Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Unit 2

Recognizing the GAMABA and

the National Artists
Introduction
Art works are produced by either an artist or an artisan. Each has his/her own role
in the art arena. However, how could we distinguish an artist from that of an artisan?
How could we know that the art works we are enjoying are created by an artist or
artisan? Undoubtedly, people get confused of these two terms.

Further, recognizing one’s contribution to the development of the Philippine arts

simply shows how we treasure and value our Filipino culture. To give honor for the
artists’ efforts, two major awards (Order ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining or Order
of National Artists and Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living
Treasures Award) are given.

This unit is designed for you to get acquainted with the personages who made
names in world of arts in the country.

Unit Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
a. Distinguish Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award from National
Artists Award;
b. Conduct a research about an artist/artisan who has dedicated his/her life
to the cultivation of the arts; and
c. Demonstrate appreciation on the contribution of an artist or artisan in
the community.

Topic 1: Giving Honors to the Artists and Artisans

Time Allotment: 3 hours

Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, you will be to:
a. Distinguish artist from artisan;

63
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

b. Write a feature article about an artist/artisan who has dedicated

his/her life to the cultivation of the arts; and
c. Demonstrate appreciation on the contribution of an artist or artisan
in the community.

Activating Prior Learning

Read and analyze the given statements below, then identify each statement whether
this refers to an artist or artisan.

_______1. He/She is able to produce something that has a functional value.

_______2. He/She is a person who performs any of the creative arts.
_______3. He/She is a skilled worker who makes things by hand.
_______4. He/She is able to create art for the of art itself without needing any
ulterior motives.
_______5. He/She has the skill of adding aesthetic value to the objects that he/she
creates.

Presentation of Content
Who is an Artist?
Artists work in the fine arts, including painting, illustration, and sculpture.
All fine artists first learn to sketch, and begin with a pencil and sketchpad to work
with an idea on paper. Artists transfer their vision to canvases or other medium, and
this may mean working in oil, watercolor or pastel. Sculptors take their sketches
and create 3D products from clay, marble or other material. Illustrators might work
for a publishing or animation company, or create original comic books. All artists’
work aims to create an overall reaction from a viewer.
Generally, an artist is defined as an art practitioner who produces or creates
indirectly-functional arts with aesthetic value using imagination.
They produce us pieces as the means of provoking our thought, ideas and emotions
that are necessary to discover ourselves and our feelings.
Job responsibilities of an artist include:
a. Developing ideas for a canvas or product
b. Selecting a medium for a final work, including texture, size, or area
c. Collecting work for a portfolio
d. Applying for grants for financial support

64
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Take a look at these famous artists.

Fernando Cueto Amorsolo is one of the most

important artists in the history of painting in the
Philippines. Amorsolo was a portraitist and painter
of rural Philippine landscapes. He is popularly
known for his craftsmanship and mastery in the use
of light.

He painted and sketched more than ten thousand

pieces over his lifetime using natural and
backlighting techniques. His most known works are
of the dalagang Filipina, landscapes of his Philippino
Fernando C. Amorsolo
homeland, portraits and WWII war scenes.

Born in Calle Herran in Paco, Manila, on May 30,

1892, Fernando Amorsolo began drawing and sketching as a young boy. The
family lived in Daet until the death of his father. At that time his mother moved
the family to the home of her cousin, artist Don Fabian dela Rosa in
Manila. Amorsolo was 13 years old at the time and in order to help provide for his
family, he sold his drawings and began to study art under dela
Rosa. http://fernandoamorsolopaintings.com/Fernando_Amorsolo_Biography_Page.htm

