LESSON 6

NATIONAL ARTISTS
AND THEIR
CONTRIBUTIONS TO
PARTICULAR AREAS
An Artist for the Nation
In 1972, the Philippines named its first
national artist- world-class painter Fernando
Amorsolo. The national artist award is a great
honor given to the Filipino whose life and works
have contributed to the advancement of the country’s
arts and letters. The national artist then became part
of the prestigious roster of the Order of National
Artists. National Center for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines
(CCP) jointly administer the nomination and
selection of the chosen exemplary artists, who are
conferred by the President of the country.
NATIONAL ARTISTS
1. ANTONINO R. BUENAVENTURA
1. Antonino R. Buenaventura
Antonino Buenaventura, together with
Francisca Reyes Aquino, National Artist for
Dance, researched on and popularized
Philippine folksongs and dances in 1935. He
wrote songs and musical arrangement based on
the folk songs of different ethnic groups in the
country.
2. JOSE MACEDA
2. Jose Maceda
Jose Maceda's life-long musical career
focused on understanding and popularizing
Filipino traditional music. He conducted
researches and fieldworks on traditional music
which resulted in his wide array of recorded
music from different parts of the country. His
major works include Ugma-ugma, Pagsamba,
Udlot-udlot, Kubing, Agungan, Ugnayan,
Aroding, Ading, Siasid, and Suling-suling.
3. LUCRECIA R. KASILAG
3. Lucrecia R. Kasilag
Lucrecia R. Kasilag reinforces the Filipino's
appreciation to music by fusing Western
influences to Philippine ethnic music. She
integrated ethnic instruments in her orchestral
productions.
4. ERNANI J. CUENCO
4. Ernani J. Cuenco
He is one of the remarkable singer, composer,
film scorer and musician in his time. Many of his
songs etched a mark in the hearts of the Filipinos
due to his style of incorporating Kundiman
elements in his ballad love songs. Many of his
works served as the theme songs and musical
scores for numerous Filipino movies that led to
his fame. Some ot his popular works include
Bato sa Buhangin, Bulong ng Puso, Kalesa,
Gano Kita Kamahal, Diligin mo ng Hamog ang
Uhaw na Lupa.
5. LUCIO SAN PEDRO
5. Lucio San Pedro

Lucio San Pedro is a master composer known for

creatively using folk idioms in his musical compositions.
Unlike other artists, he did not incorporate folk song materials
in his works. Instead, he extracted the Filipino essence and
style from the folk materials and used them in his
compositions. Some of his famous songs include Sa Ugoy ng
Duyan, Lulay; choral compositions include Eastern
Cantata, Sa Mahal Kong Bayan; orchestral works include
The Devils Bridge, Malakas at Maganda Overture, Hope
and Ambition; and band musical compositions include
Dance of Fairies, and Lahing Kayumanggi. Moreover,
Maestro Lucio San Pedro was the conductor of three bands
namely Peng Kong Grand Mason Band, The San Pedro Band of
Angono, and Banda Angono Numero Uno.
6. ANTONIO J. MOLINA
6. Antonio J. Molina
Antonio Molina's contribution to the Philippine music
is his use of folk music in his works. He innovated the
Philippine music in his time by using folk instrumental
like the kulintangan and gabbang. He composed more
than 300 works and two-thirds of which used traditional
music. His works involve orchestral music like Ang
Batingaw Choral Symphony, Kundiman-Kundangan, The
Living World; chamber music like Hating gabu, String
Quartet, Kung sa Iyong Gunita; keyboard music like
Malikmata, We Were Moonlight, Dancing Fool; vocal
music like Amihan, Awit ni Maria Clara, and Larawan
Nitong Pilipinas, among others.
7. FRANCISCO FELICIANO
7. Francisco Feliciano
Francisco Feliciano was a musician,
composer, teacher, and conductor known for
incorporating "Asianess” in his music. His
works show the rich culture and ethnicity of Asia
especially the Philippines. His major works
include Sihay sa Kabila ng Paalam, La
Lobanegra, Pokpok Alimako, Pamagun, Yerma,
and the Ashen Wings.
