The New Philippine National Artists 2018 have finally announced! And seven remarkable artists were honored for their exceptional contributions to Philippine arts and culture.
President Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed the latest batch of the New Philippine National Artists (2018) at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, October 24.
Seven giants of the Philippine arts and culture were acknowledged and honored for their works in the visual arts, theater, music, architecture, literature, and cinema. And we have all of them, plus your reactions, right here!
1. National Artist for Visual Arts
Larry Alcala
The National Artist for Visual Arts is editorial cartoonist and illustrator Larry Alcala.
Through his works, he has shown the unique trait of the Filipinos—which is to laugh despite obstacles and difficulties. Alcala created hundreds of characters, 20 comic strips, six movies, and two murals in the 56 years he dedicated to cartooning.
And here are some of your reactions to his recognition as one of the new Philippines National Artists for 2018.
Did someone order a shot of nostalgia?
Congratulations, indeed!
Larry Alcala exhibit at the UP Fine Arts new building. Congratulations! #NationalArtist pic.twitter.com/yK2dqjgCvM
— Mahar Lagmay (@nababaha) October 24, 2018
Alcala was known for his works ‘Spice of Life,’ ‘Mang Ambo,’ and ‘Kalabog en Bosyo.’ Despite his unfortunate passing on the year 2002, Larry Alcala’s works continue to be loved and appreciated by the Filipino masses.
2. National Artist for Theater
Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio
Coined as the “Grande Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater” and “Grand Lady of Philippine Puppet Theater,” Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio was the chairperson of the University of the Philippines’ Creative Writing Program.
And this talented lady also founded a children’s theater and puppetry troupe based in the said university, called Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas.
So its no wonder that you guys would be this proud of her!
Let’s go ladies!
Nice to know may at least isang babae at si ma'am Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio pa!!! Parang last year, jino-joke namin siya noong ALB writing workshop na magiging National Artist siya soon. Now I have TEARS IN MY EYES
— ù w ú)/ Join Alay Sining!! (@PrinsipeNgPoot) October 24, 2018
Such inspirations, these new National Artists!
The 1st play I had to study for my T131 class was Tagsibol from Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio's Tatluhan. Through this, I learned about her and her works. I've been reading tons of those since then tapos national artist for theatre na pala siya today. 👏
— R a v e n ✨ (@ravenyyyyy) October 23, 2018
Bonifacio was the only female artist who was given the Philippine National Artist title for for this batch. And she was known for her works in writing full-length plays such as ‘Abadeja: Ang Ating Sinderela,’ ‘Papet Pasyon,’ and ‘Sita & Rama: Papet Ramayana.’
3. National Artist for Music
Ryan Cayabyab
The very well-known music composer Ryan Cayabyab got the Philippine National Artist for Music title.
Known as Mr. C, he composed numerous musical scores for award-winning films, operas, musicals, and more. He also continues to teach music, and even inspired a song from Cheenee Gonzalez.
You guys even got a selfie with him!
Big Congratulations Mr. C.! @ryancayabyabph for the National Artist for Music Award! You trulily deserve it Maestro! #RyanCayabyab #NationalArtist #ElementsMusicCamp pic.twitter.com/slxDqe3i3b
— Yvette M. Kim (@ysmkim) October 24, 2018
And you even posted some throwback photos with him to congratulate the guy!
Congratulations Mr. C @ryancayabyab !!! pic.twitter.com/1KFXBrgIEl
— ℭ𝔥𝔯𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔞𝔫 ℜ𝔢𝔶 𝔐𝔞𝔯𝔟𝔢𝔩𝔩𝔞 (@chuckmarbella) October 24, 2018
Ryan Cayabyab is definitely a force in the original Philippine music. His compositions ‘Da Coconut Nut,’ ‘Iduyan Mo,’ and ‘Mamang Kutsero’ are only three of his many amazing compositions.
Yep, Da Coconut Nut sang by these guys? That was by Mr. Ryan Cayabyab.
4. National Artist for Architecture
Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa
Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa’s approaches are modern interpretations of Philippine architectural design and use of indigenous materials. His style and take has led him to become well-known and respected locally and internationally.
Much love!
