Gawad CCP Para sa Sining (CCP Arts Award)

The highest recognition given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to outstanding
Filipino artists and cultural workers. First awarded in 1977; given annually until 1994, then every
three years. Honors excellence in visual arts, music, dance, theater, film, literature, broadcast
arts, technical theater, and production design.

Award Categories
Category A – Artists/groups with outstanding and sustained artistic achievements and national
or international recognition.
Category B – Artists/groups with significant contributions to the development of arts in their
region.
Category C – Cultural workers recognized for contributions through research, administration,
and arts education.
Special Recognition

Tanging Parangal ng CCP – Given to individuals or groups for exceptional contributions that
positively impact Philippine arts and culture.

1977 – Hubertus Kühne (Cultural Administration)

-​ 1917-1995
-​ A German-born cultural administrator who helped establish and strengthen the Cultural
Center of the Philippines (CCP). His leadership laid the foundation for professional arts
management in the country, making him a deserving CCP awardee.
-​ Founding and organizing the early programs of the Cultural Center of the Philippines
(CCP).

1978 – Aurelio S. Estanislao (Music)

-​ 1913-1996
-​ A respected Filipino choral conductor and music educator whose lifelong work promoted
Philippine choral music and trained generations of musicians.
-​ His leadership in developing Philippine choral music education.

1979 – Hernando R. Ocampo (Visual Arts)

-​ April 28, 1911 December 28, 1978
-​ One of the country's greatest modern painters. CCP honored him for pioneering modern
abstract art and influencing generations of Filipino artists. He was later named a National
Artist for Visual Arts.
-​ Genesis

1982 – Luis C. Valencia (Music)

 -​ February 22, 1904-1997
-​ Composer and conductor known for preserving Filipino musical traditions through
original compositions and arrangements.
-​ Pandanggo sa Ilaw (musical arrangement) and numerous Filipino choral works.

1983 – Rosario Picazo (Music)

-​ 1917-1992
-​ A distinguished pianist and music educator recognized for nurturing Filipino classical
musicians and promoting music education.
-​ Her lifelong work as one of the country's leading concert pianists and teachers.

1984 – Conchita Gaston-Holmes (Music)

-​ 1936 (Living)
-​ Internationally acclaimed soprano and music educator who elevated Philippine classical
singing through performance and teaching.
-​ Her performances of Filipino classical vocal repertoire and opera.

1986 – Miguel Velarde Jr. (Music)

-​ 1918-1986
-​ Composer, conductor, and arranger whose music enriched Filipino sacred and orchestral
traditions.
-​ His orchestral and liturgical compositions.

1989 – Category A

Alice Reyes (Dance)

-​ 1942 (Living)
-​ Founder of Ballet Philippines, she revolutionized Philippine dance by blending ballet with
Filipino themes and contemporary choreography.
-​ Amada

José Maceda (Music)

-​ January 31, 1917 May 5, 2004
-​ National Artist and ethnomusicologist who introduced innovative music based on
indigenous Filipino traditions.
-​ Udlot-Udlot

Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero (Theater)

-​ January 22, 1911 April 28, 1995
-​ One of the most influential Filipino playwrights, producing over 100 plays and shaping
modern Philippine theater.
 -​ Forever

F. Sionil José (Literature)

-​ December 3, 1924 January 6, 2022
-​ National Artist whose novels explored Philippine history, social justice, and identity,
leaving a lasting literary legacy.
-​ Rosales Saga

Arturo Luz (Visual Arts)

-​ November 20, 1926 May 26, 2021
-​ National Artist celebrated for his minimalist paintings and sculptures that shaped
modern Philippine art.
-​ Cyclists

Lino Brocka (Film)

-​ April 7, 1939 May 21, 1991
-​ One of the Philippines' greatest filmmakers, known for socially relevant films that
exposed injustice and inequality. He was later proclaimed a National Artist.
-​ Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag

1989 – Category B

Ramon Muzones (Literature)

-​ March 20, 1913 - 1992
-​ Hiligaynon novelist whose works preserved regional literature and Visayan culture.
-​ Margosatubig

1989 – Category C

E. Arsenio Manuel (Cultural Research)

-​ 1909-1986
-​ Anthropologist and folklorist recognized for documenting Philippine indigenous cultures
and oral traditions.
-​ Dictionary of Philippine Biography

1990 – Category A
Paz Cielo Belmonte (Dance)
-​ 1918-1997
-​ Pioneer of Philippine ballet who trained generations of dancers and promoted classical
dance in the country.
-​ Leadership in the development of Philippine ballet.

