by Victorio C. Edades in 1938.
Following in Modernist traditions, Ocampo used bold color
palettes and biomorphic shapes inspired by both his
country’s landscape and by science fiction writing.
Had a background as a writer and originally studied law
and creative writing before teaching himself art.
He started his career as a member of the Saturday Group
along with Vicente Silva Manansala and Cesar Legaspi.
Over the course of his career his interest evolved from
depictions of workers to abstract forms.
National Artist of the Visual Arts in 1991.
Parents: Democrito Cabrera and Isabel Reyes
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5 books covering BenCab's works have been released:
His major works in the visual arts:
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Slum Dwellers, Nude with Candle and Flower, Angel's
Kiss, Palayok at Kalan, Ancestors, The Resurrection, Fiftythree "Q," Back drop, Easter Sunday, Fiesta, Isda at
Mangga, Man and Carabao, Ina ng Balon, Mother and
Child, Calvary, and his most acknowledged work Genesis,
which served as the basis of curtain design in the Cultural
Center of the Philippines Main Theater. His works were
exhibited in Washington, New York, London, and Tokyo,
among others.His work was also part of the painting event
in the art competition at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Famous for his work "We or They"
He was the youngest of nine children. BenCab's first
exposure and discovery of the arts happened through his
elder Brother Salvador, who was already an established
artist during Bencab's childhood. He went on to study at the
University of the Philippines Diliman. He received his
bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in 1963.
In 2006, the Philippine Government conferred upon him the
Order of National Artist for Visual Arts.
In 2009, the University of the Philippines conferred upon
him an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.He was
also conferred Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa by
the University of the Cordilleras in 2018
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Ben Cabrera: Etchings (1970–1980) by Cid Reyes
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Bencab’s Rock Sessions by Eric Caruncho;
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BENCAB by Alfred Yuson and Cid Reyes;
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BenCab: Nude Drawings by Alfred Yuson;
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BenCab Portraits by Ambeth R. Ocampo.
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Portrait of Caroline 1972 - Portrait of Caroline. The
Portrait of Caroline is Bencab's homage to his wife,
British journalist, Caroline Kennedy. The couple
met in Manila in 1986 and married in London in 1969.
Together, they had three children.
Yellow Confetti (1984) - Bencab's Yellow Confetti is
one of the most controversial Filipino paintings in
modern times. It was created early- to mid-1980s to
describe the civil resistance in the Philippines
during the EDSA People Power Uprising. Perfectly
pictured how the proletariats thronged the metro
and raised their fists as a sign of resistance.
Crisis in Humanity (2017) - In Bencab's work, the
phenomenon was used as a sublime statement against
the era of resurgent fascism and brazen historical
revisionism. In 2017, the artist joined Karapatan:
Artists Stand for Human Rights with the artwork in
hand. “As the exhibition had a human rights theme, I
agreed to be part of an exhibition of large drawings
that is currently on in the Vargas Museum. The title of
my drawing is ‘Crisis in Humanity',” he explained.
Sabel - Sabel is arguably the most identifiable work
of Bencab. Sabel was the name of a homeless vagrant
who wandered the streets of Bambang where the artist
used to stay.
Edo Gesture - For the Edo Gesture, Bencab drew
inspiration from the ukiyo-e the portmanteau of
two Japanese characters Uki (to float) and Yo
(world). For the artist, this refers to the impermanence
of all living things on earth
Works:
LATER CAREER :
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His works as a writer includes "Don’t Cry, Don’t Fret" in
poetry; "Ikalawang Pagdalaw," "Unang Pamumulaklak,"
"Rice and Bullets," and "Bakia" in fiction; and "Buntot
Page," a screenplay written with Mario David.
