LESSON National Artists

(Music, Dance, Theater, Visual

10 Arts and Literature)
Most Essential Learning Competency
➢ Defines contemporary arts in the Philippines
➢ Relates the significance of art forms from the regions
➢ Understand the Order of the National Artist
➢ Identify National Artists and their specific contributions in the Philippine Art
Time Allotment: 4 hours

References

➢ Contemporary Phillippine Arts from the Regions by Ayesha H. Sayseng and Luzuviminda
D. Sandagan
➢ https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/national-artists-of-the-philippines/

Let’s Explore

This module will help deepen student’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the
importance of knowing our National Artists. Readings, lectures and researches will focus on the
specific contributions of the following national artists in their own field of specialization; appreciate
the roles of the artists in the development, preservation and promotion of the Philippine arts; and
familiarize the different art forms, elements and principles employed by the different artists.

Learning Experience

The Republic of the Philippines, through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), established the Order the National Artist Award or the Orden ng Pambansang
Alagad ng Sining on April 27, 1972, under Proclamation No. 1001. This award seeks to give honor to the Filipino
individuals with outstanding share in the cultural heritage and cultural identity of the country by means of their valuable
efforts and contribution to Philippine arts specifically in the areas of Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Architecture Design
and Allied Arts, Broadcast Film, Theater and Literature.

MUSIC
1. ANTONINO R. BUENAVENTURA (1988)
He researched on and popularized Philippine folk songs and dances in 1935. He wrote
songs and musical arrangement based on the folksongs of different ethnic groups in the
country. Included in his works are several marches and symphonic and orchestral music
composition. His notable marches include History of Fantasy, Triumphal March, echoes
of the Past, Second Symphony in E-flat, Ode to Freedom, and Echoes from the
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Philippines while his known orchestral music composition includes Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, Philippine
Triumphant, Symphony in C Major, Mindanao Sketches, and Concert Overture.
Buenaventura was also a conductor of the Philippine Army Band that brought back the band’s prestige as one of
the world’s best military bands. With his lead, the Philippine army band was tagged as “the only band that can sound
like a symphony orchestra.”

2. JOSE MACEDA (1997)

His 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 papers led to the understanding and appreciation of the ethnic and
traditional music of the Philippines, locally and internationally. Apart from
conducting researches, he also wrote some compositions inspired by traditional
music. His major works includeUgma-ugma, Pagsamba, Udlot-udlot, Kubing,
Agungan, Ugnayan, Aroding, Ading, Siasid, and Suling-suling.

3. LUCRESIA R. KASILAG (1988)

She reinforces the Filipino’s appreciation to music by fusing Western influence
to Philippine ethnic music. She integrated ethnic instruments in her orchestral
productions like “Toccata for Percussions and Winds, Divertissement and
Concertante”, Filiasiana, de Profundis, and Misang Pilipino. Her other works
include Legend of the Sarimanok, Philippine Scenes, Her Son, Ang Pamana, Jose,
Sisa, Awit ng mnga Awit Psalms, Fantasie on a 4-Note Theme, and East Meets Jazz
Ethnika. Also, Kasilag was the music director of the Bayanihan Dance Company.
Together with other artists, she made the group one of the finest cultural dance
group in the Philippines.

4. ERNANI J. CUENCO (1999)

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 work
served as the theme songs and musical scores for numerous Filipino movies that led
to his fame. Some of his popular works include Bato sa Buhangin, Bulong ng Puso,
Kalesa, Gaano Kita Ka Mahal, Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, and
Nahan, Kahit Na Magtiis. Cuenco collaborated with Levi Celerio, in composing
and adding lyrics to most of his musical compositions used in the films. Also,
before entering the movie world, Cuenco was a cellist for five years in the Manila
Symphony Orchestra and a soloist for two years in the Manila Chamber of
Orchestra and a professor in the University of Santo Tomas.