A closer look at this work will reveal brush strokes

executed with the ease of a virtuoso. The featured painting
is considered a masterpiece for the subtlety of its encoded
messages, which, in this case, has been described as
national pride. In stark contrast to the increasing
westernization of the urban capital Manila, this work is a
celebration of the pristine, rural Philippine countryside.
The scene is bathed in sunlight and features a country
maiden. This work is a fine example of this National
Artist’s favorite subject and setting. Amorsolo notes, “My
conception of an ideal Filipina beauty is one with a
rounded face, not of the oval type... The eyes should be
exceptionally lively… The nose should be of the blunt form
but firm and strongly marked… The ideal Filipino beauty
should have a sensuous mouth…not…white-
complexioned, nor of the dark brown color…but of the
clear skin…which we often witness when we meet a
blushing girl.” For Amorsolo, the Filipino beauty was an
important symbol of national identity. The colors of the
Philippine flag are evident in the blue kerchief, red skirt,
Untitled (Palay Maiden)
and white blouse. The subject gazes directly at the viewer,
http://masterpieces.asemus.museum/
holding a generous bundle of newly harvested rice, a hope-filled masterpiece/detail.nhn?objectId=10429
moment for the young Philippines.

65
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Juan Luna is considered one of the greatest

Filipino artists in Philippine history with
masterpieces such as Spolarium, The Death of
Cleopatra and Blood Compact. Not only did he
excel in artistry, but he was also a political activist
during the time of the Philippine Revolution
during the late 19thcentury. His close friendship
with National Hero Jose Rizal has sparked
Philippine nationalism and pride. Juan Luna was
mostly known for his works as being dramatic and
dynamic, focusing on romanticism and realism
Juan Luna
styles of art. http://vanz2005.tripod.com/vanz.html

This is the “Spoliarium”

by Juan Novicio Luna,
as masterpiece created in
1884. It is one of the prize
possessions of the
Philippine National
Museum today. This
Neoclassical artwork
earned Juan Luna 3 gold
medal in the Exposicion
Nacional de Bellas
Artes and recognition
among the connoisseurs
and art critics. It was praise
so much that even Jose
Rizal, Philippine’s national
Spoliarium hero, prepared a speech for
https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-good-analysis-of-the-painting- Juan Luna, addressing two
Spoliarium-by-Juan-Luna
things from his artwork, the
glorification of genius and the
grandeur of his artistic skills. And it’s not a surprise why he called the artwork “The Glorification of
Genius.” Not only does it enticed the fewer with compelling imagery of death, but it also sneaks in a historical
nod to the Filipino History.

66
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

What you have just learned is an artist. This time, may you get familiar with an
artisan.
Who is an artisan?
Artisans are craftsmen who work in textiles, pottery, glass and other areas. They
are craftsmen who make practical artistic products, such as earrings, urns, stained
glass and other accessories. They gain their knowledge by studying under master
craftsmen and then practicing with continued study. They work to create something
new, original, and at times, provocative. They spend a good portion of their time
selling and promoting their items in various marketplaces.
In other words, artisans are craftsmen who produce directly functional and or
decorative arts. They help us in meeting our basic needs such as food, clothing,
dwelling, furniture, kitchen utensils and everything that makes our life easy are
crafted by artisans.

Job responsibilities of an Artisan include:

a. Using and mixing mediums like paint, metal, glass, or fabric
b. Shaping, gluing sewing, testing and producing products
c. Displaying work at various sites including auctions, craft shows or online
markets
d. Estimating costs and material need

Take a look at this famous Filipino artisan.

One featured
artisan who
intended to
showcase Filipino
craftsmanship is
Tina Maristela-
Ocampo. When
she first thought
of the concept for Celestina, what she really
wanted was to “bring whatever here in the
Philippines out to the world. Hence, Celestina
would produce find handmade bags using local
indigenous products crafted by Filipino artisans.
Tina Maristela-Ocampo

67
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Other artisans engage themselves in producing different products.

Pottery
https://pixabay.com/en/ancient-pottery-pots-clay-antique-
2179091/

Basket Weaving
https://pixabay.com/en/wickerwork-basket-weavers-
craft-1314017/

Filipinos are known for being creative and resourceful. They try to maximize what
whatever resources they have just to earn and sustain their basic needs.