8. LEVI CELERIO
8. Levi Celerio
Levi Celerio started playing the violin when he was
11 years old. Due to his extraordinary talent in music,
Alexander Lippay of the University of the Philippines
Conservatory of Music recommended him at the
Academy of Music Manila for a scholarship. However,
Celerio had an accident resulting to a broken wrist which
stopped him from playing the violin but this accident did
not stop him from continuing a career in music. Some of
his famous pieces are Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Dahil sa Isang
Bulaklak, Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Ang Pipit, Kung
Tayo'y Magtanim, Kalesa, etc. He was also the lyricist of
the famous Christmas song, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit.
9. RAMON SANTOS
9. Ramon Santos
Ramon Santos music highlights Asia's and
Philippines rich artistic tradition and features
elements from western and non-western areas.
He combined Philippine indigenous instruments
and vocals to orchestral instruments and other
instruments from foreign nations like the
Javanese ganmelan. He is also composed works
that inter-weaved Asian culture, drama, poetry,
and dance like his Sandiwaan, Daragang
Magayon, Ta-O, Awit ni Pulau, etc.
10. JOVITA FUENTES
10. Jovita Fuentes
Jovita Fuentes was a remarkable Filipina artist
known for her portrayal of Cio-cio san in Madame
Butterfly, which was held in Treatro Municipale di
Piacenza in Italy Spain awarded her as the
“Embahadora de Filipinas a su Madre Patria” for
outstandingly portraying different roles in numerous
musical performance in Europe. It has to be noted
that at that time Filipinas are rarely heard in Europe,
but Jovita made the country proud of her exceptional
voice and performances.
11. FELIPE PADILLA DE LEON
11. Felipe Padilla de Leon
He is a “people’s musician” for the
sentiments and aspirations of the Filipino people
in times of war and of peace are evident in his
musical works. Some of his orchestral music
include Mariang Makiling Overture and Roca
Encatada; his symphonic works include Maynila
Overture and Orchesteruk while his choral music
and songs include Payapang Daigdig, Ako ay
Pilipino, Bulaklak, and Mutya ng Lahi.
12. ANDREA VENERACION
12. Andrea Veneracion
Andrea Veneracion played a significant part in
the development of the Philippine choral music.
She was the founder of the world-renowned
choral group, the Philippine Madrigal Singers,
which was won numerous awards in and outside
the country. The Madrigals contributed in the
development of choral literature and movement
throughout the Philippines.
NATIONAL ARTISTS
1. FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO
1. Francisca Reyes Aquino
In 1920's, Francisca Reyes Aquino vigorously
researched on the different folk dances of the
Philippines which made her the "Folk Dance
Pioneer” of the country. Her research entitled
“Philippine Dances and Games" contains the
country's unrecorded celebrations, folk dances,
rituals, and games.
2. RAMON OBUSAN
2. Ramon Obusan
Ramon Obusan promoted the Philippine
ethnic dances and performed them with respect
and authenticity. He researched on the different
Philippine ethnic groups throughout the country
to perfectly perform their dances. His
presentations attempt to demonstrate the ethnic
dances' original routine and music.
3. ALICE REYES
3. Alice Reyes
Alice Reyes' major and most significant
contribution in the Philippine dance is the
development of unique Filipino modern dance
idiom. She creatively interweaved Philippine
ethnic dance, modern dance, and ballet
producing a one of a kind contemporary dance
routine. She popularized contemporary dance in
the Philippines through her concerts, tours,
outreach works and lecture demonstrations in
schools.
4. LEONOR OROSA GOQUINGCO
4. Leonor Orosa Goquingco
Leonor Orosa Goquingco, also known as the
“Trailblazer," “Mother of Philippine Theater
Dance', and “Dean of Filipino Performing
Arts Critics," significantly contributed to the
progress of the Philippine dance by developing
distinct productions using balletic folkloric and
Asian styles.