5. LUCIO SAN PEDRO (1991)

He is a master composer known for creatively using folk idioms in his musical
compositions. Unlike other artists, he did not incorporate folksong materials in his
works instead; he extracted the Filipino essence and style from the folk materials
and use them in his compositions. His music has this effect of bringing a sense of
identity to the Filipinos. He produces numerous songs, orchestral compositions,
chamber music and cantatas. 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

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bands namely Peng Kong Grand Mason Band, The San Pedro Band of Angono, and Banda Angono Numero Uno.
6. ANTONIO J. MOLINA (1973)
His notable 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 instruments 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 Gabi , 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. Molina came
from a family of a musician who influenced him to play different instruments. His
father founded the Orquestra Molina with 22 musicians who studied music for free
in the Molina’s residence. The said band was disbanded in the Spanish period.
Molina studied law at the University of Santo Tomas and Manila Law School but
later on stopped because if his father’s ilness. He then established the Rondalla Ideal and continued with his musical
career until it flourished. He became known as the last musical triumvirate along with Nicanor Abelardo and
Francisco Santiago, who set the bar of folk music.

7. FRANCISCO FELICIANO (2014)

We 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. He created musical works by
transforming our indigenous music to a level equal to the music of the western
countries. In his choral pieces, he used musical lines from ethnic songs resulting
to the enthusiastic harmony of sound and culture. His operas and orchestral
works has ubique musical language carrying contemporary style that uses modal
scales. His major works include Sihay sa Kabila ng Paalam, La Loba Negra,
Pokpok Alimako, Pamagun, Yerma, and the Ashen Wings.

8. LEVI CELERIO (1997)

He 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 has 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. He became a lyricist and wrote a wide
range of songs of different themes. He composed an estimate of 4000 musical
works. 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. He was also know for writing songs for Pilipino movies. He was known
for making music using a leaf and was included in the Guinness Book of World
Records for such talent.

9. RAMON SANTOS (2014)

His 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 gamelan. His compositions interweaved Asian culture,
drama, poetry and dance like his Sandiwaan, Daragang Magayon, Ta-

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O, Awit ni Pulau, etc. His popular unique composition Kulintang is a piece for solo piano which resembles the sound
of a kulintang, a musical instrument from Mindanao. He promoted the Philippine to other nations through his cultural
education programs. He organized an international festival for rondalla and forum for traditional music attended by
composers.

10. JOVITA FUENTES (1976)

She was a remarkable Filipina artist known for her portrayal of Cio-Cio san
in Madame Butterfly by Giaccomo Puccini, which was held in Teatro
Municipale de Piacenza in Italy. Spain awarded her as the “Embahadora de
Filipinas a su Madre Patria” for outstandingly portraying different roles in
numerous musical performances in Europe and made our country proud for her
exceptional voice and performances. She was also the founder of the Artists’
Guild of the Philippines, which periodically produced the “Tour of Operaland”
production, which promoted opera in the Philippines. She supported other
musical organizations that kept Philippine music alive. She was an educator of
music at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music, Sta. Isabel
College, and College of Holy Spirit.

11. FELIPE PADILLA DE LEON (1997)

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. The musical artists before him inspired de Leon to create a
Filipinized version of western music. Some of his orchestral music
include Mariang Makiling Overture and Roca Encantada; his
symphonic works include Maynila Overture and Orchesterstuk while
his choral music and songs include Payapang Daigdig, Ako ay Pilipino,
Bulaklak, and Mutya ng Lahi.

12. ANDREA VENERACION (1999)

She played a significant part in the development of the
Philippine choral music. She’s the founder of the world-
renowned choral group, the Philippine Madrigal Singers,
which has won numerous awards in and outside the country.
The Madrigals contributed in the development of choral
literature and movement throughout the Philippines.
Veneracion also conducted cultural outreach programs
providing music education in several areas in the country.

13. RYAN CAYABYAB (2018)

Mr. Cayabyab is the most accomplished composer, arranger,
and musical director in the Philippine music industry since this
bloomed beginning 1970s. His learned, skillful, and versatile
musical style spans a wide range of genres: from conservatory or
art compositions such as concert religious music, symphonic work,
art song, opera, and concerto to mainstream popular idioms in the
music industry and in live contemporary multimedia shows
(musical theater, dance, and film). Being very visible in the
national media (once a TV host of a long-running arts and culture
series and recently a judge in reality TV singing competitions),
Cayabyab is a household name. His compositions reflect a perspective of music that extols the exuberance of life and
human happiness, thus capturing the very essence of our Filipino soul. His compositions: Rama-Hari (Two-act
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musical ballet, 1980), Katy! The Musical (Two-act musical, 1988), Smokey Mountain (Pop CD album, 1990), One
Christmas (Christmas Album, 1993), Noli Me Tangere (Tele-sine musical, 1995), Spoliarium (Three-act opera, 2003),
Da Coconut Nut, Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika, Nais Ko, Paraiso, Kailan, and Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka.

