National Artist and Its

Contribution to
Contemporary Arts
 MUSIC
1.Antonino R. Buenaventura
He wrote songs and musical arrangement based on the folk songs of different ethnic groups
in the country
His notable marches include History of Fantasy, Triumphal March, Echoes of the Past, Second
Symphony in E-flat
He was also the conductor of the Philippine Army Band, that brought back the band’s
prestige as one of the world’s best military bands.

2. Jose Maceda
His life-long musical career focused on understanding and popularizing Filipino traditional
music.
His major works include Ugma-ugma, Pagsamba, Udlot-udlot, Kubing, Agungan, Ugnayan,
Aroding,Ading, Siasid, and Suling-suling
 MUSIC
3. Lucrecia R. Kasilag
She reinforces the Filipino’s appreciation to music by fusing Western
influences to Philippine ethnic music
She made the group of the finest cultural dance group in the Philippines
4. Ernani J. Cuenco
He is one of the remarkable singer, composer, film scorer, and musician in
his time.
His popular works include Bato sa Buhangin, Bulong ng Puso, Kalesa, Gano
Kita Kamahal, Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa, and Nahan
 MUSIC
5. Lucio San Pedro
He is a master composer known for creatively using folk idioms in his
musical compositions.
He produced numerous works like songs, orchestral compositions,
chamber music, and cantatas
6.Antonio J. Molina
 His notable contribution to the Philippine music is his use of folk music in his works.
 He innovated the Philippine music in his time by using folk instruments like the
kulintangan and gabbang
 He became known as the last musical triumvirate along with other musicians Nicanor
Abelardo and Francisco Santiago
 MUSIC
7. Francisco Feliciano
He was a musician, composer, teacher, and conductor known for
incorporating “Asianess” in his music
His major works include Sihay sa Kabila ng Paalam, La Loba negra,
Pokpok Alimako, Pamagun,Yerma, and the Ashen Wings
8. Levi Celerio
He startedplaying the violin when he was 11 years old.
He became a lyricist and wrote a wide range of songs of different
themes.
 MUSIC
9. Ramon Santos
His music highlights Asia’s and Philippines rich artistic tradition and
features elements from western and non-western areas.
He organized an international festival for rondalla and forum for
traditional music attended by composers
10. Jovita Fuentes
She was a remarkable Filipina artist known for her portrayal of
Madame Butterfly by Giac33omo Puccini, which was held in Teatro
Municipalecenza in Italy
 MUSIC
11. Felipe Padilla de Leon
He is a “people’s musician for the sentiments and aspirations of the
Filipino people in times of war and of peace are evident in his
musical works.
12.Andrea Veneracion
She played a significant part in the development of the Philippine
choral music.
She also conducted cultural outreach programs providing music
education in several areas in the country
 DANCE
1. Francisca reyes Aquino
In 1920’s, she vigorously researched on the different folk dances of the
Philippines which made her the “Folk Dance Pioneer” of the country.
Her research entitled “Philippine Dances and Games” contains the
country’s unrecorded celebrations, folk dances, rituals, and games.
2. Ramon Obusan
He researched on the different Philippine ethnic groups throughout the
country to perfectly perform their dances
His Ramon Obusan Folkloric group, through their performances, outreach
works, and tours, inspired many Filipinos to embrace the Filipino culuture
 THEATER
1. Daisy Avellana
She is so-called First Lady of the Philippine Theater because of
her magnificent performances in classic Filipino and
international theater productions and plays.
2. Rolando Tinio
He is an outstanding stage director, poet, thespian, and
playwright known for his numerous remarkable productions
and notable scripts.
 THEATER
3.Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero
He introduced and popularized Philippine theater to different
parts of the country by establishing the UP Mobile Theater
His major works include Wanted: A Chaperon, Condemned,
Perhaps etc.
4. Honorata “Atang” dela Rama
She performed kundiman and Filipino songs for indigenous
communities all over the country.
 THEATER
5. Salvador F. Bernal
He was an exceptional theater designer who designed
hundreds of theater productions for a span of four decades.
He used local materials in producing creative and unique sets
and costumes
6. Severino Montano
He was a top caliber playwright, theater artist, and director
who took up degrees in and outside the country to master
theater arts
 VISUAL ARTS
1. Fernando Amorsolo
He is known as the “Grand Old Man of the Philippine Art” was
the first National Artist of the Country
“Lighting” is the most prominent element of Amorsolo’s
painting.
2. Hernando Ocampo
His works were more radical and poetic