5. LUCRECIA REYES-URTULA
5. Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula
Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula studied the country's
folk and ethnic dances for four decades and
developed ethnic choreographies applying her
findings. She was the dance director of
Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company for
three decades who choreographed various dances
for the group. Among her major works are
cultural dances namely Singkil, Vinta, Tagabili,
Pagdiwata, and Salisid.
NATIONAL ARTISTS

THEATER
1. DAISY AVELLANA
1. Daisy Avellana
Daisy Avellana was the so-called First Lady
of the Philippine Theater because of her
magnificent performances in classic Filipino and
international theater productions and plays. Some
of the productions she significantly became part
of were Othello, Macbeth in Black, Tatarin,
Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, Diego Silang,
Walang Sugat, etc.
2. ROLANDO TINIO
2. Rolando Tinio
Rolando Tinio was an outstanding stage
director, poet, and playwright known for his
numerous remarkable productions and notable
scripts. Some of his works include film scripts
for Now and Forever, Gamitin Mo Ako, and
Milagros, sarswelas like Ang Mestiza, and Ana
Maria, and komedya like Orosman at Zafira.
Rolando Tinio is also a National Artist for
Literature aside from Theater.
3. WILFREDO MA. GUERRERO
3. Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero
Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero, being a theater
teacher and artist, has mentored and trained
many performing artists for 35 years. He also
introduced and popularized Philippine theater to
different parts of the country by establishing the
UP Mobile Theater. His major works include
Wanted: A Chaperon, Condemned, Perhaps, In
Unity, Three Rats, The Forsaken House,
Frustrations, etc.
4. HONORATA “ATANG" DELA RAMA
4. Honorata “Atang" dela Rama
Honorata “Atang” dela Rama started her
theatrical career in an early age. At the age of seven,
she has already been a part of different Spanish
zarzuelas. From then on, she played many roles in
numerous productions where she became popular
and hailed as the Queen of Kundiman. The
sarsuelas she became part of are Dalagang Bukid,
Mascota, Marina, Pangarap ni Rosa, etc. The songs
she popularized are Pakiusap, Ay Kalisud, Madaling
Araw, and Kung libig Ka. She sarswelas she wrote
Puri at Bahay, Anak ni Eba, and Aking Ina.
5. SALVADOR F. BERNAL
5. Salvador F. Bernal
Salvador Bernal was an exceptional theater
designer who designed hundreds of theater
productions for a span of four decades. Bernal
was also a professor at the University of the
Philippines Diliman and Ateneo De Manila
University where he shared his competencies to
the aspiring young designers.
6. SEVERINO MONTANO
6. Severino Montano
Severino Montano Hailed as the Titan of the
Philippine Theater, Severino Montano took the
lead in promoting "legitimate theater" in the
country. Montano was a top caliber playwright,
theater artist, and director who took up degrees
in and outside the country to master theater arts
and later on to share his learning and
competencies to the younger Filipino generation.
NATIONAL ARTISTS
1. FERNANDO AMORSOLO
1. Fernando Amorsolo
Fernando Amorsolo known as the “Grand
Old Man of the Philippine Art" was the first
National Artist of the country. His significant
works are Planting Rice, Dalagang Bukid, The
Mestiza, and Maiden in a Stream, among others.
2. HERNANDO OCAMPO
2. Hernando Ocampo
Hernando Ocampo is one of the Thirteen
Moderns, who paved the way to art modernism in the
Philippines. Compared to the classical paintings, his
works were more radical and more poetic. He
developed a new style of abstraction through his use
of fierce and striking colors. His works proved that
abstract and non-traditional style of painting can also
result to nationalistic art. His major artworks were
Genesis, Calvary, Slum Dwellers, Nude with Cradle
and Flower, The Resurrection, Fiesta, etc.
3. BENEDICTO CABRERA
3. Benedicto Cabrera
Benedicto Cabrera, popularly known as
BenCab, is an award winning painter and
printmaker who was tagged as a master of the
Philippine contemporary art. The most popular
subject of his painting was "Sabel", the woman
scavenger roaming the streets of his hometown
when he was young. Sabel depicts poverty and
inequalities in the Philippine society.