DANCE
1. FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO (1973)
In 1920’s, she 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. In 1940’s, the Bureau
of Education, where she served as the supervisor of physical education,
distributed her work for the teaching of folk dances in schools as a means to
promote our cultural heritage to the Filipino students.
Aside from her thesis, she also published many books regarding
Philippine dances like Fundamental Dance Steps and Music, Gymnastics for
Girls, Philippine National Dances, Philippine Folk Dances Vol. I-VI, etc. Due
to her valuable contribution in the development of Filipino culture, former
President Ramon Magsaysay awarded her the Republic Award of Merit.

2. RAMON OBUSAN (2006)

He 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. His Ramon
Obusan Folkloric Group, through their performances, outreach works, and tours,
inspired many Filipinos to embrace the Filipino culture. Some of his full-length
presentations are Kayaw ’68, Kayaw ’74, Vamos a Belen! Series, Noon Po Sa
Amin, Kasaysayan ng Lahi, Maynila, and the Rare and Unpublished Dances.

3. ALICE REYES (2014)

Her 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. Some
of her major works are Amada, tales of the Manuyu, Bayanihan Remembered,
Rama Hari, and At a Maranaw Gathering.

4. LEONOR OROSA GOQUINCO (1976)

She is 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. For over 50 years, she produced various unique and original
choreographies. Tagged as her most ambitious work is the Filipinescas: Philippine
Life, Legend, and Lore, a dance epic showing the Filipino culture from pagan time to
present and elevated the Philippine native folk dance to its highest level of
development.

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 5. LUCRECIA REYES-URTULA (1988)
She studied the country’s folk and ethnic dances for four decades and
developed ethnic choreographies applying her findings. She was the dance
director of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company for three decades who
choreographed various dances for the group. These dances harvested
overwhelming praises and good reviews from critics from different parts of the
world. Among her major works are cultural dances namely Singkil, Vinta,
Tagabili, Pagdiwata, and Salidsid.

THEATER
1. DAISY AVELLANA (1999)

She 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. She also popularized the Philippine theater
and dramatic arts by founding the Barangay Theater Guild with her husband,
National Artist Lamberto Avellana. They utilize the radio and television to
make theater and dramatic arts are known to the Filipinos.

2. ROLANDO TINIO (1997)

He was an outstanding stage director, poet, thespian, and playwright known
for his remarkable productions and notable scripts. Some of his woks include film
scripts for Now and Foerever, Gamitin Mo Ako, and Milagros, sarswelas like
Ang Mestiza, and Ana Maria, and komedya like Orosman at Zafira. He
established and became and administrator of the Ateneo Experimental Theater.
He, later on, the Teatro Pilipino where he revived the sarswela and other
traditional Filipino drama and introduced contemporary western drama. He is also
a National Artist for Literature aside from Theater.

3. WILFRIDO MA. GUERRERO (1997)

He is a theater teacher and artist who mentored and trained many
performing artists for 35 years. He introduced popularized Philippine
theater to different parts of the country by establishing the UP Mobile
Theater. The UP Mobile Theater has delivered thousands of
performances for 19 long years to many campuses in the Philippines. His
major works include Wanted: A Chaperon, Condemned, Perhaps, In
Unity, Three Rats, The Forsaken House, Frustrations, etc.

4. HONORATA “Atang” DELA RAMA (1987)

She is a National Artist Awardee for Music and Theater. She 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. She performed kundiman and Filipino songs for indigenous
communities all over the country. For her, the kundiman and sarswelas
mirrors the Filipino people. The sarswelas she became part of are Dalagang
Bukid, Mascota, Marina, Pangarap ni Rosa, etc. The songs she popularized
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 are Pakiusap , Ay Kalisud, Madaling Araw, and Kung Iibig Ka. She sarswelas she wrote Puri at Bahay, Anak ni Eba,
and Aking Ina.

5. SALVADOR F. BERNAL (2003)

He was an exceptional theater designer who designed hundreds of
theater productions for a span of four decades. The superior quality of his
designs made him incomparable to other designers. He used local materials
in producing creative and unique sets and costumes. He 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. He established the PATDAT (Philippine Association of Theatre
Designers and Technicians) in 1995 to promote theater design. Moreover, he
internationally introduced the Philippine theater design through the
Philippine Center of OISTAT (Organization Internationale des
Scenographers, Technicians et Architectes du Theatre).

