### Expanded Narrative Report on Contemporary Filipino Artists

#### Introduction
The art landscape in the Philippines is vibrant and evolving, with contemporary artists
contributing significantly to its rich cultural tapestry. This expanded narrative report delves
deeper into the significance of the Philippine National Artist award, the accomplishments of
notable artists, and the broader impact of their works on Filipino culture.

#### The Philippine National Artist Award

The Philippine National Artist Award, or Pambansang Alagad ng Sining ng Pilipinas, represents
the highest national recognition for Filipino artists who have made remarkable contributions to
the arts. Established by Presidential Proclamation No. 1001 in 1972, this honor recognizes
individuals who have elevated Filipino art and culture both locally and internationally.

#### Criteria and Nomination Process

Artists nominated for this prestigious title must meet several criteria:
1. **Citizenship**: Nominees must be Filipino citizens, either living or posthumously honored.
2. **Cultural Contribution**: Their work should contribute to building a Filipino sense of
nationhood.
3. **Pioneering Impact**: They should have pioneered a creative expression or style influencing
future generations.
4. **Excellence**: They must have a substantial and significant body of work that consistently
exhibits excellence.
5. **Recognition**: They should enjoy broad acceptance through national or international
recognition, critical acclaim, and respect from peers.

The nomination process involves the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and
the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) acting as the award secretariat. They review
nominations, make recommendations to the President, who then issues a proclamation conferring
the award.
#### Benefits for National Artists
Awardees receive numerous benefits:
- The rank and title of National Artist.
- A lifetime emolument and material benefits comparable to those received by the highest
officers of the land.
- A cash award, monthly life pension, medical and hospitalization benefits.
- Life insurance coverage, a state funeral, and burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
- A place of honor at national state functions and recognition at cultural events.

### The Insignia of the Order of National Artists

The insignia of the Order of National Artists is a symbol of the highest recognition bestowed
upon Filipino artists. It is a wearable award that represents the rank and title given to the
recipients. Here’s a detailed description and the meaning behind the insignia:

- **Grand Collar**: The insignia features a Grand Collar composed of circular links that
symbolize the different art forms. These links are designed to represent the interconnectedness
and unity of various artistic disciplines, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the award.
- **Sunburst and Sampaguita Wreath**: At the center of the Grand Collar is an eight-pointed
sunburst, symbolizing creativity and brilliance in the arts. This sunburst is suspended from a
wreath of sampaguita flowers, which are enamelled in green and white. The sampaguita, being
the national flower of the Philippines, represents purity, simplicity, and humility.
- **Medallion**: The medallion of the Order of National Artists is divided into three equal
portions colored red, blue, and white, which recall the Philippine flag. This design emphasizes
the national significance and pride associated with the award.
- **Three Ks (KKK)**: The medallion features three stylized letter Ks, which stand for the
Cultural Center of the Philippines’ motto: "Katotohanan, Kabutihan, Kagandahan" (Truth,
Goodness, Beauty). This motto encapsulates the core values that the National Artist Award seeks
to honor and promote.
- **Founder's Tribute**: The inclusion of the three Ks also pays homage to First Lady Imelda
Marcos, the founder of the CCP, reflecting her significant role in establishing and promoting the
award.
### The Significance of the Insignia

The insignia of the Order of National Artists is not just a symbol of personal achievement but
also a representation of the recipient’s contributions to the cultural heritage and artistic legacy of
the Philippines. It signifies the following:

1. **National Pride**: By incorporating elements of the Philippine flag and the national flower,
the insignia symbolizes national pride and the importance of preserving and celebrating Filipino
culture.
2. **Artistic Excellence**: The sunburst represents the radiant creativity and exceptional talent
of the awardees, who have significantly influenced the arts and inspired future generations.
3. **Cultural Values**: The motto "Katotohanan, Kabutihan, Kagandahan" embodies the values
of truth, goodness, and beauty that are fundamental to the arts. These values guide the work of
the artists and the impact they have on society.
4. **Unity and Diversity**: The circular links of the Grand Collar signify the unity and diversity
of artistic expressions. They remind us that various forms of art are interconnected and together
contribute to the richness of Filipino culture.

The Order of National Artists insignia is a prestigious and meaningful symbol that celebrates the
highest achievements in the arts and recognizes the enduring legacy of Filipino artists.

### Notable National Artists for Literature

#### José García Villa (1908-1997)

José García Villa was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter. Awarded the
National Artist of the Philippines title for literature in 1973, Villa introduced the "reversed
consonance rhyme scheme" in poetry and extensively used punctuation marks, especially
commas, earning him the moniker "Comma Poet." He used the pen name Doveglion, derived
from "Dove Eagle Lion," based on characters from his own works. His notable contributions
include the introduction of innovative poetic techniques and the enrichment of Filipino literature
with his unique style.
Villa was born on August 5, 1908, in Manila's Singalong district. He pursued various courses at
the University of the Philippines before realizing his passion for the arts. After migrating to the
United States, he continued to make significant contributions to literature. Villa passed away on
February 7, 1997, due to cerebral stroke and multilobar pneumonia.

#### Francisco Arcellana (1916-2002)

Francisco "Franz" Arcellana, a National Artist for Literature (1990), was a writer, poet, essayist,
critic, journalist, and teacher. He was one of the most important progenitors of the modern
Filipino short story in English, pioneering its development as a lyrical prose-poetic form. Some
of his notable works include:
- *Selected Stories* (1962)
- *Poetry and Politics: The State of Original Writing in English in the Philippines Today* (1977)
- *The Francisco Arcellana Sampler* (1990)

Arcellana's short stories, such as *The Man Who Would Be Poe* and *The Mats*, reflect his
literary prowess and contributions to Filipino literature.

#### Levi Celerio (1910-2002)

Levi Celerio, awarded National Artist for Literature and Music in 1997, was a prolific lyricist
and composer known for using the leaf as a musical instrument, earning him recognition in the
Guinness Book of World Records. Celerio enriched Philippine music with a treasury of over
4,000 songs. His notable works include:
- *O Maliwanag Na Buwan* (Iloko)
- *Ako ay May Singsing* (Pampango)
- *Alibangbang* (Visaya)

Celerio's contributions have significantly impacted Filipino music, making his works beloved
across various social classes.

### Conclusion
The recognition of contemporary Filipino artists through the National Artist award underscores
their vital role in shaping and enriching Filipino culture. Their works not only reflect and
preserve the Filipino identity but also inspire future generations to pursue artistic excellence and
innovation.

### References
1. "Group 1 Contemporary Filipino Artists Presentation"
2. "Module 4: Contemporary Filipino Artists," Asian Institute of Computer Studies (AICS)
3. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
4. Journey Contemporary Arts of the Philippines
5. José-García-Villa.docx