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ALAGAD NG SINING
KILALANIN
Jose Maceda – National Artist for Music
Jose Maceda was a
distinguished composer,
musicologist, educator, and
performer who explored the
rich musical heritage of
Filipino culture. Throughout his
career, he dedicated himself to
understanding and advocating
for traditional Filipino music.
His extensive research and
fieldwork led to the
compilation of a significant
Salvacion Lim- Higgins – National Artist for Fashion
Design
Salvacion Lim-Higgins, widely
recognized in the fashion
industry as "Slim's," is
celebrated for her remarkable
innovation and the
transformation of the "national
costume" into a globally
recognized silhouette. By
adeptly integrating elements of
Philippine attire with European
couture techniques, she
modernized the terno, infusing
Antonio “Tony” Mabesa – National Artist for Theater
Antonio Mabesa's career spanned over forty
years and significantly shaped Philippine
theater. In the early 1970s, he founded
Tanghalang Repertory, focusing on
traditional and modern Filipino plays while
engaging with students in Hawaii. Upon
returning to the Philippines, he joined the
University of the Philippines Diliman's
Department of Speech Communications and
Drama, where he developed a strong theater
curriculum and established Dulaang
Unibersidad ng Pilipinas in 1976.
Napoleon Abueva– National Artist for Sculpture
Napoleon V. Abueva accomplished the
extraordinary achievement of being the
youngest individual to receive the National
Artist award at the age of 46. Recognized as
the trailblazer of contemporary Philippine
sculpture, Abueva significantly influenced
the evolution of the local sculpture scene
into its present state.
Daisy Hontiveros Avellana – National Artist for
Daisy Hontiveros - Avellana was a versatile figure
Theater
in the arts, excelling as an actress, director, and
writer. She made significant contributions to
legitimate theater and the dramatic arts by
introducing innovative productions of both
Filipino and international classic plays.
Additionally, she was instrumental in the growth
of performing groups and in elevating the
standards of Filipino theater. n partnership with
her husband, the esteemed National Artist
Lamberto Avellana, along with other artists, Daisy
Avellana co-established the Barangay Theatre
Guild in 1939. This groundbreaking initiative
played a crucial role in popularizing theater and
dramatic arts across the nation.
Wilfredo Ma. Guerero – National Artist for Theater
Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, a prominent
educator and theater practitioner, devoted
35 years to the instruction and development
of exceptional talents within the Philippine
performing arts community. Under his
guidance, notable figures such as Behn
Cervantes, Celia Diaz-Laurel, Joy Virata, and
Joonee Gamboa flourished. In 1947,
Guerrero took on the role of director for the
UP Dramatic Club, a position he maintained
for an impressive duration of 16 years.
Vicente Manansala – National Artist for Painting
Vicente Manansala's work is noted for its
representations of reality that gracefully
transition into the domain of abstraction.
During his early years, his talent was first
revealed through the detailed reproductions
he created of the Sagrada Familia, along with
a portrait of his mother that he based on a
photograph. After finishing his fine arts
education at the University of the
Philippines, he began a path that took him
away from his family home, eventually
securing a role as an illustrator for the
Philippines Herald.
Yabing Masalon Dulo – Manlilikha ng Bayan
Fu Yabing lived as a youth in a milieu with a
density of stimuli that encouraged skills and
imagination. When Fu Yabing’s generation
took from the forest fibrous material that they
worked into art, the art, in turn, supported
the integrity of the natural-cultural
connection. Living in radically different
circumstances from her arboreal birthplace,
among a people who in that past engaged
precise reciprocal instead of market relations,
she carried on with an exquisite tradition. But
she had always faced disjunct between
systems by deploying her gift: the expert
making of fine warp ikat textiles. With the
highest recognition, clearly, she prevailed.
Adelita Romualdo Bagcal – Manlilikha ng Bayan
Adelita Bagcal has committed herself to the
safeguarding and promotion of the Ilocano
oral tradition known as "dallot," along with
other oral traditions, since her youth.
Demonstrating exceptional skill and
enthusiasm, she has emerged as the last
remaining authority in this art form, which
centers on themes of courtship and
marriage. By performing Dallot at various
social events, she exhibits her proficiency in
the Ilocano language and the complex
figures of speech necessary for delivering an
outstanding performance.
Abdulmari Asia Imao – National Artist for Visual Arts
Hailing from Sulu, Abdulmari Asia Imao was
an exceptionally versatile artist known for
his proficiency in numerous artistic fields,
including sculpture, painting, photography,
ceramics, documentary filmmaking, cultural
research, and writing.. His contributions to
the arts significantly advanced the
appreciation and preservation of indigenous
motifs such as ukkil, sarimanok, and naga,
which are now celebrated as quintessentially
Filipino artworks.
Carlos Quirino – National Artist for Historical
Literature
Carlos Quirino is recognized as the author of