Andrea Veneracion (Music)

-​ July 11, 1928 July 9, 2013
-​ Founder of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, whose work brought Philippine choral music
to international recognition. She later became a National Artist.
-​ Philippine Madrigal Singers

Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana (Theater)

-​ January 26, 1917 May 12, 2013
-​ Actress, director, and playwright known as the First Lady of Philippine Theater. Later
named National Artist.
-​ A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (stage production)

N. V. M. Gonzalez (Literature)
-​ September 8, 1915 November 28, 1999
-​ National Artist whose fiction highlighted rural Philippine life and the Filipino experience.
-​ The Bamboo Dancers

Cesar Legaspi (Visual Arts)

-​ April 2, 1917 April 7, 1994
-​ National Artist and pioneer of Neo-Realism whose paintings portrayed Filipino workers
and urban life.
-​ The Survivor

Ishmael Bernal (Film)

-​ September 30, 1938 June 2, 1996
-​ Acclaimed director whose films tackled complex social issues and transformed Philippine
cinema. He later became a National Artist.
-​ Himala

1990 – Category B

Abdulmari Asia Imao (Visual Arts)

-​ January 14, 1936 December 16, 2014
-​ National Artist for Sculpture celebrated for integrating Muslim Filipino art and culture into
modern Philippine sculpture.
 -​ Sarimanok sculpture series

1990 – Category C

Fr. Francisco Demetrio, SJ

-​ 1922-1994
-​ Jesuit priest, scholar, and cultural researcher who documented Philippine mythology,
folklore, and indigenous beliefs.
-​ Dictionary of Philippine Folk Beliefs and Customs

1990 – Tanging Parangal

Alejandro Roces
-​ July 13, 1924 May 23, 2011
-​ National Artist for Literature, essayist, and historian recognized for preserving Filipino
heritage and traditions through his writings.
-​ Something to Crow About

1991 – Category A

Levi Celerio (Music)

-​ April 30, 1910 April 2, 2002
-​ National Artist for Music and Literature, known for composing over 4,000 songs and
pioneering Filipino popular music. CCP recognized his immense contribution to
Philippine music.
-​ Ang Pipit

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) (Theater)

-​ Founded: 1967
-​ The country's leading theater organization that promotes socially relevant performances
and theater education.
-​ Rak of Aegis (later landmark production) and its community theater programs.

Jose Joya (Visual Arts)

-​ June 3, 1931 May 11, 1995
-​ National Artist who pioneered abstract expressionism in the Philippines and inspired
generations of artists.
-​ Granadean Arabesque
Eddie Romero (Film)
-​ July 7, 1924
-​ May 28, 2013
-​ Internationally acclaimed filmmaker whose films brought Philippine cinema to global
audiences.
-​ Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon?

1991 - Category B

Juan S. P. Hidalgo Jr. (Regional Literature)

-​ 1933-2009
-​ Kapampangan writer recognized for preserving regional literature and culture.
-​ His Kapampangan literary writings and essays.

1991 - Category C

Sinala Subli Group (Dance)

-​ Founded: 1987
-​ Folk dance troupe dedicated to preserving the Subli and other Batangas folk traditions.
-​ Subli Dance Performances

Amal Lumuntod (Folk Music)

-​ Unknown
-​ Traditional folk musician honored for preserving indigenous musical traditions.
-​ Preservation of Mindanao folk music.

1991 - Category D

Bienvenido Lumbera (Cultural Research)

-​ April 11, 1932 September 28, 2021
-​ National Artist for Literature, scholar, and critic recognized for his research on Philippine
literature and culture.
-​ Tagalog Poetry: 1570–1898

Tanging Parangal

Purita Kalaw-Ledesma
 -​ 1914-2005
-​ Art patron and museum founder whose support greatly advanced Philippine visual arts.
-​ Founder of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP).