6. SEVERINO MONTANO (2001)

Hailed as the Titan of the Philippine Theater and took the lead in promoting
“legitimate theater” in the country. He 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 learnings and competencies and to the
younger Filipino generation. He started his career and education at the
University of the Philippines where he studied education and became the head
of the UP Dramatic Club. His journey continued as he entered different
universities in the United States like American University, Yale University, and
New York University. He became the dan of the Philippine Normal College
where he founded the Arena Theater in 1953. The Arena Theater served the
grassroots and promoted drama to the masses through school-community
theaters. He developed graduate programs for theater arts in the PNC, which
produced equally talented artists like National Artists Lino Brocka and Rolando Tinio.

7. AMELIA LAPEÑA – BONIFACIO (2018)

Known as the Grand Dame of Southeast Asian children’s theatre, Tita
Amel is the founder and playwright-director of the Teatrong Mulat ng
Pilipinas, which has placed the Philippines on the artistic map of world
theater. She has written most of the plays performed by the group based on
materials culled from painstaking researches. She has also been involved in
the production and design of puppets. All in all, what she has achieved is an
indigenous fusion of puppetry, children’s literature, folklore, and theater. Her
works are 6 na Dulang Filipino Para Sa Mga Bata, 1976, Tat-lu-han (Three
Plays), 1975, Ang Paglalakbay ni Sisa: Isang Noh Sa Laguna, 1998, Isang
Kyogen sa Pritil, 1977, Sepang Loca, 1957, Papet Pasyon, 1985, and Abadeja:
Ang Ating Sinderela, 1977

VISUAL ARTS
1. FERNANDO AMORSOLO (1972)
He is known as the “Grand Old Man of the Philippine Art” and the first National Artist of the country. Lighting is
the most prominent of his painting. His trademark was the backlighting technique which makes the subjects of his
painting seem to glow. Also, aside from the application of light in his pieces, his works of art were also notable for
reflecting the artistic and cultural heritage of the Philippines. His significant works are Planting Rice, Dalagang Bukid,
The Mestiza, and Maiden in a Stream, among others.
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 Planting Rice, 1922

2. HERNANDO OCAMPO (1991)

He 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. His pieces show the kind of society there was after
World War II. His abstract painting significantly contributed to the Philippine modern art. 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.

Genesis, 1968

3. BENEDICTO CABRERA (2006)

He is popularly known as “BenCab” and an award winning painter and printmaker who was tagged as the 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. He was internationally known and had been exhibiting in Europe, United States of America, and Asia. In his
around forty years of being a visual artist, he received various awards, and two of these recognitions are the National
Artist Award and the Gawad CCP para sa Sining.

Sabel, 1942

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 4. CARLOS “BOTONG” FRANCISCO (1973)
He was a muralist from Angono, Rizal. For nearly three decades, he 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. The significant elements in his paintings were the lines and shapes that seem like cutouts and their lush
tropical colors. He is one of the so-called “The Triumvirate” along with other modernists Galo Ocampo and Victorio
Edades, who introduced modern art to the country. His major works include Blood compact, the Martyrdom of Rizal,
Bayanihan, Sandugo, Portrait of Purita, First Mass at Limasawa, The Invasion of Limahong, etc.

Blood Compact, 1956

5. CESAR LEGASPI (1990)

He is one of the thirteen moderns who promoted modern art in the country, followed the steps of the triumvirate
and pioneered Philippine Modernism. He was a neo-realist whose important contribution to modern art was his
refinement of cubism in the Philippine context. He indigenized cubism and produced artworks showing local
temperaments. His major art pieces are The Beggars, The Stairway, The Ritual, The Survivor, Gadget I and II, Flight,
Struggle, Peace, Bayanihan, Facade, Ovary, Idols of the Third Eye, among others.

Gadgets, 1947

6. ABDULMARI ASIA IMAO (2006)

He is a visual artist from Sulu who articulated the Muslim culture and art in the country. He preserved and
promoted the Philippine indigenous art with ethnic themes like the ukkil, sarimanok, and naga in his paintings and
sculptures. Through his works, he empowered cultural groups to take part in promoting equality and in building a
better society. 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.