one of the earliest biographies of Jose Rizal,
entitled The Great Malayan. His prolific work
spans a broad spectrum of subjects related
to Philippine history and culture. Quirino's
writings address various themes, including
the trial of Bonifacio, the biography of
Aguinaldo, Philippine cartography, culinary
traditions, cash crops, and the lives of
prominent tycoons and presidents.
Quirino made history as the first Filipino
correspondent for the United Press Institute.
Carlos Romulo – National Artist for Literature
Carlos P. Romulo had a varied and significant
career spanning five decades of committed
public service. During his remarkable tenure,
he excelled as a respected educator, a
courageous soldier, a prominent university
president, a celebrated journalist, and a
revered [Link] is particularly
recognized for being the first Asian to
preside over the United Nations General
Assembly and later served as the Philippine
Ambassador to Washington, D.C., before
taking on the role of Minister of Foreign
Affairs.
Salvador Bernal – National Artist for Theater Design
Salvador Bernal's legacy includes more than
300 exceptional productions celebrated for
their distinctive and innovative designs.
Aware of the financial limitations
encountered by local productions, he
adeptly leveraged the creative potential of
indigenous materials. Bernal expanded the
horizons of artistic expression by being a
pioneer in the extensive use of bamboo, raw
abaca, abaca fiber, hemp twine, rattan chain
links, and gauze cacha, resulting in unique
and engaging artistic creations.
F. Sionil Jose – National Artist for Literature
The collective body of work by F. Sionil Jose can
be aptly characterized as epic in nature. It
consistently reflects the aspirations of the Filipino
people, particularly in the realms of national
sovereignty and social justice, thereby affirming
the significance of his literary [Link]
acclaimed five-novel series, known as the
'Rosales Saga', which includes "The Pretenders,"
"Tree," "My Brother, My Executioner," "Mass,"
and "Poon," encapsulates the breadth of the
nation’s history while simultaneously chronicling
the experiences of the Samson family, whose
personal narratives are intricately linked to the
broader social struggles faced by the country.
Severino Montano – National Artist for Theater
Severino Montano was a key figure in the
Philippine performing arts as a playwright,
director, actor, and theater organizer. He
played a crucial role in establishing
"legitimate theater" in the country, focusing
on professional, high-quality productions.
Montano's legacy is defined by his
dedication to elevating Philippine theater
standards.
Ginaw Bilog – Manlilikha ng Bayan
Ginaw Bilog played a crucial role in safeguarding the
rich folk literature of the Hanunuo Mangyan. Hailing
from Kalaya, Bait, Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro, he is
celebrated for his tireless efforts in safeguarding the
ancient Hanuoo Mangyan script. His dedication
extended beyond mere preservation, as he actively
passed down the tradition of Ambahan poetry—a
unique form of rhythmic verse—ensuring it thrived for
future generations. Through his commitment, Ginaw
Bilog kept his people's cultural heritage alive and
enriched the national tapestry of indigenous wisdom
and artistry.
Severino Montano – National Artist for Theater
Severino Montano was a playwright, director, theater
organizer and the forerunner in institutionalizing
“legitimate theater” in the Philippines. Taking up
programs and graduate degrees abroad, he honed and
shared his expertise with his countrymates. He
established a graduate program at the Philippine
Normal College for the training of playwrights,
directors, technicians, actors, and designers. He also
established the Arena Theater Playwriting Contest.
Among his notable works are ‘The Love of Leonor
Rivera’, ‘But Not My Sons Any Longer’, ‘Gabriela Silang’,
‘The Merry Wives of Manila’, ‘The Ladies and the
Senator’, and ‘Parting at Calamba’..
Salinta Monon – National Artist for Literature
Salinta Monon
Bagobo Tagabawa
1998 Manlilikha ng Bayan for Textile Weaving
The ‘Inabal’ is the traditional cloth of the Bagobo Tagabawa. It is
distinguished by the several design forms and patterns contained in
a single compositional layout. Design forms include representation
of crocodiles within large diamond patterns intricately lined with
curvilinear frills in sleek brownish black, producing textiles imbued
with quiet elegance unparalleled by neighboring cultures. She built
a solid reputation for the quality of her works and the intricacies of
her designs. Few women in the 1990s had inclination, patience, or
perseverance to undergo the strict training and discipline to
become a weaver. Salinta maintained a pragmatic attitude towards
the fact that she and her sister might be the only Bagobo weavers
left - the last link to a colorful tradition among their ancestors that
had endured throughout the Spanish and American colonization
period.
ose Maria Zaragoza – National Artist for Architecture
José María V. Zaragoza’s place in Philippine
architecture history is defined by a significant
body of modern edifices that address spiritual
and secular requirements. Zaragoza’s name is
synonymous to modern ecclesiastical
architecture. His prolificacy in designing
religious edifices was reflected in his body of
work that was predominated by about forty-
five churches and religious centers.
Felipe Padilla De Leon – National Artist for Music

