Dagdag Bawas List? New National Artists Named by President Arroyo
According to a member of the voting board, the selection was made after the first week of May and forwarded to Malacanang. The board did not receive any official communication and didn't hear anything until yesterday, July 30, when news came out about the July 29 announcement.
In a press conference at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) shortly before President Arroyo's departure to the United States for a week-long official visit last Wednesday, the following were named as National Artists: Manuel Urbano a.k.a Manuel Conde (Film and Broadcast); Lazaro Francisco (Literature); Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media); Cecilla Guidote-Alvarez (Theater); Magno Jose "Carlo" Caparas (Visual Arts and Film); Francisco Manosa (Architecture); and Jose "Pitoy" Moreno (Fashion Design).
Notable changes were made to the National Artist list, confirms the board member who prefers not to be named. Ramon Santos, whom the board nominated for Music, was taken out of the list and architect Francisco "Bobby" Manosa, who was announced National Artist for architecture did not even make it to the second round of elimination.
Leo Martinez, Director General of the Film Academy of the Philippines also expressed his bewilderment over the changes, saying, "He (Carlo J. Caparas) was obviously added by the Malacanang. We did not nominate him. We guess it's a presidential prerogative. We feel bad, I mean, we have no questions about Manuel Conde pero tinalo ni Caparas yung ni-recommend namin, si Celso Castillo. Walang comparison sa body of works and we didn't mind that Celso lost to Conde. Saka bakit 2 (ang awardee) for visual arts? Pinilit lang yon, siningit lang yon." He says the Film Academy of the Philippines is currently "trying to come up with a statement saying just that."
Martinez will likewise boycott the awarding ceremony. "I was at UP last night and the sentiment was the same. I'm sure not to attend the awarding ceremony," he said.
According to NCCA Public Affairs, no announcement has been made on the awarding ceremony for the National Artists Awards.
Collages by Warren Espejo.
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To read National Artist BenCab's statement on the matter, click here.
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