9 new National Artists, awarded by PH President Aquino

In a ceremony held in Malacañang last April 14, President Aquino awarded 9 new National Artists, with 6 of them awarded posthumously.

 

NEWLY-AWARDED NATIONAL ARTISTS. The national artists and representatives of those awarded posthumously gathered for a photo with Aquino. Photo by Krizjohn Rosales, grabbed via philstar.com

Three of the national artists were named National Artist in 2009, and the others were named last 2014. The Order of the National Artists (ONA) is the highest recognition given to outstanding artists in their respective fields, who have given significant contributions to the field of “music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film and broadcast arts, and architecture and allied arts.”

Those conferred with ONA are namely Cirilo Bautista for literature, Alicia Garcia Reyes for dance, and Ramon Santos for music. Those awarded posthumously are Federico Aguilar Alcuaz for visual arts, Manuel Conde for film, Lazaro Francisco for literature, Francisco Coching for visual arts, Francisco Feliciano for music, and Jose Maria Zaragoza for architecture.

Those who are awarded posthumously were represented by their members of the family.

In his speech, Aquino said that they are not recognized solely for their talents and contributions on the society, but because “they represent the best character of the Filipino race.”

 

Source report: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/226811/aquino-honors-9-new-national-artists