Sarimanok

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7. GUILLERMO TOLENTINO (1973)
He 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, Philippine presidents like Manuel Quezon and Ramon Magsaysay. He created the
UP Oblation, which became the representation of the academic freedom of the university.

Oblation, 1958

8. ARTURO LUZ (1997)

He 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 ofFernando Amorsolo. He enrolled at the University of Sto. Tomas and took up Fine arts. He
also studied abroad, in US and Europe to further improve his skills in art making. His Major pieces include
Procession, Bagong Taon, Vendedor de Flores, Skipping Rope, Candle Vendors, Self Portrait, Night Glows, Grand
Finale, and Cyclist Series.

Bagong Taon, 1997

9. FEDERICO AGUILAR ALCUAZ (2009)

He is known for 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.

Reveries of Love, 1985

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10. NAPOLEON ABUEVA (1976)
He 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 also started the trend in mixing different materials, like metal and
stoned, in making sculptures. Among his notable works are Nine Muses, Kaganapan, Stations of the Cross, Sunburst,
and Transfiguration.

Nine Muses, 1976

11. JEREMIAS ELIZALDE NAVARRO (1999)
He is popularly known as J. Elizalde Navarro, a painter and a sculptor. As a painter, he created both abstract and
figure paintings using oil and watercolor. The prominent elements in his abstract works were its geometric forms and
spontaneous strokes. His figure paintings were inspired by Balinese art and culture. As a sculptor, he was popular for
his masks, carved in hardwood, with combined features of human and animal. He was also known for his assemblages
wherein he combined metals and found materials to create stunning work of art. 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.

Passengers on to Central Station, 1957

12. FRANCISCO COCHING (2014)

He is tagged as “Dean of Filipino Illustrators” and was popular for hi komiks drawings. The significant features
of his works were their fluid drawings and dramatic storyline. Fantasy, love and adventure were the usual themes of
his works drawing inspirations from awit and korido. His works illustrated gallant men and beautiful ladies and the
victory of good over evil. Among his works are Lapu-Lapu, Pedro Penduko, Hagibis, El Nido, and Maldita.

Pedro Penduko

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 13. VICTORIO EDADES (1976)
He is the “Father of Modern Philippine Painting” and one of the “Triumvirate” who introduced modernism in the
Philippine Visual Arts. Upon his arrival to the Philippines after studying abroad, he shocked many Filipinos on his
exhibit due to his non-conventional style of painting. He deviated from Amorsolo’s use of happy and bright color sand
used dark and sad hues in his paintings instead. Depicted in his work were the hardships in the life of the laborers and
the lower class in the society. The Sketch, Japanese Girl, Mother and Daughter, The Wrestler, and Poinsettia Girl are
among his famous art pieces.

The Sketch, 1928

14. ANG KIUKOK (2001)

He was known for his highly expressionistic works containing powerful meanings. Angst, anguish and anger are
the glaring emotions contained in his cubistic works as these were created in the time of Martial Law. Some of his
famous paintings include Geometric Landscape, Pieta, and Seated Figure.

Pieta, 1981

15. JOSE JOYA (2003)

He 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. He applied paints in
broad brushes or spatula or by directly applying paint from the tube or by splashing paint into the canvas. He is also a
multimedia artist who painted on ceramics such as vessels, plates and tiles. He promoted visual arts to the younger
generation by conducting regional workshops. 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.

Approaching Storm, 1951

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 16. VICENTE MANANSALA (1981)
He is a cubist painter with a wide range of subject matters from the happy and bountiful rural to poverty-stricken
urban set ups. He contributed in the modernism of Philippine visual arts by his style of transparent cubism.. Unlike the
usual Paris Cubism, he does not fragmentize human figures. He reorganized human forms in transparent planes
instead. After finishing Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines, he worked as an illustrator of the Philippine
Herald where he became acquainted with Hernando Ocampo, Carlos Francisco and Cesar Legaspi. He admired
Botong Francisco the most who influenced his art making. Among his notable works include Mother and Child, A
Cluster Nipa Hut, Nude, Via Crusis, Market Vendors, and I Believe in God.