68
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

LOOK: Dumagat artisans turn driftwood into artworks

Rogelio, one of the Dumagats living near the Ipo Dam in Bulacan, has got the nature as his
partner in making great art pieces.
The 12 Dumagat artisans in Rogelio’s community transforms driftwood, an uprooted and
fallen part of trees washed away by river and streams, they collected from the watershed to create
competitive sculpture pieces bearing nature-inspired designs.
After gathering the wood from the water, the artisans will then let them dry for three days, and
when these are ready, the transformation starts.
In creating artworks, the artisans let their imaginations run wild and thus seeing existing
images out of the driftwood. And from there, the simple wood becomes a distinct sculpture of nature’s
elements. Birds, fishes and even humans, among others, are just some of the favorite images formed
in the sculptures of the Dumagat artisans.
One would really expect great artworks coming from the driftwood, which was only used
before by the locals as firewood, as the Dumagat artisans were trained by renowned Filipino
sculptures.
Rogelio, who has nine children, gets a living from his masterpieces, being able to sell an
artwork for up to P300.
This project does not only provide the Dumagats livelihood but also provide mother earth a
support for sustainability.
ANC Green Living, 23 January 2016
http://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/v1/01/23/16/lok-dumagat-artisans-turn-driftwood-into-artworks

Let’s Watch!
Video about Dumagat Artisans
https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/v1/01/23/16/look-dumagat-artisans-turn-driftwood-
into-artworks

69
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Application
Activity 1. Go back to your community and look for the local artists or artisans.
Have an intensive conversation about their lives. Highlight the following
information:
1. Name:______________________________________________________
Birthday:____________________________________________________
Tribe and Religion:____________________________________________
Education:___________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________
Type:_______________________________________________________
Sample Artwork:

Photo of the artwork What does the artwork mean?

2. Name:______________________________________________________
Birthday:____________________________________________________
Tribe and Religion:____________________________________________
Education:___________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________
Type:_______________________________________________________
Sample Artwork:

Photo of the artwork What does the artwork mean?

70
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Let’s Write!
Selecting one of your answers in Activity 1, write a feature article depicting the life
of the artist/artisan.
Written output will be graded using the given criteria.
Content 10 points
Organization 5 points
Grammar 5 points
Mechanics 5 points
25 points

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

71
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Score: ________
Feedback Date:_________

I. Read and analyze the given statement below, then identify whether this
refers to an artist or artisan. Write your answer before each number.
_________1. He/She is skilled in a particular activity such as drawing, designing,
composing, etc.
_________2. He/She is used form musician.
_________3. He/She goes beyond the social restrictions and creates art for pleasure
of creating.
_________4. He/She is able to produce various objects ranging from jewelry to
furniture.
_________5. He/She gains his/her knowledge by studying under master craftsmen.
_________6. Through art, he/she can create a change in society.
_________7. He/She spends a good portion of his/her time selling and promoting
his/her items in various marketplaces.
_________8. Tina Maristela-Ocampo intended to showcase Filipino craftsmanship.
She is an ________.
_________9. Juan Luna is considered one of the greatest Filipino ______s in
Philippine history with masterpieces such as Spolarium, The Death
of Cleopatra and Blood Compact.

________10. The Dumagat people transformed driftwood into competitive

sculpture pieces bearing nature-inspired designs. They are called
________s.

72
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

II. Complete the grid in the “Comparison Matrix”. Put a check mark if it
describes an artist or artisan.

Items to Characteristics
Compared
Uses Creates Considers Produces Engages in
aesthetic things by functional arts for arts for
value hand value pleasure economic
reasons
Artist

Artisan

73
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Topic 2: The GAMABA and the National Artists

Time Allotment: 3 hours

Learning Objectives

At the end of the session, you will be able to:

a. Discuss the background of the GAMABA;

b. Distinguish the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award from National
Artists Award; and
c. Express appreciation on their contribution to the Philippine arts.

Activating Prior Learning

Name at least 3 to 5 Filipino local artists or national artists you know and their
artworks. Complete the matrix below.

