Summary
Highlights
This session, the fourth week of discussion, focuses on understanding the role of Filipino artists and their contributions to contemporary arts. Previous weeks covered basic concepts, different art forms in the Philippines, and how the contemporary era changed these forms. The objective is to discuss these roles and contributions by writing an informative essay.
The role of Filipino artists has evolved from merely showcasing aesthetic value to reflecting reality. Their role is now fourfold: personal (expressing feelings), social (reflecting societal issues like poverty and calamities), physical (creating useful and beneficial art), and immaterial (giving form to hidden truths and spiritual forces). They act as social realists and elevate our sense of beauty and sublimity.
Filipino artists provide opinions on their culture, act as crusaders to sway viewers, become social critics highlighting societal inequalities, and advocate for their beliefs. They are versatile storytellers, preserving history and illuminating national capabilities. This section emphasizes the freedom of expression and the impact artists have on promoting nationalism and addressing social issues.
Historically dominated by men, the art world has seen significant contributions from women in the contemporary era. Pioneering women like Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, Brenda Fajardo, and Ofelia Gelvezon-Tecu have paved the way for others, asserting their identity and contributing to social realism. Norberto Amilbangsa is also highlighted for her work in preserving indigenous arts of the South.
The National Artist Award, established in 1972, recognizes Filipinos who have made outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and letters across various categories: music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film and broadcast arts, and architecture. The award is confirmed by the President and organized by the National Commission for Culture and Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Criteria include being a living Filipino citizen for the last 10 years prior to nomination, with works that contribute to nation-building and uphold Filipino cultural identity. Benefits include a gold medallion, a cash award, and various privileges.
This segment details numerous National Artists, including Cesar F. Legaspi, Hernando R. Ocampo, Arturo R. Luz, Vicente Manansala, Benedicto R. Cabrera (BenCab), Abdulmari Asia Imao, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Francisco V. Coching, Larry Alcala for Visual Arts; Fernando C. Amorsolo, Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco, Victorio C. Edades, Jose T. Joya for Painting; Guillermo E. Tolentino, Napoleon V. Abueva for Sculpture; Ramon O. Valera for Fashion; and Francisca Reyes Aquino, Leonor O. Goquingco, Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula, Ramon Obusan, Alice Reyes for Dance. Their significant works and award years are highlighted.
This part continues with National Artists for Literature: Amado V. Hernandez, Jose Garcia Villa, Nick Joaquin, Carlos P. Romulo, Francisco Arcellana, N.V.M. Gonzalez, Carlos Quirino, Edith L. Tiempo, F. Sionil Jose, Virgilio S. Almario, Alejandro R. Roces, Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, Lazaro Francisco, Cirilo F. Bautista, Ramon L. Muzones, and Resil B. Mojares. For Music: Antonio J. Molina, Jovita Fuentes, Col. Antonino R. Buenaventura, Lucrecia R. Kasilag, Lucio D. San Pedro, Felipe De Leon, Levi Celerio, Jose Maceda, Prof. Andrea Veneracion, Ernani J. Cuenco, Francisco Feliciano, Ramon P. Santos, and Ryan Cayabyab. Their contributions and notable works are presented.
This segment covers National Artists for Architecture and Allied Arts: Juan F. Nakpil, Pablo S. Antonio, Leandro V. Locsin, Ildefonso P. Santos Jr., Jose Maria V. Zaragoza, and Francisco Mañosa. For Theater: Honorata "Atang" Dela Rama, Lamberto V. Avellana, Rolando S. Tinio, Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, Severino Montano, Daisy H. Avellana, Salvador F. Bernal, and Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio. For Film and Broadcast Arts: Lamberto V. Avellana, Gerardo de Leon, Eddie S. Romero, Fernando Poe Jr., Manuel Conde, Kidlat Tahimik, and Ishmael Bernal. Their legacies and influential works are recognized.
The National Living Treasures Award, or Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), institutionalized in 1992, recognizes traditional Filipino artists. These artists embody traditional practices like pottery, textile weaving, folk architecture, and performing arts. Unlike National Artists, GAMABA nominations are screened by the NCCA and do not involve the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Awardees demonstrate unique distinctive skills and technical or artistic excellence, with skills passed on and widely practiced within their communities.
This section introduces the recipients of the GAMABA award: Ginaw Bilog (1993, Hanuno Mangyan poet), Masino Intaray (1993, epic chanter and musician), Samaon Sulaiman (1993, kudyapi master), Lang Dulay (1998, T'boli weaver), Salinta Monon (1998, Bagobo weaver), Alonzo Saclag (2000, Kalinga musician), Federico Caballero (2000, Sulud-Bukidnon epic chanter), Uwang Ahadas (2000, Yakan musician), Darhata Sawabi (2004, Tausug weaver), Eduardo Mutuc (2004, religious and secular art sculptor), Haja Amina Appi (2004, Sama mat weaver), Teofilo Garcia (2012, tabungaw hat maker), Magdalena Gamayo (2012, Abel weaver), Ambalang Ausalin (2016, Yakan textile weaver), Estelita Bantilan (2016, Blaan mat weaver), and Yabing Masalon Dulo (2016, B'laan textile master weaver and dyer). Their specific crafts and contributions are highlighted.
The video concludes by showcasing contemporary Filipino artists who have gained international recognition. These include El Gamma Penumbra (shadow play group), Dr. Patrick Flores and his team for the Philippine Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, and Cecile Licad (classical pianist). Also mentioned are Lea Salonga (Broadway star and singer) and Lisa Macuja-Elizalde (prima ballerina), and Charice Pempengco (pop singer). These artists demonstrate the vibrant and active nature of Philippine arts on the world stage, attributing their success to talent, creativity, skill, and perseverance.