It is very fitting that the country’s cultural heritage icons be given due recognition and their works be highlighted for the world to see.
Recently, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and S Maison staged Haligi ng Harayang Pilipino exhibit to train the spotlight on the life and works of some of the country’s premier artists and artisans. The exhibit featured awardees of the Order of National Artists (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining), and the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or The National Living Treasures Award.
The Order of National Artists is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts, namely: Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film, Broadcast Arts, and Architecture and Allied Arts. The order is jointly administered by the NCCA and the Cultural Center of the Philippines and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation by both institutions.
The GAMABA is conferred on a person or group of artists recognized by the government of the Philippines for their contributions to the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
Gracing the event were NCCA executive director Rico Pableo Jr., deputy executive director Marichu Tellano, committee head for dance Shirley Halili-Cruz, head for visual arts and exhibit curator Egai Talusan Fernandez, committee head for dramatic arts Dessa Quesada-Palm, sub-commissioner on the arts Teddy Co and GAMABA chairperson Marian Pastor. SM SVP for marketing Millie Dizon and S Maison assistant mall manager Grace Mindanao welcomed guests and NCCA officials to the event.
The Bayanihan Folk Dance Company interpreted a masterpiece by National Artist for Dance Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula and National Artist for Music Lucrecia Kasilag, while Michael Coroza read an excerpt from Rubdob sa Tag-init (Summer Solstice) by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin.
The Keheligal Cultural Dance Troupe and Yakan Family Ensemble both performed their traditional dance. The Nightingales interpreted Sa Ugoy ng Duyan by National Artist Lucio San Pedro and Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal by National Artist Levi Celerio.
Nationalism & the art of Jorge Pineda
One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a handsome book on two topics that I adore — all things Filipino and the rather underrated painter of the early 20th century, Jorge Pineda, whose works I have admired since I was in high school.
Pineda was actually Fernando Amorsolo’s overseer at Cacho Hermanos, which was at the time the country’s premier publishers.
Nationalism and the Art of Jorge Pineda was a delightful stocking-stuffer published by Januarius Holdings Inc. on behalf of the Atencio-Libunao Art Space. The book is totally a luxe edition, with a golden-yellow slipcase and terrific images printed on lavishly heavy paper.
Rod Libunao and JJ Atencio(left). Lisa Guerrero Nakpil(rigth).
Author of the book was curator and my friend Lisa Guerrero Nakpil, with a foreword by former head of the National Museum of the Philippines Corazon Alvina. Nationalism tells the history of the Philippines (spanning pre-Spanish days to present-day politics) in 28 works, including a revolutionary flag reportedly owned by Emilio Aguinaldo and captured by the Americans.
JJ Atencio wrote in his foreword: “Art and nationalism have always been bound together, since Juan Luna’s Spoliarium and its capture of the gold medal at the Madrid Salon in 1884. Luna would become the toast of Europe and would make all Filipinos proud to be of the same country. Together, the works underline the power of art, not just in reflecting love of country but also in inspiring and nurturing it.
“Nationalism, as portrayed by the Art of Jorge Pineda, reminds us that, as we teach our children what they should live for, it is also important for them to know what to die for.”
Try to get this beautiful and informative book. It certainly is worth owning.
(For inquiries, e-mail almer@deca.ph.)
(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)