CITY OF MANILA HONORS 12 OUTSTANDING ARTISTS
by Rica Arevalo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 29, 2002

Reward for dedication

FROM left, Ms Evelina Atienza, Mayor Lito Atienza, Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan and Atty. Espiridion Laxa.

ONE of the highlights of the 431st Foundation Day of the City of Manila was the recognition given to dedicated Filipino artists. Last June 20, Mayor Jose L. Atienza Jr. awarded cash prizes and medallions to 12 artists at the Bulwagang Antonio J. Villegas, Manila City Hall for the annual awarding of "Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan."

Topping the list is "Diwa ng Lahi" awardee Prof. Andrea Veneracion. Under her direction, the Philippine Madrigal Singers became world champions in choral competitions. Her dedication as choirmaster made the Madrigal Singers popular in the United States, Italy, Spain, France, China and Korea. She was given a 50,000-peso cash prize.

The Gawad Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas is given to Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma. Almario is the former executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. His poetic works include "Makinasyon at Ilang Tula," "Una Kong Milenyum," and "Ang Makata sa Panahon ng Makina." A dedicated teacher, he received 35,000 pesos.

For Literature, Pablo Gomez is cited for his more than 100 screenplays for Sampaguita Pictures and FPJ Productions. Among his notable screenplays are "Bubot na Bayabas," "Babaing Makasalanan, Lalaking Salawahan," "Kandilang Bakal," and "Batas ng Lansangan."

Painter Antonio Austria is recognized for his award-winning works on the everyday life of Filipinos.

For the field of music, Alfonso "Coke" Bolipata is the awardee. At the young age of 12, he won first place in the National Music Competition for Young Artists. He put up Casa San Miguel, where he taught music to young students in his native Zambales.

For architecture, Raul R. Locsin is recognized for his contributions to the construction of innovative structures like the Makati Stock Exchange, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Greenbelt Square, Folk Arts Theater and the PICC.

Sculptor Agnes Arellano is known for her plaster pieces like "Temple to the Moon Goddess," "Bosch and the Hollowmen," "Myths of Creation and Destruction Part I," "Myths and Destruction Part II: The Temple of the Sun God," and "Tatlong Budhang Ina." She received the CCP Thirteen Artists Award in 1988.

Theater, dance

MANILA Mayor Lito Atienza and Ms Evelina Atienza (center)

Joy Virata is the awardee for theater. She has portrayed dramatic, comedic and musical lead roles in over 120 plays.

Edna Vida is the awardee in the field of dance. She was the director of the CCP Dance School and has performed in "Peter Pan," "The Nutcracker," "Alice in Wonderland," "Ang Ibong Adarna" among other ballet productions. She continues to train professional and new dancers.

Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan is cited for her contribution to cinema. Pangilinan won acting plums for her performances in the films "Hirap at Ginhawa," "Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?" and "Madrasta." She takes time out to help the Chosen Children Village Foundation and the Action for Children Towards Success non-government organizations.

For the New Art Forms category, the award is given to Santiago Bose. His artworks have been exhibited in Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Cuba and United States.

A special award was bestowed on cartoonist Nonoy Marcelo, maker of "Ikabod," "Tisoy" and "Aling Otik." His comic strips are humorous and relevant.

The artists were given crowns made of sampaguita flowers and a medallion featuring 14 rays of the sun made by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. Pianist Filmer Flores and Bolipata rendered musical numbers.