Artist Artwork Meaning

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

74
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Presentation of Content

Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Awards or GAMABA is an award that

acknowledges folk and indigenous artists who, despite the modern times, remain
true to their traditions. It is administered by the National Commission for Culture
and the Arts (NCCA) through Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Committee.
GAMABA began as a project of the Philippine Rotary Club Makati-Ayala.
In 1992, it was adopted by the government and institutionalized Republic Act No.
7355. This award aims to support and motivate these artists to preserve their artistic
heritage for the present and future generations. These artists are also recognized as
the country’s National Living Treasures.
The GAWAD sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or the National Living
Treasures Award gives recognition to Filipino traditional craftsmen or artisans
whose skills have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence and who
are tasked to pass on to the present generation knowledge threatened with
extinction.
NCCA chairman Felipe M. de Leon , Jr. spearheaded the institutionalization
of the award. The law was authored by senators Edgardo J. Angara, Heherson
Alvarez, Leticia ramos-Shahani, SOtero Laurel and congresswoman Kate Gordon.
On April 3, 1992, President Corazon C. Aquino signed Republic Act No.
7355, providing for the recognition of the national living treasures, otherwise
known as the Manlilikha ng Bayan, and the promotion and development of
traditional folk arts.
On December 17, 1993, the first awarding ceremony for Gawad sa
Manlilikha ng Bayan was held at the Malacaňan Palace.

How does one become a Manlilikha ng Bayan?

To become a Manlilikha ng Bayan”, the candidate must possess the following:
1. He/She is an inhabitant of an indigenous/traditional cultural community
anywhere in the Philippines that has preserved indigenous customs, beliefs,
rituals and traditions and/or has syncretized whatever external elements that
have influenced it.
2. He/She must have engaged in a folk art tradition that has been in existence
and documented for at least fifty(50)years.
3. He/She must have consistently performed or produced over significant
period, works of superior and distinctive quality.

75
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

4. He/She must possess a mastery of tools and materials needed by the art, and
must have an established reputation in the arts as master and maker of works
of extraordinary technical quality.
5. He/She must have passed on and/or will pass on to other members of the
community their skills in the folk art for which the community is
traditionally known.

A traditional artist who possesses all the qualities of a Manlilikha ng Bayan

candidate, but due to age or infirmity has left him/her incapable of teaching further
hi/her craft, may still be recognized if:
1. He/She has created a significant body of works and/or has consistently
displayed excellence in the practice of his/her art, thus achieving important
contributions for its development.
2. He/She has been instrumental in the revitalization of his/her community’s
artistic tradition.
3. He/She has passed on to the other members of the community skills in the
folk art for which the community is traditionally known.
4. His/Her community has recognized him/her as master and teacher of his/her
craft.

What are the incentives received by the awardee?

A Manlilika ng Bayan awardee receives a specially designed medallion, an initial
grant of P100,000 and P10.0000 monthly stipend for life. In consonance with the
provision of Republic Act No. 7355, which states that “the monetary grant may be
increased whenever circumstances so warrant, “the NCCA board approved monthly
personal allowance of P14,000 for the awardees as well as a maximum cumulative
amount of P750,000 medical and hospitalization benefit annually similar to that
received by the National Artists and funeral assistance /tribute fit for a National
Living Treasure.

76
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

GAMABA Awardees

GINAW BILOG (+ 2003), Poet, Hanunuo Mangyan,

Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro, 1993
 Awarded for faithfully preserving the Hanunuo
Mangyan script and ambalan poetry.
 He has promoted the local script and poetry so
that the art will not be lost but preserved for
posterity.

MASINO INTARAY (+ 2013), Musician and Storyteller,

Pala’wan , Brookes Point, Palawan, 1993

 He was awarded for his exemplary skills in basal or

gong music ensemble.
 He was also recognized for his versatility as
musician, poet, epic chanter and storyteller of the
kulilal and bagit traditions of Pala’wan.

SAMAON SULAIMAN (+ 2011), Musician,

Magindanao, Mama sa Pano, Maguindanao, 1993

 He was awarded for his outstanding artistry and

dedication to his chosen instrument, the
Magindanao kutyapi.
 Kutyapi is a two-stringed plucked lute, regarded
as one of the most technically demanding and
difficult to master among Filipino traditional
instrument.

77
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

LANG DULAY (+2015) , Textile Weaver, T’boli, Lake Sebu,

South Cotabato , 1998

 A T’boli of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, was awarded for

weaving the abaca ikat cloth called t’nalak.
 She has produced creations which remain faithful to the
T’boli tradition as manifested in the complexity of her
design, fineness of workmanship and quality of finish.