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LIST OF SOME AWARDS RECEIVED:
1948 – 6th Prize, Art Association of the Philippines, for Nude with
Candle and Flower
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1949 – 3rd Prize, Manila Club Art Exhibition, for Angel’s Kiss
1950 – 1st Prize, Art Association of the Philippines, for Arabesque
and 2nd Prize, Art Association of the Philippines, for Man and
Carabao
1951 – 1st Prize and Special Award, Art Association of the
Philippines, for Ancestors and Honorable Mention, Art Association
of the Philippines, for Intramuros
1954 – 3rd Prize, Art Association of the Philippines, for 53-E and
Republic Cultural Heritage Award
1965 – Republic Cultural Award
1955 – Honorable Mention, Art Association of the Philippines, for
54-A
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1958 – 2nd Prize and Purchase Prize, Art Association of the
Philippines, for Nativity
HERE ARE OTHER NOTABLE RECOGNITIONS AND
AWARDS:
1969 – 1st Prize, Art Association of the Philippines, for Circle and
Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award (Stalwart of Art and
Culture), from the City of Manila
1962-Second Prize, Painting, Shell National Student Art Competition
1963-First Prize, Painting, University of the Philippines Student
Council Art Competition
1976 – Diwa ng Lahi Award, from the City of Manila
1991 – Philippine National Artist
1967-First Prize, Photography, 20th Art Association of the
Philippines (AAP) Annual Exhibition & Competition, Second Prize,
Photography, 20th AAP Annual Exhibition & Competition and Third
Honorable Mention, Photography, 20th AAP Annual Exhibition &
Competition
JUSQ RIP NILAGAY KO PA DIN KAHIT SUPER DAMI
1969-Philippine Representative, VI Paris Biennale
1979 – Gawad CCP para sa Sining Award, from the Cultural Center
of the Philippines
1970-Thirteen Artists Award, Cultural Center of the Philippines
o
Harana, 1957 - Harana is a painting that illustrates a
certain musician who is in the process of wooing a
Filipino woman. Way back during the Spanish occupation,
harana (serenade) was a widely-used process of men to get
the affectionate feelings of a woman.
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Gethsemane, 1958 - Depicting the Agony in the Garden,
Botong paints this moving and unique portrait of Christ in
his final hours before the Crucifixion.
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The Fiesta of Angono, 1960 - The Fiesta of Angono was a
central event in the town’s life, as well as in Botong’s. And
as Salvador Juban, his long-time protegé and artist
assistant, would recall, Botong always painted from life and
the things he knew.
Bayanihan, 1962 - bayanihan is taken from the root word
bayani meaning “hero”.bayanihan means being a hero to
one another. As in the classic tradition of carrying a house.
It is probably most clearly and impressively displayed in
the old tradition of neighbors helping a relocating family by
getting enough volunteers to carry the whole house, and
literally moving it to its new location.
Progress through Education, 1964 - his work was created
as a mural for a Manila textbook publishing firm and it
depicts the arrival and spread of education in the
Philippines, dramatizing the importance of education.
Filipino Struggles Through History, 1964 - Filipino
Struggles Through History, alternatively known as the
History of Manila. This painting depicts the Katipunan of
the Philippine Revolution. Filipino Struggles Through
History is considered one of Francisco's greatest works.
First Mass at Limasawa, 1965 - As seen, the painting
portrays the first mass which was celebrated in Limasawa
Island on the day of Easter. It is believed in the painting
that whatever is the person’s nationality, as long as that
person was there to attend the mass, that person is
welcomed and fully accepted.
Camote Diggers (unfinished), 1969 - The camote digger is
the archetype of toil and patience, a provincial everyman
clad only in shorts against an undetailed background The
sketch may stir an emotional reaction from the viewer, who
might think of hunger and poverty as suggested by the bent
and intent figure digging for a meal.
1988-Kalinangan (Cultural) Award For Painting, City of Manila
1991-President, Baguio Arts Guild
1992-Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining (CCP Awards For The Arts) for
Visual Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines
1993-Chairman, 4th Baguio Arts Festival
1994-Most Outstanding Kapampangan For Arts & Culture (Painting)
Award, given by President Ramos on Pampanga Day
1997-ASEAN Achievement Award, for Visual & Performing Arts,
5th ASEAN Achievement Awards, ASEAN Business Forum, Jakarta
and Outstanding Citizen of Baguio Award for Arts, given by the
mayor of Baguio on the city’s 88th Foundation Day
2005-Invited by the Singapore Tyler Print Institute to join their
Visiting Artists Programme as artist-in residence for one month
working on large-scale prints & paperpulp painting.
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2006-Conferred the Order of National Artist for Visual Arts by
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanan Palace.
2011-Holy Angel University Juan D. Nepomuceno Cultural Award
for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts
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RIP AGAIN
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27. CARLOS "BOTONG" FRANCISCO
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National Artist for Painting (1973).