1992 – Category A

Maniya Barredo (Dance)

-​ 1941 (Living)
-​ Prima ballerina and founder of Ballet Manila who elevated Philippine ballet
internationally.
-​ Giselle

Onofre Pagsanghan (Theater)

-​ 1929-2024
-​ Theater educator and director best known for making Shakespeare accessible to Filipino
students.
-​ Shakespeare productions at Ateneo de Manila University

Genoveva Edroza-Matute (Literature)

-​ January 13, 1915-March 21, 2009
-​ Celebrated Filipino short story writer and educator whose works portrayed ordinary
Filipino life.
-​ Kuwento ni Mabuti

Ramon Tapales (Literature)Date of Birth:

-​ 1937-2010
-​ Cebuano writer recognized for enriching regional Philippine literature.
-​ His Cebuano literary collections.

Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera (Visual Arts)

-​ April 10, 1942 (Living)
-​ National Artist for Visual Arts whose paintings helped define contemporary Philippine art.
-​ Sabel

1992 - Category C

Elena Gardoce (Folk Music and Literature)

-​ Unknown
-​ Cultural worker honored for preserving traditional songs and oral literature.
 -​ Documentation and performance of Philippine folk traditions.

1992 - Category D

Damiana Eugenio (Cultural Research)

-​ September 27, 1921-October 10, 2014
-​ Known as the Mother of Philippine Folklore, she documented and preserved Filipino
myths, legends, and folktales.
-​ Philippine Folk Literature Series

Tanging Parangal

Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature

-​ Founded: 1950
-​ The country's most prestigious literary award, recognizing excellence in Philippine
literature.
-​ The annual Palanca Awards.

1993 – Category A

Ramon A. Obusan (Dance)

-​ June 16, 1938-December 21, 2006
-​ National Artist who preserved and promoted Philippine traditional dances through
research and performance.
-​ Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group

Dalisay J. Aldaba (Music)

-​ 1942 (Living)
-​ Composer and educator recognized for her contributions to contemporary Philippine
classical music.
-​ Fragments

Rolando S. Tinio (Theater)

Date of Birth: March 5, 1937
Date of Death: July 28, 1997
Description: National Artist for Theater and Literature known for translating Shakespeare and
Filipino classics.
Most Famous Work: Filipino translations of Shakespeare's plays

Liwayway A. Arceo (Literature)

Date of Birth: January 7, 1924
Date of Death: February 16, 1999
Description: Acclaimed novelist and short story writer whose works portrayed Filipino family life.
Most Famous Work: Titser

Antonio "Tony" S. Velasquez (Visual Arts)

Date of Birth: August 11, 1910
Date of Death: June 7, 1997
Description: Known as the Father of the Philippine Comic Strip, he pioneered Filipino comics.
Most Famous Artwork: Kenkoy

Mary Walter (Film)

Date of Birth: May 10, 1912
Date of Death: February 8, 1993
Description: Veteran actress recognized for her outstanding contribution to Philippine cinema.
Most Famous Film: Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos

1993 - Category B

Gardeopatra G. Quijano (Regional Literature) –

Date of Birth: April 27, 1918
Date of Death: May 3, 2003
From: Alcantara, Cebu, Philippines
Description: A Cebuana novelist, teacher, and dentist regarded as the first feminist fiction writer
in Cebuano literature. She received the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining for her outstanding
contribution to regional literature and for inspiring generations of women writers through her
novels, short stories, and essays.
Most Famous Work: Lourdes – recognized as the first feminist novel written in Cebuano. �
Wikipedia

1993 - Category C

Samahang Nazareno (Folk Theater)

Founded: Not widely documented
From: Quiapo, Manila, Philippines
Description: A community-based folk theater group recognized by the CCP for preserving
traditional Filipino religious and folk theater, particularly performances associated with the Black
Nazarene devotion. Their work helped keep community-based theatrical traditions alive.
Most Famous Work: Traditional Nazareno religious and folk theater performances.