SALINTA MONON (+ 2009), Textile Weaver, Tagabawa,

Bagobo, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, 1998

 She was awarded for fully demonstrating the creative

and expressive aspects of the Bagobo abaca ikat
weaving called inabal at a time when such art is
threatened with extinction.

ALONZO SACLAG, Musician and Dancer, Kalinga

for Lubuagan, Kalinga, 2000

 A Kalinga of Lubuagan, Kalinga was awarded for his

mastery of the Kalinga dance and the performing
arts.
 He was also recognized for his persistence to create
and nurture a greater consciousness and
appreciation of Kalinga culture among the Kalinga
themselves and beyond their borders.

78
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

FEDERICO CABALLERO, Epic Chanter, Sulod-

Bukidnon, Calinog, Iloilo, 2000

 He has worked hard to document the oral

literature of his people.
 He preserved the epics that use a language
that has long been dead by working
together with scholars, artists, and
advocates of culture.

UWANG AHADAS, Musician, Yakan , Lamitan,

Basilan, 2000

 A Yakan of Lamitan, Basilan was awared for

his dexterity in playing Yakan musical
instruments such as the kwintagan, gabbang,
agung, kwintagang kayu, tuntungan among
others.
 He has a deep knowledge of the aesthetic
possibilities and social contexts of those
instruments.
 In spite of the dimming of his eyesight, he has
developed devoted his life to the teaching of
Yakan musical traditions.

DARHATA SAWABI (+ 2005), Textile Weaver, Tausug,

Parang, Sulu, 2004

 She is one of the master weavers in the island of

Jolo.
 Like most women in their tribe, she has learned
the art of weaving the pis syabit, the traditional
cloth tapestry worn as head cover by the Tausu
of Jolo, from her mother.

79
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

EDUARDO MUTUC, Metalsmith, Kapampangan ,

Apalit, Pampanga , 2004
 A Kapampangan from Central Luzon is recognized for
reviving the Spanish colonial-era craft of Plateria.
 This self-taught master craftsman found his calling in
producing religious and secular art in silver, bronze
and wood.
 In doing so, and in his pursuit of perfection for himself
and his apprentices, he assures the continuity of this
rich tradition.

HAJA AMINA APPI (+ 2013), Mat Weaver, Sama,

Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi , 2004

She is recognized as the master mat weaver among the

Sama indigenous community of Ungos Matata. Her mats
are known for their complex geometric patterns,
proportion, and unique combination of colors.

TEOFILO GARCIA, Casque Maker, Ilocano, San Quintin,

Abra, 2012
He learned how to make gourd casques and weave baskets
from his grandfather at the age of 16.

Since he learned the craft, he never stopped experimenting

with other designs.

He previously used nito(vine trimmings) to decorate the

headgear and then used with other materials such as bamboo
after his supplier from Cagayan passed away.

80
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

MAGDALENA GAMAYO, Textile Weaver, Ilocano, Pinili,

Ilocos Norte, 2012
She has taught herself the traditional patterns of binakol,
inuritan(geometric design), kusikos(spiral forms similar to oranges),
and sinan-sabong (flowers).

She has learned the art of weaving from her aunt and started harnessing
her innate skills at the age of 16. She may be in her late 80s but she
still manages to arrange threads on the loom, which is the hardest task
in textile weaving.

AMBALANG AUSALIN, Textile Weaver, Yakan of Basilan,

2016, (born 4 March 1943)

Her skill is deemed incomparable: she is able to bring forth

all designs and actualize all textile categories typical to the
Yakan.

She can execute the suwah bekkat(cross-stitch-like

embellishment and suwah pendan(embroidery-like
embellishment) techniques of the bunga sama category.

ESTELITA BANTILAN, Mat Weaver, Sarangani, 2016, (born

17 October 1940)

The child Labnai, already precocious in mat weaving, took on the

name Estelita in the 1960s.

When she married, becoming Mrs. Bantilan, she raised a family in the
foreign faith. But she kept to her mat weaving. She persisted where
other women could not because her husband Tuwada was atypically
supportive.