Market Vendors, 1949

17. LAURO “LARRY” ALCALA (2018)
His comic strips spiced up the slices of Filipino lives with witty illustrations executed throughout his 56 years
of cartooning. He created over 500 characters and 20 comic strips in widely circulated publications. Alcala’s most
iconic work, Slice of Life, not only made for decades long of widely circulated images of Filipino everyday life, it also
symbolically became an experiential way for his followers to find a sense of self in the midst of an often cacophonic,
raucous and at odds environment that Filipinos found themselves amidst. His notable works are Slice of Life Weekend
1980-1986, Asiong Aksaya, Daily Express, Tagalog Klasiks, 1976-1984, Smolbatteribols, Darna Komiks 1972-1984,
Siopawman, Daily Express, 1972-1983, 2002, Kalabogesyons, Pilipino Komiks, 1966-1972, Congressman Kalog,
Aliwan Komiks, 1966-1972, Baryo Pogspak, Holiday Komiks, 1966-1972, Loverboy, Redondo Komiks, 1964-1969,
Mang Ambo, Weekly Graphic, 1963-1965, Kalabog en Bosyo, Pilipino Komiks, 1949-1983, Islaw Palitaw, 1946-1948

LITERATURE
1. FRANCISCO ARCELLANA (1990)
He 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. His works depict
Filipino’s sensibility. 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.

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2. EDITH TIEMPO (1999)
She produces numerous remarkable poems and short stories in
over five decades. 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. Meanwhile, her short stories
highlight morality. She founded the Silliman National Writer’s Workshop
in Dumaguete City together with her husband, Edilberto Tiempo that
produced equally talented writers.

3. BIENVENIDO LUMBERA (2006)

His 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. His major works include Likhang Dila, Likhang
Diwa, Apat na Dulang May Musika, Pakikiramay, Eulogy of Roaches and
Sariling Bayan, among others.

4. NESTOR VICENTE MADALI “N.V.M. ” GONZALES (1990)

He is known for hid 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. He received
numerous awards because of his notable skill n writing such as Republic cultural Heritage
Award (1960), Gawad CCP Para sa Sining (1990), etc. He also received his highest
academic award at the University of the Philippines as Doctor of Humane Letters.

5. VIRGILIO ALMARIO (2003)

He is an exemplary poet who carries the pen name “Rio Alma”.
He was known for his modern poetry filled with social consciousness
and published numerous poetry books containing his reflection of
himself and society. 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 KAndunganng
Lupa. The books mentioned were his famous trilogy. He is also a
scholar, a teacher, a columnist and a publisher. He became the
Executive Director of the NCCA from 1998-2001.

6. CIRILO BAUTISTA (2014)

He is a literary genius who produced numerous works such as poems,
fictions and essays. His major works are Summer Suns, Galaw ng Asoge,
Words and Battlefield, among others. He contributed in the enrichment and
promotion of Philippine literature through his writings, workshops and
lecture for four decades. He brought literature closer to young generations
through literary workshops and lectures all over the country and discussed
literary techniques and developments. He founded literary groups like
Philippine Literary Art Council, Baguio Writer’s Group, and the Iligan
Writer’s Workshop. He was an instrument in the establishment of the Bienvenido Creative Writing Center in De La
Salle University.

7. NICK JOAQUIN (1976)

He is a playwright, poet, novelist, short story writer and a
journalist. He was the most distinguished Filipino writer who used
English as medium of writing. His literary pieces explored the Spanish
colonial ast of the countryand the social changes evident in the
Philippines. Some of his works are Doña Geronima, The Order of

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Marchizedek, The Ballad of Five Battles, Rizal in Saga, Cave and Shadows, and The Woman Who have Two Navels.

8. AMADO V. HERNANDEZ (1973)

He 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 (2009)

He is a master of Tagalog novel whose literary pieces highlight
nationalism. His novels express his desire for social change. He wrote for the
masses and common people depicting their way of life. He 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 (1973)

He is a contemporary poet who used the pen name “Doveglion”, a
combination of dove, eagle and lion. 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 (2001)

He was recognized for his remarkable writings showing the Filipino’s
aspiration for freedom and social justice. As a journalist, he traveled to different
parts of the world and became exposed to different societal problems. 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 five noteworthy novels
entitles 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. His novels gained compliments from readers and critics not just in the Philippines but worldwide.

12. CARLOS P. ROMULO (1982)

He 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. He wrote numerous literary works, which include novels
memoirs and autobiographies. Included in his works were his novel The
United, his autobiography I Walk With Heroes, and other war-time
memoirs. He is a respected world leader as the first Asian who became
president of the United Nations.