1993 - Category D

Cebuano Studies Center (Cultural Research)

Founded: 1975
From: University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
Description: A research institution dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting
Cebuano language, literature, history, and culture. The CCP honored the Center for its
invaluable contribution to Philippine cultural research through publications, archives,
translations, and literary preservation.
Most Famous Contribution: Its Cebuano literary archives and publications, including the
preservation of works by major Cebuano writers

1994 – Category A

Rosalia Merino-Santos (Dance)

Born: September 2, 1924
Died: November 17, 2021
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: A pioneer of Philippine folk dance who trained generations of dancers and helped
preserve Filipino cultural dances. She received the CCP Award for her lifelong contribution to
dance education and cultural preservation.
Most Famous Work: Leadership in the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company and preservation
of Philippine folk dances.

Cecile Licad (Music)

Born: May 11, 1961
Died: —
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Internationally acclaimed concert pianist recognized by CCP for bringing Filipino
musical excellence to the world stage through outstanding classical performances.
Most Famous Work: Her internationally celebrated performances of Rachmaninoff's Piano
Concerto No. 2 and the works of Chopin.

Natividad Crame-Rogers (Theater)

Born: November 19, 1922
Died: September 11, 2021
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Actress, director, and theater educator who helped develop modern Philippine
theater through decades of teaching and stage productions.
Most Famous Work: Her pioneering work with Philippine Educational Theater Association
(PETA).

Gregorio C. Brillantes (Literature)

Born: December 21, 1932
Died: April 15, 2014
From: Camiling, Tarlac
Description: One of the country's finest fiction writers, honored by CCP for his elegant prose and
significant contribution to Philippine literature.
Most Famous Work: The Distance to Andromeda and Other Stories

Mauro "Malang" Santos (Visual Arts)

Born: January 20, 1928
Died: June 10, 2017
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: National Artist whose colorful paintings and illustrations became icons of modern
Philippine art. CCP recognized his distinctive artistic style and lifelong contribution to visual arts.
Most Famous Artwork: Fiesta series

Anita Linda (Film)

Born: January 4, 1924
Died: June 10, 2020
From: Pasay, Philippines
Description: Legendary actress whose career spanned over seven decades. CCP honored her
exceptional performances that shaped Philippine cinema.
Most Famous Film: Himala (1982)

1994 – Category B

Teresita Pil (Regional Dance)

Born: Information not widely documented
Died: —
From: Mindanao, Philippines
Description: Dance educator recognized for preserving and promoting regional dances of
Mindanao.
Most Famous Contribution: Promotion of Mindanao traditional dances.

1994 – Category D

Gilda Cordero-Fernando (Publishing/Literature)

Born: March 21, 1932
Died: August 27, 2020
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Writer, publisher, and cultural advocate who promoted Filipino literature and
heritage through books and publishing.
Most Famous Work: But What About the Children?

1994 – Tanging Parangal

Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND)

Founded: 1974
From: Quezon City, Philippines
Description: Organization founded by Joseph Estrada that provides welfare, education, and
healthcare to workers in the Philippine film industry.
Most Famous Contribution: Long-standing support and protection of Philippine movie workers.

1997 – Category A

Corazon Iñigo (Dance)

Born: 1936
Died: —
From: Philippines
Description: Dance educator honored for preserving Philippine dance traditions and mentoring
young dancers.
Most Famous Contribution: Promotion of Philippine folk dance education.
Nena del Rosario (Music)
Born: 1921
Died: 2005
From: Philippines
Description: Music educator recognized for her outstanding service in music education and
choral training.
Most Famous Contribution: Development of music education and choral programs.

Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio (Theater)

Born: April 4, 1930
Died: December 16, 2020
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Known as the Grand Dame of Southeast Asian Children's Theater, she founded the
Teatrong Mulat and inspired generations of young audiences.
Most Famous Work: Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas

Teodoro L. Hidalgo (Technical Theater)

Born: 1930
Died: 2019
From: Philippines
Description: Technical theater expert who greatly improved stage lighting and production design
in Philippine theater.
Most Famous Contribution: Technical design for numerous CCP stage productions.