YABING MASALON DULO, Ikat Weaver, 2016, (born 8

August 1914)

She believes herself older than ninety. Her identity card marks that
age, however, and date of birth, the fourteenth of August supposedly
1910.
Since the venerable ikat-dyer has a memory sharper than blades. It
seems always best to follow her counsel.
In Mindanao, Ikat is, for the most part, an extinct form of art-making,
community-making, equilibrium- making.
But for Dulo, Blaan ikat dyeing is an extinct form of human endeavor
in a world gone the way of the forests. 81
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

National Artists

If you’re given the title of National Artist, you can consider yourself one of the
best. By being given the title, it means you have given significant contributions to
the development of Philippine arts and letters. The recognition is given to those
who excel in the fields of Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, Literature, Film and
Broadcast, and Architecture or Allied Arts.

The very first recipient of this award was painter Fernando Amorsolo, who was
touted as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art.” He was the sole awardee in the
year 1972, a National Artist for Visual Arts.

A person who receives this title gets the following honors and privileges:

1. Rank and title of National Artist, as proclaimed by the President of the

Philippines;

2. Insignia of a National Artist and a citation;

3. Cash awards, monthly life pension, medical, and hospitalization benefits, life
insurance coverage, state funeral and burial at the Libingan ng mga
Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery), and a place of honor at national state functions along
with recognition at cultural events

There are 66 recognized National Artists to date, with the fields of Visual Arts,
Literature, and Music having the most number of recognized National Artists.

Here are some of the more well-known National Artists of the Philippines: (Photo
grabbed from arkitektura.ph)

82
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Leandro V. Locsin (Architecture, 1990)

A man who believes that true Philippine Architecture “is the product
of two great streams of culture, the oriental and the occidental… to
produce a new object of profound harmony,” Leandro V. Locsin is the
man responsible for designing everything you see at CCP Complex –
the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Folk Arts Theatre, Philippine
International Convention Center, Philcite, and The Westin Hotel (now
Sofitel Philippine Plaza).

Lino Brocka (Cinema, 1997)

Catalino “Lino” Ortiz Brocka is known to many as one of, if not the
greatest Filipino director of all time. He espoused “freedom of
expression” throughout all his films, injecting each and every one
with a social activist spirit. Some of his well-known works
include Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Maynila sa mga Kuko
ng Liwanag (1975), and Insiang (1976), the latter being the first
Filipino film to be shown at Cannes.

Carlos “Botong” Francisco (Visual Arts, 1973)

Hailing from the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono native Carlos
“Botong” Francisco is known for single-handedly reviving the modern
art of murals through works that showed slices of the past. He was
such a prolific muralist that he became its most well-known
practitioner for almost 30 years

83
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Levi Celerio (Literature and Music, 1997)

Levi Celerio, a prolific lyricist and composer, is known for having

effortlessly translating or rewriting lyrics of traditional Filipino
melodies like “O Maliwanag Na Buwan” (Iloko), “Ako ay May
Singsing” (Pampango), and “Alibangbang” (Visaya). He’s also
been immortalized in the Guinness Book of World Records as
the only person to make music using just a leaf.

Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (Theater, 1997)

Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero is a teacher and theater artist who, in his 35 years
of teaching, has mentored some of the country’s best Filipino
performing artists, including Joy Virata and Joonee Gamboa. He is also
the founder and artistic director of the UP Mobile Theater, leading the
way for the concept of a theater campus by bringing theater closer to
students and audiences in the countryside.

Leonor Orosa Goquingco

Leonor Orosa Goquingco is a pioneer Filipino choreographer known

to many as “The Trailblazer,” “The Mother of Philippine Theater
Dance,” and “Dean of Filipino Performing Arts Critics.” She has
produced stunning choreographies during her 50-year career,
highlighted by “Filipinescas: Philippine Life, Legend, and Love,” which
elevated native folk dance to its highest stage of development.

84
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Sionil Jose (Literature, 2001)

One of the few living national artists, F. Sionil Jose is best

known for creating the five-novel masterpiece known as the
Rosales saga: Poon; Tree; My Brother, My Executioner; The
Pretenders; and Mass. Set in the town of Rosales,
Pangasinan, it talks about the five generations of two families,
the Samsons and the Asperri, during the Spanish and
American occupation.