4. CARLOS “BOTONG "FRANCISCO
4. Carlos “Botong "Francisco
Carlos "Botong" Francisco was a muralist
from Angono, Rizal. For nearly three decades,
Francisco painted murals showing the historical
past of the Philippines. Most of his subjects
depict the life in his hometown and highlight the
lives of the farmers and the fishermen. His major
works include Blood Compact, The Martyrdom
of Rizal, Bayanihan, Sandugo, Portrait of Purita,
First Mass at Limasawa, The Invasion of
Limahong, etc.
5. CESAR LEGASPI
5. Cesar Legaspi
Cesar Legaspi is one of the Thirteen Moderns,
who promoted modern arts in the country. The
thirteen moderns were the artists who followed the
steps of the triumvirate Victorio Edades, Carlos
Francisco, and Galo Ocampo. He was a neo-realist
whose important contribution to modern art was
his refinement of cubism in the Philippine
context. Some of his major art pieces are The
Beggars, The Stairway, The Ritual, The Survivor,
Gadget I and II, Flight, Struggle, Peace, Bayanihan,
Façade, Ovary, Idols of the Third Eye, among others.
6. ABDULMARI ASIA IMAO
6. Abdulmari Asia Imao
Abdulmaria Asia Imao is a visual artist from
Sulu, who articulated the Muslim culture and
art in the country. He preserved and promoted
the Philippine indigenous art through the use of
ethnic themes like the ukkil, sarimanok, and naga
in his paintings and sculptures. His artworks
include murals like the industry Brass Mural of
the Philippine National Bank, Industrial Mural of
the Central Bank of the Philippines, and the
Mural Relief in Filmmaking painted in the
Manila City Hall.
7. GUILLERMO TOLENTINO
7. Guillermo Tolentino
Guillermo Tolentino was the master sculptor who
introduced classical sculpture in the country. His
works, though classical in style, are still identifiable
Filipino. He was known for creating monuments
and bust figures of Philippine Heroes like Andres
Bonifacio and Jose Rizal and Philippine
presidents like Manuel Quezon and Ramon
Magsaysay. He was also the one who created the UP
Oblation, which became the representation of the
academic freedom of the university.
8. ARTURO LUZ
8. Arturo Luz
Arturo Luz is an abstractionist known for his
minimalist paintings and sculptures which exude
sophisticated simplicity. He started doing art at the
age of 17 without prior training. Then, later on, had
his first art lesson under the tutelage of Pablo
Amorsolo, brother of Fernando Amorsolo. His major
painting pieces include Procession, Bagong Taon,
Vendedor de Flores, Skipping Rope, Candle
Vendors, Self Portrait, Night Glows, Grand Finale,
and Cyclist Series.
9. FREDERICO AGUILAR ALCUAZ
9. Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz
Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz was the artist
known for his gestural abstract expressionistic
paintings using a variety of mediums like
acrylic and oil. He was also a sculptor who
produced abstract and figurative sculptures made
of materials like ceramics, paper, and mixed
media. His works include Reveries of Love, Still
Life with Landscape, Panoramic View of Manila,
Tres Marias, and Tap Room, among others.
10. NAPOLEON ABUEVA
10. Napoleon Abueva
Napoleon Abueva is the Father of Modern
Philippine Sculpture, who made use of wide
range of materials in his works like different
types of hardwood, stones, and metals. He was
also the sculptor who started the trend in mixing
different materials, like metal and stone, in
making sculptures. Among his notable works are
Nine Muses, Kaganapan, Stations of the Cross,
Sunburst, and The Transfiguration.
11. JEREMIAS ELIZALDE NAVARRO
11. Jeremias Elizalde Navarro
Jeremias Elizalde Navarro, popularly known as J.
