UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

S.Y. 2020-2021
Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions
“Who is your next National Artist?”

Kent Fhilip R. Aseron 12HA-17

Kawayan De Guia (Visual Artist)

Kawayan de Guia is a multimedia artist who works in a variety

of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, installation,
and performance. He was born in the Philippines, in the city of
Baguio in 1979. De Guia attended the Philippine High School
for the Arts and later graduated from the University of the
Philippines with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He received
the Ateneo Art Award in 2008 and 2011, and the Thirteen
Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines in
2009. Soil and Stones, Souls and Songs, Para Place, Hong Kong (2017), Behind Foreign Lands: Southeast Asian
Contemporary Art, Soka Art Center, Beijing (2016), and Wasak! Filipino Art Today, Arndt, Singapore (2016) are
some of the most recent exhibitions in which he has participated.

In his wall-based works and art projects, he combines an

eclectic mix of items, such as Ifugao rice gods, decorative torpedo
bombs, and American jukeboxes turned into Pinoy jeepneys. His
works reflect on a wide range of topics, from the histories of
occupation, trade, and commerce that have shaped Philippine history
and culture to the relationships between community and commodities,
in a humorous and piquant manner. The primary intention of Wasak!
and the corresponding publication is to draw attention to the
fascinating contemporary art being developed currently in the
Philippines. It aims to provide a symbolic historical compilation by
providing an overview of Filipino contemporary art. The exhibition provides snapshots of current artistic practices
in the Philippines by putting together a selection of leading protagonists from different generations, styles, and
media. His works would have a major impact on Filipinos, encouraging us to become more interested in the
country's sociopolitical issues. He provides us with an opportunity to experience the different directions he has
wandered into—a chance to view a small course of history that is finding its way into the arts.
Joey Ayala (Performance Artist)

Joey Ayala is a singer, composer, and musician who is regarded as one

of the country's leading proponents of ethnic and alternative music. He
promotes the country's musical culture by singing songs about local
traditions and social issues, continuing to play ethnic instruments, and
putting on shows and workshops to educate and inspire Filipinos
through music. Joey uses his music to advocate for environmental
sustainability and the conservation of the country's endangered wildlife
(in his songs "Agila," "Butanding," and "Bathala," where he laments the
loss of the trees, hails the magnificence of the Butanding, and condemns
the abuse of nature). In "Magkabilaan" and "Magkaugnay," he preaches
unity in diversity as he talks of the opposing aspects of every entity or
being. Joey's songs (such as "Sta. Filomena," "Batangbakal," and
"Karaniwang Tao") depict the realities of poverty and injustices. His
songs "Tabi Po," "Simpleng Yaman," and "Pasasalamat," also uphold
the Filipinos' traditional values and way of life. His songs like "Walang Hanggang Paalam," "Habang Natutulog,"
and "Padayon," attest to the virtues of passion, patience, and hard work.

An outstanding composer, performer,

bandleader, lyricist, arranger, and writer who
has characterized the ethnic character of
Mindanao music, which he skillfully makes
with his voice and indigenous instruments,
resulting in the Filipino soul's awareness of
moral values and environmental
responsibilities. Through his well-known
songs, he has instilled in young generations the
values of unity and culture, love and service, and human dignity. Furthermore, he demonstrated what it means to
be a man of God and a man for others by his most ordinary deeds. He is a true model of social artistry because of
his passionate contribution to music in teaching values. This talented man may be chosen as the next national
artist because he creates music that defines the unique Filipino spirit, distinguishes the ethnic character of Filipino
music through the use of native instruments, and awakens in Filipinos an appreciation of their own culture.
References:
http://www.arndtfineart.com/website/artist_37311?idx=g
https://www.pintoart.org/kawayan-de-guia

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Joey_Ayala