Lucrecia R. Kasilag (Music, 1989)

If you’re a fan of Filipino artists that blend Filipino ethnic and

Western music, then you should probably get to know
Lucrecia R. Kasilag. An educator, composer, performing
artist, administrator, and cultural entrepreneur, she is seen
as the pioneering figure for fusing Filipino ethnic and
Western music, helping elevate Filipino’s appreciation for
music. Her best work is the prize-winning Toccata for
Percussions and Winds, Divertissement and Concertante,
which incorporates indigenous Filipino instruments.

85
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

The 7 Newly Awarded Artists in the Philippines

The Order of
National Artists is the
highest recognition
given by the
government to
Filipinos who have
made significant
contributions to the
development of
Philippine arts. The
Philippine president
names them based on
the recommendations
of the National
Commission for
Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

The country’s 7 new National Artists are:

1. Larry Alcala, National Artist for Visual Arts

Editorial cartoonist and illustrator Alcala’s pen brought to life the cartoon series
Slice of Life in the Weekend Magazine, Mang Ambo in the Weekly Graphic, and
Kalabog en Bosyo, the first comic strip where characters spoke in Taglish. His
many works portrayed the idiosyncracies of the Filipino, especially our ability to
laugh at ourselves in the face of great adversity, as personified in the character of
Mang Ambo. The two detectives in Kalabog en Bosyo were brought to the big
screen and played by comedians Dolphy and Panchito in a film by Sampaguita
Pictures. Alcala died in 2002 at the age of 75.

2. Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio, National Artist for Theater

For her work in writing plays, promoting children’s theater, and puppetry,
Bonifacio has been called the “Grande Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s
Theater.” She has penned 40 plays, 20 books, and 30 stories, according to
panitikan.ph, and was chairperson of the University of the Philippines’ Creative
Writing Program. She founded Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, a children’s theater
and puppetry troupe based in UP.

3. Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music

“Mr C” is perhaps the most famous Filipino composer in recent history. He has
composed musical scores for award-winning films, 10 full-length Filipino
musicals, full-length ballets, a major opera, and a plethora of songs, including
beloved classics like “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka” and “Da Coconut Nut.” A
force for original Pilipino music, he has spearheaded the Philippine Popular Music

86
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Festival and served as judge in talent shows, like Philippine Idol and Philippine
Dream Academy. He leads the 7-member Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

4. Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa, National Artist for Architecture

If Mañosa is a name unknown to you, the same likely cannot be said of his iconic
works. The architect known for his modern interpretation of Philippine
architectural design and use of indigenous materials is behind the Coconut Palace,
world-famous Amanpulo Resort in Palawan, Pearl Farm in Samal Island, Shangri-
La Hotel in Mactan, and the San Miguel building in Mandaluyong, among others.
For his pioneering vision and promotion of indigenous Filipino architecture,
Mañosa has garnered many accolades, both locally and internationally.

5. Resil Mojares, National Artist for Literature

Mojares is a multi-awarded writer, historian, and literary critic. His works include
Origins and Rise of the Filipino Novel, The War Against the Americans, and books
about eminent Filipinos, such as Vicente Sotto, Pedro Paterno, Isabelo delos Reyes,
and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera. He has won several National Book Awards from the
Manila Critics Circle and founded the Cebuano Studies Center, a library and
research center dedicated to Cebuano culture and history.

6. Ramon Muzones, National Artist for Literature

Muzones is the preeminent name in West Visayan fiction. He is best known for his
Hiligaynon novel Margosatubig: The Story of Salagunting, about a fictional
Muslim state in Mindanao and the struggles of its hero, Salagunting, to wrest it
from the clutches of usurpers. A tale that combines intrigue, romance, pre-colonial
lore, fantasy, and adventure, it unfolded as a series in the Hiligaynon magazine
Yuhum. In 1989, he received the Gawad CCP para sa Sining, an award given every
3 years to artists whose works have enriched their art form. His proclamation as
National Artist is posthumous as Muzones died in 1992.