Elizalde Navarro, was a painter and a sculptor. As a
painter, Navarro created both abstract and figure
paintings using oil and watercolor. The prominent
elements in his abstract works were its geometric
forms and spontaneous strokes. As a sculptor, his
was popular for his masks, carved in hardwood, with
combined features of human and animal. Among his
remarkable works are I'm Sorry Jesus I Can't Attend
the Mass, Grand Prix: Homage to Dodgie Laurel, A
Flying Contraption for Mr. Icarus, The Seasons, and
All Because of Humpy Dumpy's Fall.
12. FRANCISCO COCHING
12. Francisco Coching
Francisco Coching Tagged as “Dean of
Filipino Illustrators”, Francisco Coching was
popular for his komiks drawings. The
significant features of Coching's works were
their fluid drawings and dramatic storyline.
Fantasy, love and adventure were the usual
themes of his works drawing inspiration from
awit and korido. Among his works are
Lapu-Lapu, Pedro Penduko, Hagibis, El Nido,
and Maldita.
13. VICTORIO EDADES
13. Victorio Edades
Victorio Edades is the “Father of Modern
Philippine Painting." He was one of the
“Triumvirate” who introduced modernism in
Philippine Visual Art. Upon his arrival to the
Philippines after studying abroad, Edades
shocked many Filipinos on his exhibit due to his
non-conventional style of painting.. The Sketch,
Japanese Girl, Mother and Daughter, The
Wrestler, and Poinsettia Girl are among his
famous art piece.
14. ANG KIUKOK
14. Ang Kiukok
Ang Kiukok was known for his highly
expressionistic works containing powerful
meanings. Some of his famous paintings include
Geometric Landscape, Pieta, and Seated Figure.
15. JOSE JOYA
15. Jose Joya
Jose Joya is an abstractionist known for his
"gestural paintings.” The prominent elements
of his artworks include their color harmony
inspired by the country's landscapes, their
kinetic energy, and their spontaneity. Some of
his works include Approaching Storm, Space
Transfiguration, Beethoven Listening to Blues,
City Entering the Edge of Sundown, and
Dimension of Fear, among others.
16. VICENTE MANANSALA
16. Vicente Manansala
Vicente Manansala was a cubist painter who
painted with a wide range of subject matters
from the happy and bountiful rural to
poverty-stricken urban set ups. Among his
notable works include Mother and Child, A
Cluster Nipa Hut, Nude, Via Crucis, Market
Vendor, and I Believe in God.
NATIONAL ARTISTS
1. FRANCISCO ARCELLANA
1. Francisco Arcellana
Francisco Arcellana is one of the proponents
of modern Filipino short story which uses
English as its language. Due to his
innovativeness in developing fiction, he was able
to come up with short stories using lyrical
prose-poetic approach. He had published
books, poems, and short stories. Included in his
collection of short stories are Death in a Factory,
A Clown Remembers, Frankie, Lina, etc.
2. EDITH TIEMPO
2. Edith Tiempo
In over five decades, Edith Tiempo produced
numerous remarkable poems and short
stories. Evident in her poems is the harmony of
intellect and emotions which resulted in fine
literary pieces. The “Littlest Marmoset” and
“Bonsai" are two of her notable poems. She
founded the Silliman National Writer's
Workshop in Dumaguete City together with her
husband, Edilberto Tiempo, which produced
equally talented writers.
3. BIENVENIDO LUMBERA
3. Bienvenido Lumbera
Bienvenido Lumbera's most significant
contribution in the field of literature is the
introduction of the Bagay poetry. He pioneered
the writing of Bagay poetry together with other
poets like Rolando Tinio, Jose Lacaba, Antonio
Samson, and Edmundo Martinez. His major
works include Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa,
Apat na Dulang May Musika, Pakikiramay, and
Sariling Bayan, among others.
4. N.V.M. GONZALEZ
4. N.V.M. Gonzalez
Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzales or N.V.M
Gonzales is a writer known for his effective use
of English language in expressing and shaping
the culture and sensibility of the Filipino
people and the country. He has published
voluminous literary works including The Winds
of April, Work on the Mountain, The Bread of
Salt and Other Stories, Seven Hills Away, and
many others.