1997 – Category B

Sining Kambayoka
Founded: 1974
From: Mindanao State University, Marawi City
Description: University-based theater company recognized for preserving Maranao culture
through drama and performance.
Most Famous Work: Maranao cultural theater productions

1997 – Category C

Nicanor G. Tiongson
Born: May 21, 1946
Died: —
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: National Artist, scholar, playwright, and cultural researcher recognized for
documenting and promoting Philippine theater and film.
Most Famous Work: Kasaysayan ng Sining sa Pilipinas and his research on Philippine theater.

1997 – Tanging Parangal

National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA)

Founded: 1973
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: The country's premier music competition that has produced many internationally
acclaimed Filipino musicians.
Most Famous Contribution: Discovering and training the Philippines' finest young classical
musicians.

2004 – Category A

Eddie Elejar (Dance)

Date of Birth: 1940
Date of Death: —
From: Philippines
Description: A respected choreographer and dance educator recognized by the CCP for
promoting Philippine dance through choreography, teaching, and cultural performances.
Most Famous Work: His choreography for numerous Philippine folk and contemporary dance
productions.

Ryan Cayabyab (Music)

Date of Birth: May 4, 1954
Date of Death: —
From: Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
Description: One of the country's most influential composers, arrangers, and conductors. CCP
honored him for enriching Filipino music through classical, pop, choral, and film compositions
while mentoring young musicians.
Most Famous Work: Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (also known for Paraiso, Da Coconut Nut, and
many award-winning musical scores)
Cecile Guidote-Alvarez (Theater)
Date of Birth: July 11, 1942
Date of Death: —
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Founder of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and a pioneer of
developmental theater. She received the CCP Award for using theater as a tool for education,
social awareness, and nation-building.
Most Famous Work: Founding PETA and pioneering Development Theater in the Philippines.

Peque Gallaga (Film)

Date of Birth: August 25, 1943
Date of Death: May 7, 2020
From: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Description: Award-winning filmmaker recognized by the CCP for his creativity and lasting
impact on Philippine cinema through both commercial and independent films.
Most Famous Film: Oro, Plata, Mata

Cheche Lazaro (Broadcast Arts)

Date of Birth: September 1, 1943
Date of Death: August 14, 2021
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Veteran broadcast journalist recognized for raising the standards of investigative
journalism and public affairs broadcasting in the Philippines.
Most Famous Work: The Probe Team

Santiago Bose (Visual Arts)

Date of Birth: July 25, 1949
Date of Death: July 24, 2002
From: Baguio City, Philippines
Description: Contemporary artist known for blending indigenous Cordilleran traditions with
modern artistic expression. CCP honored him for his innovative contribution to Philippine visual
arts.
Most Famous Artwork: His mixed-media indigenous contemporary art series.
Rene O. Villanueva (Literature)
Date of Birth: July 26, 1954
Date of Death: December 5, 2007
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Children's author and playwright recognized for producing outstanding Filipino
children's literature that promoted imagination and national identity.
Most Famous Work: Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel

Francisco Mañosa (Architecture)

Date of Birth: February 12, 1931
Date of Death: February 20, 2019
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: National Artist for Architecture famous for designing buildings that reflect Filipino
identity through the use of indigenous materials and tropical design.
Most Famous Work: The Coconut Palace (Tahanang Pilipino)

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Category B

Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. (BKFI)

Founded: 1990s
From: Malolos, Bulacan
Description: Cultural organization recognized by the CCP for preserving Bulacan's heritage,
arts, and historical traditions.
Most Famous Contribution: Cultural heritage conservation and community arts programs.

-
Category C

Doreen G. Fernandez
Date of Birth: October 28, 1934
Date of Death: June 24, 2002
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Distinguished scholar and cultural researcher recognized for documenting
Philippine food culture, theater, and traditions.
Most Famous Work: Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food and Culture
Mindulani, Inc.
Founded: 1990s
From: Mindanao, Philippines
Description: Cultural organization honored for preserving and promoting the indigenous arts and
traditions of Mindanao.
Most Famous Contribution: Programs supporting Mindanao's indigenous cultures.

Tanging Parangal

Antonio O. Cojuangco
Date of Birth: 1951
Date of Death: —
From: Tarlac, Philippines
Description: Business leader and arts patron recognized by the CCP for his strong support of
Philippine arts, culture, and cultural institutions.
Most Famous Contribution: Support for CCP programs and Philippine cultural development.