Felipe Padilla de Leon was a composer, conductor,

and scholar, who utilized the essence of Filipino folk
music to create masterpieces. The prodigious body of
de Leon’s musical composition (art songs, opera,
concertos, and music for all occasions) have become
the full expression of the sentiments and aspirations
of the Filipino in times of strife and of peace, making
him the epitome of a people’s musician. His notable
works include ‘Mariang Makiling Overture’, ‘Roca
Encantada’, ‘Orchesterstuk’, ‘Payapang Daigdig’,
‘Ako’y Pilipino’, and ‘Lupang Tinubuan’.
Francisco Balagtas

Francisco Balagtas was a

poet and author. He is best
known for his epic poem
called “Florante at Laura.”
He is often called the Prince
of Tagalog Poets.
Luz Ocampo
Meet 93-year-old Luz Ocampo, who has been
recognized for preserving the traditional art of
making pastillas wrapper, called “borlas de
pastillas” or “pabalat,” in the town formerly
called San Miguel de Mayumo. Ocampo spent
over 70 years nurturing the art, which is
threatened by the loss of interest among the
younger generations, said her daughter, Naty
Ocampo-Castro. She is among, if not the last,
remaining pabalat artisans of her generation
but her contribution in keeping this art alive is
evident in her body of [Link] passion for
paper cutting started at school when pabalat
making was taught as part of the curriculum.
Her skills improved when she started helping
her mother, Adelaida Villaseñor, in cutting
wrappers during her spare time after school.
National Artists from
Bulacan
Virgilio S. Almario – National Artist for Literature
Si Virgilio S. Almario ay isa sa mga nangungunang
makata, iskolar, at kritiko sa bansa, bukod sa pagiging
mahusay na propesor, tagasalin, pabliser, editor,
leksikograpo, at tagapamahalang pangkultura. Dahil sa
mga naiambag niyá sa iba’t ibang larangan ng sining at
kulturang Filipino, lalo na sa larangan ng panitikan,
kinilála siyáng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining para sa
Panitikan noong [Link] si Almario sa Camias,
San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan kina Ricardo Almario at
Feliciana Senadren. Nagtapos siyá ng A.B. Political
Science sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas noong 1963 at
naging guro sa San Miguel High School, na kaniya ring
pinagtapusan ng kaniyang sekundaryang pag-aaral.
Pagkaraan, nagturo siyá sa Department of Philippine
Studies ng Pamantasang Ateneo de Manila noong 1969.
Guillermo Tolentino – National Artist for Sculpture

Si Guillermo Estrella Tolentino ay isang batikang

iskultor at guro ng Pilipinas. Kaibigan siya ng
pintor na si Fernando Amorsolo. Ipinanganak si
Tolentino noong Hulyo 24, 1890 sa Malolos,
Bulakan kay Isidro Tolentino at Balbina Estrella.
Siya ay mag-aaral ni Gng. H. A. Bordner na siyang
unang nagturo sa kanya ng pagguguhit sa
Paaralang Intermedyaryo ng Malolos. Nagtapos
siya ng mataas na paaralan sa Mataas na
Paaralan ng Maynila. Dahil sa kanyang sariling
pagsisikap, nakapagtapos siya ng kurso ng pinong
sining sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas noong 1915.
Guillermo Tolentino – National Artist for Sculpture

Nakilala si Tolentino sa buong bansa nang dahil

sa Monumento ni Bonifacio na may maraming
pigurang kasinlaki ng tao na dinisenyo noong
1930 at inilantad noong 1933. Nakapaglikha din
siya ng iba pang mga tanyag na bantayog tulad
ng mga Oblasyon ng Pamantasan ng Pilipinas,
ang bantayog ni Pangulong Ramon Magsaysay sa
bulwagang pasukan ng GSIS, at ang Luwalhati ng
Pamantasan ng Silangan.
Francisca Reyes Aquino – National Artist for Dance

