Natl Artist for Visual Arts
Napoleon Abueva (1976)
Napoleon Abueva, who was one of the youngest people ever to receive the Order
of National Artist, did so at the age of 46. The Father of Modern Philippine
Sculpture, Abueva was instrumental in shaping sculpture in the Philippines. He
was known for his skill with a wide range of forms and materials. In fact, he was
equally as comfortable with classical sculpture as he was with more abstract
forms, and his work is made from anything from local hardwood to coral to brass.
Abueva’s sculptures have been installed both in the Philippines and abroad, and
include Kiss of Judas (1955), Nine Muses (1994), and the death mask of slain
politician Benigno Aquino, Jr. Abueva's contribution to Philippine art was not
only limited to his own works, but also through his mentorship of younger artists
who have since become prominent in their own right. His legacy continues to
inspire and influence the contemporary art scene in the Philippines.
Victorio Edades (1976)
Victorio Edades was a prominent player in the history of Philippine art, regarded
as one of the revolutionary Thirteen Moderns and later termed the Father of
Modern Filipino Painting. Edades moved away from the idyllic landscapes of his
contemporary Amorsolo and instead preferred to paint a more sobering picture
of Philippine society. His works employed dark and somber colors, and were
focused on depicting the dirt and sweat of laborers, factory workers, and the
Philippine proletariat. He was appointed Dean of the Department of
Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas, where he later established an art
degree program. He invited Carlos Francisco and Galo B. Ocampo to become
university professors. After that, the three were later known as the Triumvirate.
Included among his works are The Sketch, Portrait of the Professor, and
Poinsettia Girl.
Adamson, J. (2021, July 26). A List of Philippine National Artists for
Visual Arts. Daydreaming in Paradise.
https://daydreaminginparadise.com/a-list-of-philippine-nationalartists-for-visual-arts/
Natl Artist for Performance Arts (Dance,
Theater, etc)
Honorata “Atang” Marquez de la
Rama-Hernandez
Atang de la Rama, who in this region is known as "bodabil," was a star of
vaudeville in the 1930s and was named a National Artist in 1987. She is also
referred to as the first Filipino actress and the Kundiman and Sarsuela Queen. A
competent singer, she was known for her iconic rendition of Dalagang Bukid. A
prolific performer, she not only sang at major theaters like Teatro Libertad and
Teatro Zorilla but she also performed in cockpits and open plazas around the
country. Atang de la Rama's contributions to Philippine culture and the arts
continue to be celebrated today, with various awards and recognition given in
her honor. Her legacy as a performer and cultural advocate has inspired
generations of Filipino artists and performers.
Daisy Pardo Hontiveros-Avellana
Given the name National Artist in 1999, Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana was known
as the "First Lady of Philippine Theater," having been in notable productions like
Othello, Macbeth in Black, Casa de Bernarda Alba, and Tatarin. But she is really
best remembered for her portrayal of Candida Marasigan from the stage and film
versions of Nick Joaquin’s classic Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino. Aside from her
acting prowess, Hontiveros-Avellana was also a respected theater director and
founded the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) in 1967, which
aimed to promote social awareness and cultural development through theater.
Lim, C. R. (2021, May 5). WATCH: 8 Philippine National Artists
for Theater. TheaterFansManila.com.
http://theaterfansmanila.com/watch-8-philippine-nationalartists-for-theater/
Natl Artist for Literature
Lualhati Bautista
Feminist activist and accomplished Filipina novelist Lualhati Bautista passed away on
February 12, 2023, according to reliable sources. Bautista published works of literature
throughout her career, including Dekada '70 and Bata, Bata, Pa'no Ka Ginawa? In a time
of misogyny, neoliberalism, and historical revisionism, "GAP" accomplished an
impressive feat by tackling issues like violence against women, American imperialism,
and Filipina femininity. The works of Bautista have won numerous honors both
domestically and abroad, including the Southeast Asian Writers Award and the Carlos
Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Future generations of Filipinos will continue to
draw inspiration from her legacy as a feminist icon and literary giant.
The works of Bautista have won numerous honors both domestically and abroad,
including the Southeast Asian Writers Award and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards
for Literature. Future generations of Filipinos will continue to draw inspiration from her
legacy as a feminist icon and literary giant.
Mortel, L. F. (2023, February 13). OBITUARY | Lualhati Bautista walked on the road paved by
others | Lila F. Mortel. BusinessMirror. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/02/13/obituarylualhati-bautista-walked-on-the-road-paved-by-others/
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard was born in Cebu, Philippines, after World
War II, as the fourth surviving child of Mariano Flores Manguerra and
Concepcion Cuenco Manguerra. Her father was a civil engineer from
Sta. Laguna, Rosa. Her mother was a successful businesswoman and
realtor who came from a political family in Cebu. Cecilia Manguerra
Brainard is a well-known Filipino-American author who has written
several novels, short stories, and essays. She is also the founder of
Philippine American Women Writers and Artists (PAWWA).
Cecilia grew up in the Central Philippine port city of Cebu, which retains
its Spanish-Colonial influences, inspiring Cecilia to create her mythical
setting called "Ubec," which echoes the Santo Nio Church, triangular
Spanish fort, and old buildings and streets of real Cebu. When the
Rainbow Goddess Wept, Magdalena, and The Newspaper Widow are all
set (at least partially) in Ubec. Ubec is also featured in three of her short
story collections, including Woman in Horns and Other Stories,
Acapulco at Sunset and Other Stories, and Vigan and Other Stories.
About. (n.d.). https://ceciliabrainard.com/about/
Natl Artist for Architecture
JUAN F. NAKPIL
Juan F. Nakpil is a pioneer and innovator in Philippine architecture as well as a
teacher and civic leader. In essence, Nakpil's greatest contribution is his
conviction that Philippine architecture exists and that it should be characterized
by Philippine customs and culture. Additionally, the fact that private Filipino
architects and engineers are now legally permitted to take part in the planning
and implementation of government projects is largely attributable to his zealous
advocacy and efforts. In the structures that now serve as the nation's
architectural legacy, he has combined strength, functionality, and beauty. He
also rebuilt and expanded the Quiapo Church in 1930, adding a dome and a
second belfry to the original design. He also designed the 1937 International
Eucharistic Congress altar.
The Rizal Theater, Capitol Theater, Captain Pepe Building, Manila Jockey Club,
Rufino Building, Philippine Village Hotel, University of the Philippines
Administration and University Library, and the reconstructed Rizal house in
Calamba, Laguna are just a few examples of Nakpil's notable constructions.
PABLO S. ANTONIO
Pablo Sebero Antonio, a National Artist for Architecture who was born at the
turn of the century, was a pioneer in Philippine modern architecture. His design
philosophy is one of simplicity and minimalism. Where there are curves, they
are made to be a part of the structure and the lines are straight and smooth.
Pablo Jr. points out, "For our father, every line must have a meaning, a purpose.
For him, function comes first before elegance or form". The maximum use of
natural light and cross ventilation is another feature of an Antonio structure.
The Far Eastern University Administration and Science buildings, the Manila
Polo Club, the Ideal Theater, the Lyric Theater, the Galaxy Theater, the Capitan
Luis Gonzaga Building, the Boulevard-Alhambra (now Bel-Air) apartments, and
the Ramon Roces Publications Building are just a few of Antonio's notable
creations (now Guzman Institute of Electronics). Antonio was a prolific architect
who contributed significantly to the development of Philippine architecture
during the American colonial period. His works are characterized by their Art
Deco and Streamline Moderne styles, which were popular during his time.
National Artists. (n.d.). United Architects of the Philippines. https://unitedarchitects.org/about/national-artists/