5. VIRGILIO ALMARIO
5. Virgilio Almario
Virgilio Almario is an exemplary poet who
carries the pen name "Rio Alma". Alma was
famously known for his modern poetry filled
with social consciousness. Included in his works
is his first major collection of poetry, Doktrinang
Anakpawis, which reflects the 70's political
mayhem. This was followed by Mga Retrato at
Rekwerdo and Muli sa Kandungan ng Lupa.
6. CIRILIO BAUTISTA
6. Cirilio Bautista
Cirilio Bautista is a literary genius who produced
numerous works such as poems, fictions, and
essays. Included in his major works are Summer
Suns, Galaw ng Asoge, Words and Battlefield,
among others. For four decades, Cirilio Bautista
contributed in the enrichment and promotion of
Philippine literature through his writings, workshops,
and lectures. He also said in founding literary groups
like the Philippine Literary Art Council, Baguio
Writers Group, and the Iligan Writer's Workshop.
7. NICK JOAQUIN
7. Nick Joaquin
Nick Joaquin is a playwright, poet, novelist, short
story writer, and a journalist. He was the most
distinguished Filipino writer who used English as his
medium of writing. His literary pieces explored the
Spanish colonial past of the country and the social
changes evident in the Philippines. Included in his
works are Doña Geronima, The Order of
Melchizedek, The Ballad of Five Battles, Rizal in
Saga, Cave, and Shadows, and The Woman, Who
Have Two Navels.
8. AMADO V. HERNANDEZ
8. Amado V. Hernandez
Amado V. Hernandez is the socially
committed writer who believes that a writer
should uplift the human spirit by being the
voice of the society in times of oppression.
Included in his numerous works are Bayang
Malaya, Isang Dipang Langit, Luha ng Buwaya,
Langaw sa Isang Basong Gatas at Iba Pang
Kuwento ni Amado V. Hernandez, Magkabilang
Mukha ng Isang Bagol at Iba Pang Akda ni
Amado V.Hernandez
9. LAZARO FRANCISCO
9. Lazaro Francisco
Lazaro Francisco is a master of Tagalog novel
whose literary pieces highlight the writer's
nationalism. Francisco’s novels express his desire for
social change. He wrote for the masses and the
common people depicting their way of life. Lazaro
published 11 literary pieces which are considered as
Philippine literary classics. Included in his novels are
Ama, Daluyong, and Maganda Pa ang Daigdig.
10. JOSE GARCIA VILLA
10. Jose Garcia Villa
Jose Garcia Villa is the contemporary poet
who used the pen name Doveglion, a
combination of a dove, eagle, lion. He was
known not just locally but internationally. He
received awards outside the country for his
remarkable style in writing poetry. His poems
collection includes Many Voices, Poems 55,
Footnote to Youth, Poems in Praise of Love: The
Best Love Poems of Jose Garcia Villa, etc.
11. FRANCISCO SIONIL JOSE
11. Francisco Sionil Jose
Francisco Sionil Jose, commonly known as F. Sionil
Jose, was recognized for his remarkable writings showing
the Filipino's aspiration for freedom and social justice.
He realized the importance of land reform and social
change and wrote articles about them in the Manila Times
Sunday Magazine, which won numerous awards. As a
novelist, he wrote his opus called the Rosales Saga
composed of 5 noteworthy novels entitled Poon, Tree,
Mass, The Pretenders, and My Brother, My Executioner.
These novels contain the history of the Philippines from
the 1880s up to the 1970s and the social struggles of the
Filipino people.
12. CARLOS P. ROMULO
12. Carlos P. Romulo
In the field of writing, Carlos P. Romulo was an
editor, a reporter, and a publisher. He wrote series of
articles predicting the World War II and won the
Pulitzer Prize in Journalism in America. He was
the only Asian, who was given the said
recognition. Moreover, he wrote numerous literary
works which include novels, memoirs, and
autobiographies. Included in his works were his
novel The United, his autobiography I Walked with
Heroes, and other war-time memoirs, Aside from
being a writer, he is a respected world leader. He
was the first Asian, who became president of the
United Nations.