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2008 – Category A

Felicitas L. Radaic (Dance)

Date of Birth: 1934
Date of Death: —
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Ballet teacher, choreographer, and mentor recognized by the CCP for developing
ballet education and producing generations of outstanding Filipino dancers.
Most Famous Work: Founding and directing the Philippine Ballet Theatre.

Gilopez Kabayao & Corazon Kabayao (Music)

Gilopez Kabayao
Born: May 31, 1928
Died: April 12, 2018

Corazon Kabayao
Born: 1935
Died: —
From: Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines
Description: Husband-and-wife concert violinist and pianist who devoted their lives to promoting
classical music in the Philippines and abroad.
Most Famous Work: Kabayao Concert Series and performances of classical violin and piano
repertoire.

Felix Monino S. Duque (Theater

Date of Birth: 1936
Date of Death: —
From: Pangasinan, Philippines
Description: Veteran actor, director, and educator honored for decades of leadership in
Philippine theater.
Most Famous Work: His long service in community and educational theater.

Malou L. Jacob (Literature)

Date of Birth: 1948
Date of Death: —
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Award-winning playwright and children's writer recognized for enriching Philippine
literature and theater.
Most Famous Work: Juan Tamban.

Francisco V. Coching (Visual Arts)

Date of Birth: January 29, 1919
Date of Death: September 1, 1998
From: Buting, Pasig, Philippines
Description: Known as the "Dean of Philippine Comics," he created iconic Filipino comic-book
heroes and helped shape the local comics industry.
Most Famous Work: Pedro Penduko.

Manuel Conde (Film)

Date of Birth: October 9, 1915
Date of Death: August 11, 1985
From: Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines
Description: Actor, director, and producer honored posthumously for pioneering Filipino
filmmaking and bringing Philippine cinema to international audiences.
Most Famous Film: Genghis Khan (1950).
Jose R. Moreno Jr. (Fashion Design)
Date of Birth: 1947
Date of Death: —
From: Philippines
Description: Fashion designer recognized for promoting Filipino elegance and craftsmanship
through couture.
Most Famous Work: His Filipiniana and haute couture collections.

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2008 - Category B

Rev. Fr. Rodrigo D. Perez III

Date of Birth: 1929
Date of Death: 2011
From: Manila, Philippines
Desription: Architect, historian, and cultural researcher honored for documenting Philippine
architecture and heritage.
Most Famous Work: Research on traditional Philippine architecture.

Dom Bernardo Ma. Perez, OSB

Date of Birth: 1928
Date of Death: 2017
From: San Beda Abbey, Manila
Description: Benedictine monk and cultural advocate recognized for preserving sacred art,
music, and cultural heritage.
Most Famous Contribution: Promotion of church art and heritage conservation.

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Tanging Parangal

Philippine Folk Dance Society

Founded: 1970s
From: Philippines
Desription: Organization recognized for preserving and promoting Philippine folk dances
through education and performances.
Most Famous Contribution: Preservation of traditional Filipino folk dances.
---

2012 – Category A

Agnes D. Locsin (Dance)

Date of Birth: 1949
Date of Death: —
From: Negros Occidental, Philippines
Description: Choreographer famous for blending ballet with Filipino ethnic dance traditions. CCP
honored her innovative choreography and lasting influence on Philippine dance.
Most Famous Work: Encantada.

Ramon P. Santos (Music)

Date of Birth: February 25, 1941
Date of Death: —
From: Pasig, Philippines
Description: National Artist, composer, and ethnomusicologist recognized for combining
indigenous Filipino music with contemporary composition.
Most Famous Work: Nabasag ang Banga and numerous experimental compositions.

Zenaida Amador (Theater)

Date of Birth: January 31, 1939
Date of Death: August 15, 2020
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Founder of Repertory Philippines, honored for raising the standard of
English-language theater in the country.
Most Famous Work: Founding Repertory Philippines.

Cirilo F. Bautista (Literature)

Date of Birth: July 9, 1941
Date of Death: May 6, 2018
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: National Artist recognized for his poetry, novels, and literary criticism that enriched
Philippine literature.
Most Famous Work: The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus.