Francisca Reyes Aquino was born on March 9,

1899, in Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan. Francisca is
one of the Folk Dance Pioneers in the
Philippines. This Bulakeña began her research on
folk dances in the 1920s, making trips to remote
barrios in Central and Northern Luzon. Her
research on the unrecorded forms of local
celebration, ritual, and sport resulted in a 1926
thesis titled “Philippine Folk Dances and Games”
and explicitly arranged for use by teachers and
playground instructors in public and private
schools.
ERNANI J. CUENCO – National Artist for Music
Ernani Joson Cuenco is a seasoned musician born on
May 10, 1936, in Tikay, Malolos, Bulacan. A composer,
film scorer, musical director, and music teacher, he
wrote a unique and memorable body of works that
resonate with the Filipino sense of musicality and
embody an ingenious voice that raises the aesthetic
dimensions of contemporary Filipino music. His songs
and ballads include “Nahan, Kahit na Magtiis,” and
“Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa,” “Pilipinas,”
“Inang Bayan,” “Isang Dalangin,” “Kalesa,” “Bato sa
Buhangin” and “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal.” The latter
song shows how Cuenco has enriched the Filipino love
ballad by adding kundiman elements to it.
Amado V. Hernandez – National Artist for Literature
Amado “Ka Amado” Vera Hernandez (1903-1970)
was born on September 13, 1903 in Hagonoy,
Bulacan but grew up in Gagalangin, Tondo,
Manila. In 1932, he married a Filipino actress and
fellow National Artist, Honorata “Atang” de la
[Link] was a poet, novelist, playwright,
essayist, news correspondent, editor, labor
leader, a guerilla intelligence officer against the
Japanese forces. He was appointed as a city
councilor of Manila, and a college professor in
the most prominent state university here in the
country, the University of the Philippines in
Diliman.
Antonio Buenaventura – National Artist for Music
Colonel Antonino Ramirez Buenaventura was born on
May 4, 1904, in Baliuag, Bulacan, to Leocandia Ramirez
and Lucino Buenaventura, chief musician of the famous
Spanish Artillery Band of Intramuros during that time. He
married Rizalina Esconde, a violin teacher at UP, and had
four children. Antonino vigorously pursued a musical
career that spanned seven decades of unwavering
commitment to advancing Philippine music’s frontiers. In
1935, he joined Francisca Reyes-Aquino to research
folksongs and dances that led to its popularization.
Antonino composed songs, compositions for solo
instruments, and symphonic and orchestral works based
on the folksongs of various Philippine ethnic groups. He
was also a conductor and restored the Philippine Army
Band to its former prestige as one of the world’s finest
military bands, making it “the only band that can sound
like a symphony orchestra.”
National Artists with Roots
from Bulacan
Honorata “Atang” Dela Rama- National Artist for Theater and
Music
Honorata “Atang” Dela Rama-Hernandez
was born in Pandacan, Manila, on
January 11, 1902. She is commonly
known as Atang de la Rama, the singer
and “Vaudeville/Bodabil” performer
who became the first Filipina film
actress. She married a Bulakenyo and
fellow National Artist, Amado
Hernandez, in 1932. Her family’s roots
are from Bocaue, according to Bulacan
historians.
Honorata “Atang” dela Rama – National Artist for Theater &
Music
At the age of seven, Atang dela Rama began
her illustrious career on stage, captivating
audiences with her performances in Spanish
zarzuelas such as Mascota, Sueño de un Vals,
and Marina. Among the various characters
she brought to life, the role of an orphan in
‘Pangarap ni Rosa’ was particularly
significant to her, as it provided an
opportunity to express her talent with
genuine emotion.
.
Gerardo “Gerry” De Leon – National Artist for Film

Gerardo “Gerry” de Leon was a Filipino actor turned

film director who made his acting debut in the 1934
film “Ang Dangal.” According to online sources, he was
born on September 12, 1913, in Manila. His father,
Hermogenes Ilagan, was born in Bigaa (now Balagtas),
Bulacan. De Leon was a medical doctor by profession,
but his ultimate love for film has won him over. He
made eight more films as an actor before he became a
director. He made his directorial debut in 1939’s Bahay-
Kubo, starring Fely Vallejo (who he later married).
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