7. Kidlat Tahimik, National Artist for Cinema

Widely regarded as the father of independent Philippine cinema, Kidlat Tahimik
(real name: Eric de Guia) is known for creating films that humorously but
evocatively critique neocolonialism. A native of Baguio City, Tahimik has garnered
numerous international and local awards for his films. His first, Perfumed
Nightmare (1977), won the International Critics Award at the Berlin Film Festival.
He has gone on to inspire generations of Filipino filmmakers to forge on with their
independent vision, regardless of commercial considerations. In 2009, he received
the UP Gawad Plaridel Award, the University of the Philippines’ highest award
recognizing achievements in media. – Rappler.com

87
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Let’s Watch!

ABS-CBN News about the 7 Newly Proclaimed Artists in the Country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhCQQJ675KA

Application
1. How does an artisan or artisan be of great help in our present society?`
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. Choose one of the National Artist Awardees. Select and research one of his /her
artworks which you think have influenced or contributed much in the country.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

88
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

3. Adding to the list of artisans and artists, who would you like to be included? State
your reasons why?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

89
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Feedback Score: _______

Date: ________
I. Read the given statement below, then identify what is being asked. Write your
answer on the blank provided before each number.
____________________1. It is the highest recognition given to Filipino individuals
who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts.
____________________2. The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan was
institutionalized through_______________.
____________________3. It is an award that acknowledges folk and indigenous
artists who, despite the modern times, remain true to their traditions.
____________________4. He spearheaded the institutionalization of the National
Living Treasures Award.
____________________5. He was the very first recipient of being the National
Artist for Visual Arts.
____________________6. The NCCA board approved monthly personal
allowance of ______________ for the Gawad sa Manlilikha awardees.
____________________7. To be a GAMABA awardee, he/she must have engaged
in a folk art tradition that has been in existence and documented for at
least________.
____________________8. He received the Gawad CCP para sa Sining, an award
given every 3 years to artists whose works have enriched their art form.
____________________9. He is known for creating films that humorously but
evocatively critique neocolonialism.
___________________10. She founded Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, a children’s
theater and puppetry troupe based in UP.

II. Match Column A with Colum B by writing the number of the correct answer
from Column B on the corresponding blank of Column A.

Column A Column B
1. Larry Alcala A, He was Awarded for faithfully preserving the
Hanunuo Mangyan script and ambalan poetry.
2. Ginaw Bilog B. She is best known for creating the five-novel
masterpiece known as the Rosales saga:
3. Leonor Orosa C. He is the man responsible for designing everything
Goquingco you see at CCP Complex.
4. Sionil Jose D. His many works portrayed the idiosyncrasies of
the Filipino, especially our ability to laugh at
ourselves in the face of great adversity.
5. Leandro V. E. She is a pioneer Filipino choreographer known to
Locsin many as “The Trailblazer,”
F. She has been called the “Grande Dame of
Southeast Asian Children’s Theater.”

90
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

Summary Unit

This lesson discusses the difference between artist and artisan. An artist is defined
as an art practitioner who produces or creates indirectly-functional arts with
aesthetic value using imagination, while an artisan is a craftsman who produces
directly functional and or decorative arts. He/she helps us in meeting our basic
needs such as food, clothing, dwelling, furniture, kitchen utensils. Thus, everything
that makes our life easy are crafted by artisans.
The GAWAD sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or the National Living
Treasures Award gives recognition to Filipino traditional craftsmen or artisans
whose skills have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence and who
are tasked to pass on to the present generation knowledge threatened with
extinction.
The Order of National Artists is the highest recognition given by the government
to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of
Philippine arts.

Reflection

Journal

Name:______________________________________________Score:_________
Course/Year:_________________________________________Date:_________

One thing that I liked about this topic was______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

91
 Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

One thing that I did not like about this topic was
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

References

Retrieved from https://aboutphilippines.ph/files/Gamaba-Awardees.pdf. Accessed

September 11, 2018.

Retrieved from http://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/gamaba/.

Accessed September 12, 2018.

Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/214953-list-national-artists-

philippines-for-2018. Accessed February 18, 2019.

Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhCQQJ675KA. Accessed

January 3, 2019.

Retrieved from http://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2016/07/27/whos-who-national-

artists-of-the-philippines/.Accessed September 7,2018.

92
Unit 2: Recognizing the GAMABA and the National Artists

93