FRANCISCO MAÑOSA IS FINALLY A NATIONAL ARTIST IN THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES. MY HEART IS HAPPY. 💙💙💙
— clarice (@aicev) October 22, 2018
Aww! Well-deserved, indeed.
In honor of Francisco Mañosa's elevation as a National Artist, the Urban Roamer is proud to share once more a 2012 piece on one of his most iconic structures: the Coconut Palace. https://t.co/n6SDl5Tu5Z
— Karl Aguilar (@urbanroamer) October 24, 2018
This architect is famous for his work on the Coconut Palace, Amanpulo Resort in Palawan, Pearl Farm in Samal Island, Shangri-La Hotel in Mactan, and the San Miguel building in Mandaluyong.
5-6. National Artist for Literature
In this batch, two big literary giants were able to claim the title for the Philippine National Artist for Literature, Resil Mojares and Ramon Muzones.
5. Resil Mojares
Cebuano Resil Mojares has won several National Book Awards from the Manila Critics Circle. Mojares founded the Cebuano Studies Center, a library and research center dedicated to the Cebu culture and history.
Here’s some praise from Leloy Claudio!
Resil Mojares is finally national artist. No scholar has inspired my work more than sir. A true gentleman scholar and the finest stylist and researcher writing about our past.
— Leloy Claudio (@leloyclaudio) October 23, 2018
And fellow-Cebuana Ms. Chai Fonacier
https://twitter.com/rrrabidcat/status/1055100880574279681
He was a multi-awarded writer, historian, and literary critic. Two of Resil Mojares’ published works are ‘House of Memory: Essays’ and ‘Waiting for Mariang Makiling: Essays in Philippine Cultural History.’
6. Ramon Muzones
Distinguished for his outstanding works on West Visayan fiction and because of his intense take on cultivating art form, Muzones receieved the Gawad CCP award para sa Sining in 1989.
Hiligaynon reprezeeeent!
Panalo yung pagkapanalo ni Ramon Muzones bilang National Artist in Literature bilang statement na may malalim tayong panitikang ispekulatibo na hindi kulong sa English. At take note sa Hiligaynon pa Ito nakasulat.
— En Villasis (@santongbusabos) October 23, 2018
Tiyo Ramon, we stan!
Even with his disheartening passing in the year 1992, the Filipinos masses continue to feel the impact of his works such especially his Hiligaynon novel “Margosatubig: ‘The Story of Salagunting’ and ‘Shri-Bishaya’.”
7. National Artist for Cinema
Kidlat Tahimik
Another well-deserving national artist who was chosen ’cause of his take in undermining colonial narratives that tell epic and localized truths.
Kidlat Tahimik’s real name is Eric de Guia, and the Filipino masses calls him the Father of Independent Philippine Cinema. He received the University of the Philippines’ highest award recognizing achievements in media—the Gawad Plaridel Award.
Go Direk!
Who knew that one of my favorite film directors and visual artist will be conferred as National Artist for Film. Congratulations to Kidlat Tahimik for a much deserved honor! (Photo taken at his installation of his WW2-Kultur War during the 2018 @artfairph). pic.twitter.com/bYz9g0gmbU
— Matthew Lopez (@MatthewLopez93) October 24, 2018
Yep the #FatherofPhilippineIndependentCinema, he is!
I’m very happy that Kidlat Tahimik, acknowledged by many to be the Father of #Philippine independent cinema, is now officially honored as a National Artist. I just wish there was a more appropriate speech at the ceremony than the usual drug-dealer bashing by president #Duterte pic.twitter.com/TjidPI8awQ
— Pavel Vondra (@pavelvond) October 24, 2018
Kidlat Tahimik inspired a lot of aspiring filmmakers. And not only that, Tahimik was able to awaken as well the sense of nationalism amongst the Filipinos through his film ‘Perfumed Nightmare’ that won the International Critics Award at the Berlin Film Festival. Kidlat Tahimik’s other outstanding films are ‘Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III’ and ‘Turumba.’
How about you guys? Do you know the works of these New Philippine National Artists? Did their works touched you just like it did with the people above who expressed their pride for these guys? Tell us in the comment section below! Or better yet, send us a message on our Facebook and Twitter @UDoUPh. We would love to know what you think of these artists.