13. ALEJANDRO ROCES (2003)

“Anding” is known for his staunch contributions to art and
country.He is the best comic short story writerand one of the few humorists in
the literature. His works, “We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers” won first prize in
the Student Literary Contest and published in Arizona Quarterly. It was
included in Martha Foley’s famous annual anthology of The Best American
Short Stories. He is the writer of My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken, Of Cocks
and Kites and Other Stories, Fiesta, and Something to Crow About. He wrote
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essays and columns for the newspaper for more than five decades. He has a column in Daily Mirror (now Philippine
Star) dubbed as “Roses and Thorns”. His works aim to educate and entertain readers by giving insightful comparisons
and conclusions of Filipino life, culture, and history in a simple and obvious manner. He initiated the change of
Philippine Independence day from July 4 to June 12 as well as the change of language from English to Tagalog in
country’s coins and bills, stamps and passport. He institutionalized the local fiestas such as Mariones and Ati-Atihan.

14. CARLOS QUIRINO (1997)

He was the first recipient of the National Artist Award for Historical
Literature. He was the biographer who wrote The Great Malayan, one of the
first Jose Rizal Biographies. He books and articles, which contain wide range
of topics involving Philippine history and culture. His books include Maps and
Views of Old Manila, Lives of the Philippine Presidents, The History of
Philippine Sugar Industry, and Filipino Heritage: The Making of the Nation,
among others.

15. RAMON MUZONES (2018)

He was a Hiligaynon poet, essayist, short story writer, critic,
grammarian, editor, lexicographer, and novelist who authored an
unprecedented 61 completed novels. He is from Lambunao and Iloilo City. A
number of these represent groundbreaking “firsts’ in Hiligaynon literature
such as the feminist Ang Bag-ong Maria Clara, the roman a clef Maambong
Nga Sapat (Magnificent Brute,1940), the comic Si Tamblot (1946), the
politically satirical Si Tamblot Kandidato Man (Tamblot is Also a Candidate,
1949), the 125- installment longest serialized novel Dama de Noche (1982-84), etc. Hailed by his peers as the longest
reigning (1938-1972) among “the three kings of the Hiligaynon novel,” Muzones brought about its most radical
changes while ushering in modernism. With a literary career that spanned fifty-three years (1938-1990), his evolution
covers the whole history of the Hiligaynon novel from its rise in the 1940s to its decline in the 1970s. Muzones tried
his hand at a variety of types and proved adept in all as literary fashions. In the process, he not only extended with
remarkable versatility and inventiveness the scope and style of the Hiligaynon novel, but he also enriched Hiligaynon
literature’s dramatis personae. His notable works are Shri-Bishaya (1969), Malala nga Gutom (Malignant
Hunger,1965), Babae Batuk sa Kalibutan (Woman Against the World,1959), Ang Gugma sang Gugma Bayaran (Love
with Love Be Paid, 1955), Si Tamblot (1948), Margosatubig (1946).

16. RESIL MOJARES (2018)

A teacher and scholar, essayist and fictionist, and cultural and literary
historian, Resil Mojares is acknowledged as a leading figure in the promotion of
regional literature and history. As founding director of the Cebuano Studies
Center—an important research institution which placed Cebu in the research
and documentation map—he pioneered Cebuano and national identity
formation. As a leading figure in cultural and literary history, he networked
actively in many organizations. For over 50 years, Mojares has published
in diverse forms (fiction, essay, journalism, scholarly articles, and books) across
a wide range of discipline (literature, history, biography, cultural studies, and
others). To date, he has 17 published books (3 more in the press) and edited, co-
edited, or co-authored 11 books, and written numerous articles for popular and scholarly publications. His notable
works are Origins and Rise of the Filipino Novel: A Generic Study of the Novel Until 1940, The Man Who Would Be
President: Serging Osmeña and Philippine Politics (1986), Waiting for Mariang Makiling: Essays on Philippine
Cultural History (Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2002), Theater in Society, Society in Theater:
Social History of a Cebuano Village, 1840-1940, The War Against the Americans: Resistance and Collaboration in
Cebu, 1899-1906, House of Memory: Essays (1997), Brains of the Nation: Pedro Paterno, T.H. Pardo de Tavera,
Isabelo de los Reyes and the Production of Modern Knowledge (2006), Isabelo’s Archive (2013).

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