Brenda V. Fajardo (Visual Arts)

Date of Birth: 1940
Date of Death: —
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Printmaker and visual artist recognized for incorporating Philippine myths, folklore,
and women's narratives into her artworks.
Most Famous Work: Tarot-inspired print series.

Rodolfo "Dolphy" V. Quizon (Film and Broadcast Arts)

Date of Birth: July 25, 1928
Date of Death: July 10, 2012
From: Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Description: The "King of Philippine Comedy," honored for over six decades of excellence in film
and television.
Most Famous Work: John en Marsha.

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2012 - Category B

Florentino H. Hornedo (Cultural Research)

Date of Birth: October 16, 1938
Date of Death: December 9, 2015
From: Batanes, Philippines
Description: Scholar and historian recognized for documenting Ivatan culture, Philippine history,
and indigenous heritage.
Most Famous Work: Culture and Community in the Philippines.

Tanging Parangal

Silliman University National Writers Workshop

Founded: 1962
From: Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Description: Asia's longest-running creative writing workshop, honored for developing
generations of Filipino writers.
Most Famous Contribution: Training many of the Philippines' leading authors.

2015 Awardees
Denisa Reyes (Dance)
Born: 1949
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Internationally recognized ballerina and choreographer who elevated Philippine
ballet.
Most Famous Work: Leadership in Ballet Philippines.

Fides Cuyugan Asensio (Music)

Born: 1931
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Renowned soprano, educator, and music theater pioneer.
Most Famous Work: La Loba Negra.

Antonio "Tony" Mabesa (Theater)

Born: 1939
Died: 2019
From: Quezon City, Philippines
Description: Actor, director, and educator who mentored generations of Filipino theater artists.
Most Famous Work: Dulaang UP productions.

Roberto Chabet (Visual Arts)

Born: 1937
Died: 2013
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Father of Philippine conceptual art whose installations transformed contemporary
visual art.
Most Famous Work: Tearing into Pieces.

Ricardo "Ricky" Lee (Literature)

Born: March 19, 1948
From: Daet, Camarines Norte
Description: Celebrated screenwriter and novelist recognized for shaping modern Filipino
storytelling.
Most Famous Work: Himala (screenplay).

Nora Aunor (Film and Broadcast Arts)

Born: May 21, 1953
Died: April 16, 2025
From: Iriga City, Camarines Sur
Description: National Artist and one of the greatest Filipino actresses, honored for her
remarkable contributions to film and television.
Most Famous Film: Himala.

Paulo Alcazaren (Architecture)

Born: 1960
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Landscape architect recognized for promoting sustainable urban and environmental
design.
Most Famous Work: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Trails projects.

Ben Farrales (Design)

Born: July 7, 1936
Died: March 6, 2024
From: Cotabato City, Philippines
Description: Known as the "Dean of Philippine Fashion," celebrated for modernizing the
Filipiniana.
Most Famous Work: Modern Filipiniana gowns.

The Missionary Society of St. Columban (Tanging Parangal)

Founded: 1918
From: Ireland (Philippine mission since 1929)
Description: Honored for preserving Philippine heritage and supporting indigenous communities
through culture and education.

Leoncio Deriada (Literature)

Born: 1938
Died: 2019
From: Iloilo City, Philippines
Description: Multi-awarded writer who enriched Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Filipino literature.
Most Famous Work: The Week of the Whales.

Talaandig School of Living Traditions (Culture)

Founded: 1996
From: Bukidnon, Philippines
Description: Indigenous cultural school recognized for preserving Talaandig traditions, music,
language, and visual arts.
Armida Siguion-Reyna (Musical Theater and Film)
Born: November 4, 1930
Died: January 11, 2019
From: Manila, Philippines
Description: Actress, producer, and television host honored for her contributions to musical
theater and Philippine cinema.
Most Famous Work: Aawitan Kita.

Basilio Esteban Villaruz (Dance and Cultural Research)

Born: 1942
From: Antique, Philippines
Description: Dance historian, educator, and critic recognized for documenting and promoting
Philippine dance heritage.
Most Famous Work: His research and publications on Philippine dance history.