13. ALEJANDRO ROCES
13. Alejandro Roces
Alejandro "Anding" Roces is known for his
staunch contributions to art and country. He is
considered as the best comic short story writer
and one of the few humorists in the literature.
His work, “We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers"
won the first prize in the Student Literary
Contest and published in the prestigious Arizona
Quarterly.
14. CARLOS QUIRINO
14. Carlos Quirino
Carlos Quirino was the first recipient of the
National Artist Award for Historical
Literature awarded by President Fidel V.
Ramos. He was the biographer who wrote The
Great Malavan, one of the first Jose Rizal
biographies. Also, he has written books and
articles which contain wide range of topics
involving Philippine history and culture.
NATIONAL ARTIST

FILM AND BROADCAST

1. LAMBERTO V. AVELLANA
1. Lamberto V. Avellana
Lamberto Avellana was the so-called “The
Boy Wonder of the Philippine Cinema”. He
was the director who first utilized the motion
picture camera which influenced filmmaking
techniques. In his earlier years, Avellana was
into the field of theater. He established the
Barangay Theater Guild together with his wife,
Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana. His award-winning
films are Badjao, Anak Dalita, and Kalderong
Pilak, among others.
2. LINO BROCKA
2. Lino Brocka
Lino Brocka was an award-winning director
who used "freedom of expression" in his
works. He was a social activist that gave hope to
the marginalized sector of the society through his
productions. Some of the films he produced
include Wanted: Perfect Mother, Tubog sa
Ginto, Tinimbang ka Ngunit Kulang,
Orapronobis, Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag,
Bona, and Makiusap Ka sa Diyos, among
others.
3. ISHMAEL BERNAL
3. Ishmael Bernal
Ishmael Bernal was the so-called "Genius of the
Philippine Cinema." Apart from the aesthetics of
his productions, the powerful messages contained his
films created a great impact to the Philippine cinema.
His works were reflections of the existing realities
of the Philippine society and the struggle of the
Filipino people. The significant element in Bernal's
works was their symbolic details. Among his works
are Himala, Nunal sa Tubig, Pahiram ng Isang
Umaga, and Broken Marriage.
4. MANUEL CONDE
4. Manuel Conde
Manuel Pabustan Urbano, popularly known as
Manuel de started his journey in the world of film as
an apprentice in Filippine Films. He, later on,
became the assistant director for sarswela film
entitled Giliw Ko of the LVN pictures. He then
became a director and directed box office hits films
like "Ibong Adarna." Conde introduced local
cinema to an international audience. Some of his
films include Siete Infantes De Lara, Si Juan
Tamad, Juan Tamad Goes to Congress, and Ikaw
Kasi, among others.
5. GERARDO DE LEON
5. Gerardo de Leon
When he was still in high school, Gerardo de
Leon served as a piano player for silent movies.
This became his first training ground in the field
of cinema. He was a medical practitioner by
profession but because of his burning passion for
cinema, he chose to pursue a career in directing
films. Among his classic productions are Noli
Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Daigdig ng
Mga Api, and Sisa.
6. RONALD ALAN K. POE (FERNANDO
POE JR.)
6. Ronald Alan K. Poe (Fernando Poe Jr.)
Ronald Alan K. Poe, popularly known as
Fernando Poe Jr., was a legendary icon in the
Philippine cinema. As an actor, FPJ starred on
numerous Filipino action movies like Ang
Batang Maynila, Mga Alabok sa Lupa, Ang
Probinsyano, Ako ang Katarungan, Totoy
Bato, etc. He also played as a hero on fantasy
movies like Ang Alamat, Ang Panday, and
Ang Pagbabalik ng Lawin. Apart from being an
actor, FPJ was also a writer, a director, and a
producer.