Born- November 4, 1912
Died- March 31, 1969
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the poet of Angono, single-handedly revived the forgotten art of
mural and remained its most distinguished practitioner for nearly
three decades. In panels such as those that grace the City Hall of
Manila, Francisco turned fragments of the historic past into
vivid records of the legendary courage of the ancestors of his
race. He was invariably linked with the “modernist” artists,
forming with Victorio C. Edades and Galo Ocampo what was
then known in the local art circles as “The Triumvirate”.
Francisco was also a member of the “Thirteen Moderns,” a
group formed in 1938. He belonged to the first generation of
Philippine modernists, with Edades and Galo B. Ocampo, who
pioneered the directional shift of Philippine art from the
Francisco was recognized multiple times for achievement in
visual art, including his painting “Kaingin” (Swidden), winning
first prize in the inaugural national exhibition of the Art
Association of the Philippines (AAP) held at the National
Museum in 1948. He also received the Patnubay ng Sining at
Kalinangan Award from the City of Manila in 1964 and was
proclaimed National Artist in Painting in 1973.
WORKS:
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The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines, 1953 - Pagunlad ng Panggagamot sa Pilipinas (The Progress of
Medicine in the Philippines) is a group of four large-scale
paintings depicting healing practices in the Philippines
from pre-colonial times to the modern period.
The Nose Flute, 1955 - "The Nose Flute" was inspired by a
Filipino custom common in the northern mountain tribes of
the Philippines. The kalaleng (or nose flute), an instrument
of courtship, is used by inhaling through the moth and
breathing out of the nostril to create soft, beautiful
melodies. The red blanket also references a Cordilleran
courtship dance, which begins with a pair of separate
blankets that eventually become intertwined, symbolizing
true love.
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AWARDS AND HONORS:
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1st prize at The Exhibition of the Art Association of
the Philippines, National Museum, 1948
Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award (Stalwart of
Art and Culture), 1964
Philippine National Artist, 1973
SELECTED WORKS:
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Portrait of Purita, 1932, The Invasion of Limahong,,
Serenade, 1957, Muslim Betrothal, 1958, Blood
Compact, 1964, First Mass at Limasawa, The
Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, 1960, Magpupukot,
1957, Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid, Sandugo.
28. . CESAR LEGASPI
Born: April 2, 1917, Tondo
Died: April 7, 1994, Manila
Artworks: Gadgets, Morning dance, Man and Woman
Period: Cubism
Parents: Manuel Legaspi, Rosario Torrente
Children: Celeste Legaspi
Grandchildren: Ige Gallardo, Lala Gallardo-Samson, Waya Gallardo
Award: National Artist of the Philippines
Art Forms: Painting
He was also an art director prior to going full-time in his visual art
practice in the 1960s. His early works, alongside those of peer,
Hernando Ocampo are described as depictions of anguish and
dehumanization of beggars and laborers in the city.
LeGASPI'S AWARDS FROM THE ART ASSOCIATION OF
THE PHILIPPINES ARE:
o
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o
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31. GUILLERMO TOLENTINO
Born: July 24, 1890
Died: July 12, 1976
Fourth prize, Sick Child, 1948
First prize, Gadgets, 1944
Fourth prize, PIanters, 1949
Third prize, Ritual, 1951.
He won first prize for Stairway to Heaven in the Manila
club Art Exhibition in 1949.
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SOME OF HIS WORKS ARE:
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The Ritual - the meaning of the artwork ritual by cesar legaspi is he
consistently tackling issues of social injustice and the plight of the
working classes, Legaspi rendered his painting using undulating,
geometric stylizations of forms. Struggle, Dark Forest, Table with
Pitcher, Top of Boats, Tree Planting, Games for three, and family.
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GROUP 7 and 8
29. ABDULMARI ASIA IMAO
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Born: January 14, 1936
Died: December 16, 2014
He studied Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines
and mastered the field of sculpture in America and Rome.
He is a product of the Revival period in Philippine art.
Returning from Europe (where he was enrolled at the
Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Rome) in 1925, he was
appointed as professor at the UP School of Fine Arts where
the idea also of executing a monument for national heroes
struck him.
The result was the UP Oblation that became the symbol of
freedom at the campus. Acknowledged as his masterpiece
and completed in 1933, The Bonifacio Monument in
Caloocan stands as an enduring symbol of the Filipinos’ cry
for freedom.
He was recognized as a National Artist in 1973 and died
in 1976.
