MANILA, Philippines — Ten Filipino artists and cultural figures have been named the country’s newest National Artists, expanding the roster of the Philippines’ most distinguished figures in the arts and culture.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the honors through Proclamation No. 1414, upon the joint recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
The 10 honorees represent architecture, dance, design, film and broadcast arts, literature, music, theater and visual arts. With their inclusion, the Philippines now has 91 declared National Artists.
Here is a closer look at the lives, works and contributions of the newest members of the Order of National Artists.
Gabriel “Gabby” Formoso — Architecture
Gabriel P. Formoso was among the early generation of professionally licensed Filipino architects. His career contributed significantly to the development of modern Philippine architecture during the postwar period.
Among the buildings associated with his architectural practice are the Asian Institute of Management, the Central Bank of the Philippines complex, The Peninsula Manila, the Manila Garden Hotel and other notable structures.
His work helped shape Manila’s architectural landscape at a time when the country was rapidly modernizing. Formoso was recognized posthumously.
Rafael “Nonoy” Catalino Froilan — Dance
Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan is one of the most influential Filipino figures in ballet and dance.
A celebrated dancer, choreographer, teacher and mentor, Froilan became associated with Ballet Philippines and performed numerous leading roles during his career. His contributions eventually extended beyond performance into choreography and dance education.
His career helped strengthen ballet as a major component of Philippine performing arts and inspired generations of Filipino dancers.
Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro — Design
Known popularly as Patis Tesoro, Maria Beatriz Tesoro is one of the Philippines’ most important figures in fashion and Filipino textile heritage.
She became particularly known for reinterpreting traditional Filipino garments such as the terno, Maria Clara gown and barong Tagalog while incorporating indigenous Philippine fabrics and techniques into contemporary fashion.
Her work went beyond fashion design. She also helped promote traditional textile production and Philippine craftsmanship, connecting indigenous materials and techniques with modern design.
Her recognition underscores the role of fashion and traditional craft in preserving Filipino cultural identity.
Armando “Bing” Lao — Film and Broadcast Arts
Armando “Bing” Lao was a filmmaker, screenwriter, educator and mentor whose influence extended deeply into Philippine independent cinema.
Lao developed the “Found Story” approach to filmmaking, encouraging filmmakers to immerse themselves in communities and discover stories from real-life experiences rather than simply imposing predetermined narratives.
He was also involved in the development of Filipino filmmakers and worked with acclaimed directors, including Brillante Mendoza.
His contribution was not limited to individual films. Through teaching and mentorship, he helped shape a generation of independent filmmakers. Lao was recognized posthumously.
Gregorio C. Brillantes — Literature
Gregorio C. Brillantes was among the country’s most respected writers in English, particularly known for his short stories.
His literary works explored Filipino life, human relationships, morality and the complexities of society. Among his notable collections are “The Distance to Andromeda and Other Stories” and “The Apollo Centennial.”
Beyond writing, Brillantes also played an important role in Philippine journalism and literary publishing.
His National Artist recognition was conferred posthumously, honoring a literary career that helped establish the Philippine short story in English as an important part of the country’s literary tradition.
Nicanor G. Tiongson — Literature
Nicanor G. Tiongson is a writer, playwright, scholar and cultural researcher whose work has helped preserve and interpret Philippine theater and cultural traditions.
He has extensively studied traditional forms of Philippine performance, including the komedya, sinakulo and sarsuwela, while also creating plays that examine Filipino history and identity.
Among his notable works are “Pilipinas Circa 1907,” “Noli at Fili Dekada 2000” and “Mabining Mandirigma.”
Tiongson also played a major role in documenting Philippine arts and culture through his scholarly and editorial work, including contributions to the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art.
Alfredo S. Buenaventura — Music
Alfredo S. Buenaventura was a composer, conductor and educator whose body of work demonstrates the possibilities of combining Western classical traditions with distinctly Filipino themes.
His compositions include operas, symphonies, orchestral pieces and religious works. Among his notable compositions are “Maria Makiling,” “Prinsesa Urduja,” “Diego Silang” and the “Kayumanggi Symphony.”
His long career in music education also allowed him to influence generations of Filipino musicians.
Through composition and teaching, Buenaventura helped demonstrate that Filipino stories, folklore and cultural traditions could serve as powerful foundations for large-scale classical music.
Teodoro “Teddy” L. Hilado — Theater
Teodoro “Teddy” Hilado is remembered as a pioneering figure in Philippine theater lighting and technical production.
Often associated with the development of professional stage lighting design in the Philippines, Hilado helped establish lighting not merely as a technical requirement but as an essential element of theatrical storytelling.
He became the first technical director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and subsequently worked on major theater, dance and cultural productions.
His recognition was conferred posthumously, acknowledging his foundational role in developing the technical and visual language of Philippine theater.
Imelda Cajipe-Endaya — Visual Arts
Imelda Cajipe-Endaya is a painter, printmaker, curator and feminist artist whose works have consistently engaged with social issues.
Her art has explored themes involving women, labor, migration, identity and social justice, helping establish socially engaged and feminist perspectives within Philippine contemporary art.
She was also instrumental in supporting women artists and founded Kasibulan, a collective that provided a platform for Filipino women artists.
Her National Artist recognition carries particular historical significance: Cajipe-Endaya is the first woman to be proclaimed a National Artist in Visual Arts.
Nunelucio “Nene” M. Alvarado — Visual Arts
Nunelucio “Nene” Alvarado is a prominent Filipino visual artist whose work has been strongly connected to the social realities of Negros Occidental.
His art has frequently dealt with the lives of sugar workers, rural communities and other marginalized sectors, placing social realities at the center of his artistic practice.
Rather than separating his art from his community, Alvarado developed a practice deeply rooted in the cultural and social environment of Negros.
He also helped strengthen the regional contemporary art scene, including through the establishment of art spaces and participation in the Black Artists in Asia collective.
A Historic Addition to Philippine Arts
The 10 new National Artists represent different generations, disciplines and artistic traditions. Their work demonstrates that Philippine art is not confined to a single medium—from buildings and stage performances to literature, cinema, fashion, music and socially engaged visual art.
The recognition is also notable for its diversity. Four recipients were honored posthumously, while Imelda Cajipe-Endaya’s inclusion marks a historic milestone for women in Philippine visual arts.
The Order of National Artists remains the country’s highest recognition for Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and culture.
For the 10 newly proclaimed National Artists, the honor is not only a recognition of individual achievement. It is also an acknowledgment of the ways their work has helped shape how Filipinos understand their history, identity and culture.