7. EDDIE ROMERO
7. Eddie Romero
Eddie Romero, whose real name was Edgar
Romero y Sinco, was a screen playwright, a
producer, and a film director. Romero's career in the
field of filmmaking started when he was still a
student in Siliman University. Gerardo de Leon
asked him to write a screenplay for him which
resulted to his first script called Ang Maestra.
After this, more opportunities came to Eddie that led
him to write other screenplays like Anong Ganda
Mo, So Long America, Isumpa Mo Giliw,
Mameng Iniibig Kita, and Hindi Kita Malimot.
He, later on, became the associate director for
Mameng Iniibig Kita, and Hindi Kita Malimot.
NATIONAL ARTISTS

ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND ALLIED

ARTS
1. PABLO S. ANTONIO
1. Pablo S. Antonio
Pablo S. Antonio was known for his simple
architectural designs consisting of clean lines
and functional curves. He did not focus much
on the aesthetics of his design but the strength of
the architecture. His main considerations in his
structures were austerity and function. Included
in his significant works are Far Eastern
University Administration and Science
buildings; and theaters like the Lyric Theater,
Ideal Theater, and Galaxy Theater, among
others.
2. LEANDRO V. LOCSIN
2. Leandro V. Locsin
Leandro Locsin was a remarkable architect who
designed numerous structures including residential
and commercial buildings, churches, government
offices, hotels, etc. His architectural designs were
described as original and modern with a touch
Filipino culture and arts represented by the
presence of traditional forms and patterns in his
works. His grandest work is the Istana Nurul Iman
(Palace of Religious Light). This was the palace of
the Sultan of Brunei with 200,000 sqm floor area.
The design of the structure is a mixture of Islamic
and Malayan themes and modern lines.
3. JUAN F. NAKPIL
3. Juan F. Nakpil
The most prominent elements in Juan F.
Nakpil's architectural designs were their strength,
function, and aesthetics. His works were
reflections of the Philippine traditional and
cultural heritage. Some of his major works are
the Avenue Theater and Hotel Building,
Quezon Institute Buildings, International
Eucharistic Congress Altar, and the renovated
Quiapo Church.
4. ILDEFONSO P. SANTOS
4. Ildefonso P. Santos
Ildefonso Santos was a famous landscape
architect known for landscaping plazas, gardens,
hotels, playgrounds, commercial centers, housing
projects, parks, etc. He introduced outdoor shopping
concept through his design of the Makati
Commercial Center where in incorporated
fountains, sculptures, and landscape walks. Among
his projects are the Laguna's Caliraya Lake Resort,
Loyola Memorial Park, Eternal Gardens
Memorial Park, Tagaytay Highland Resort, Lipa,
Batangas' Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club,
and Imus, Cavite's Orchard Golf, and Country
Club.
5. JOSE MARIA V. ZARAGOZA
5. Jose Maria V. Zaragoza
Jose Maria Zaragoza's architectural structure was a mixture
of modern and traditional designs. Most of his works involved
religious architectures, like churches and convents, since he
specialized in liturgical art and architecture in the
International Institute of Liturgical Art (ILLA) in Rome.
Some of his religious architectures include the National Shrine
of the Nuestra Senora del Santissimo Rosario, Santo Domingo
Church and Convent, St. John Bosco Parish Church, the Pius
XII Center, the Convent of the Pink Sisters, the San Beda
Convent, etc.
Aside from liturgical structures, he also designed secular
buildings like hotels, hospitals, commercial and residential
buildings, and office buildings which include the Meralco
Building, Philippine Airlines Building, Philippine Banking
Corporation Building, etc., He was also one of the architects
who designed the National Library.
NATIONAL ARTIST
FASHION DESIGN
Ramon Valera
Ramon Valera
Ramon Valera was the fashion designer who
innovated the Philippine terno. He was the one who
transformed the components of the traditional
baro't saya into a single clothing. The most
prominent part of his ankle-long creation were its
bell-shaped or butterfly sleeves. Also included in the
innovations he employed in his ternos are the use of
zipper instead of hooks and exclusion of panuelo.
Panuelo is the long scarf being wrap around the
shoulders as a symbolism of Filipina modesty.