Other works include the bronze figures of President
Quezon at Quezon Memorial, life-size busts of Jose Rizal
at UP and UE, marble statue of Ramon Magsaysay in GSIS
Building; granolithics of heroic statues representing
education, medicine, forestry, veterinary science, fine arts
and music at UP.
He also designed the gold and bronze medals for the
Ramon Magsaysay Award and did the seal of the
Republic of the Philippines.
Occupation; sculptor, painter, photographer, ceramist, documentary
filmmaker, cultural researcher, writer, and articulator of Philippine
Muslim art and culture.
32. VICENTE MANANSALA
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Died: August 22, 1981
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Through his works, the indigenous ukkil (sinuous relief
woodcarving tradition found in houses and boats),
sarimanok (mythical bird-with-fish figure) and naga (sea
serpent motif) motifs have been popularized and instilled in the
consciousness of the Filipino nation and other peoples as
original Filipino creations.
His U.P. art education introduced him to Filipino masters like
Guillermo Tolentino and Napoleon Abueva, who were among
his mentors.
With his large-scale sculptures and monuments of Muslim and
regional heroes and leaders gracing selected sites from Batanes
to Tawi-tawi, lmao has helped develop among cultural groups
trust and confidence necessary for the building of a more
just and humane society.
National Artist of the Philippines for Sculpture in 2006.
A Tausug, Imao is the first Moro to receive the recognition.
Born: January 22, 1910, Macabebe Pampanga
Occupation: Filipino cubist painter and illustrator
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30. . FRANCISCO COCHTNG
Born: January 29, 1919
From 1926 to 1930, he studied at the U.P. School of Fine
Arts. In 1949, Manansala received a six-month grant by
UNESCO to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Banff
and Montreal, Canada.
In 1950, he received a nine-month scholarship to study at
the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris by the French
government.
Vicente Manansala‘s paintings are described as visions of
reality teetering on the edge of abstraction.
He trained in Paris and at Otis School of Drawing in Los
Angeles. Manansala believes that the beauty of art is in the
process, in the moment of doing a particular painting,
closely associating it with the act of making love. “The
climax is just when it’s really finished.”
33. NAPOLEON ABUEVA / Napoleon "Billy" Veloso
Abueva
Died: September 1, 1998
Born: January 26, 1930
Occupation: Filipino comic books illustrator and writer and is
regarded as one of the “pillars of the Philippine Komiks
Industry”.
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He served as both illustrator and writer for his comic book
stories, Coching is referred to as the "King of Komiks" and as
the "Dean of Philippine Comics".
In 2014, he was posthumously conferred as a National Artist
for Visual Arts, the highest honor for artists in the
Philippines.
Works:
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Coching. Duwag ang Sumuko, 1963. Ayala Museum. On loan.
Coching. Movie Idol, 1941. Ayala Museum. On loan.
Coching. Gabriela Silang, 1986. Ayala Museum. On loan.
Coching. Ang Barbaro, 1950. Ayala Museum. On loan.
Coching. Bertong Balutan, 1949. Ayala Museum. On loan.
Died: February 16, 2018
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National Artist for Sculpture in 1976 when he was 46,
making him the youngest recipient of the award to date.
Recognized as the “Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture”.
He used almost all kinds of materials for his sculptures such
as hard wood, adobe, metal, stainless steel, cement, marble,
bronze, iron, alabaster, coral and brass. He was the first
Filipino artist to mount a oneman exhibit at the Philippine
Center in New York in 1980.
Some of his major works include Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of
Judas (1955), Thirty Pieces of Silver, The Transfiguration
(1979), Eternal Garden Memorial Park, UP Gateway (1967),
Nine Muses (1994), UP Faculty Center, Sunburst (1994)Peninsula Manila Hotel, the bronze figure of Teodoro \ M.
Kalaw in front of National Library, and murals in marble at the
National Heroes Shrine, Mt. Samat, Bataan.
34. ANG KIUKOK (1931- May 9, 2005 in Quezon City, the
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Philippines.)
He was a Filipino painter who attained prominence for his
distinct portrayal of cubist, surrealist and expressionist
concepts.
Ang Kiukok was known for his nonmainstream portrayals of
the mother and child and the crucifixion of Christ.
Awards:
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National Artist by his home country in 2001, and
continued to exhibit with success.
He has won numerous awards from the Art
Association of the Philippines and his work has
been widely exhibited locally and internationally.
Before his passing in 2005, he was conferred
National Artist for Visual Arts in 2001 by then
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.