FOLLOWING years of pandemic-induced delay, the Conferment Ceremonies for the distinguished recipients of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 2020 will be held on September 2, 6 pm, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, or the CCP Main Theater.
Twelve individuals, a performing group and a publication are set to receive the triannual award considered the highest bestowed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
The Gawad CCP Para sa Sining is awarded to artists or groups of artists who have consistently produced outstanding works and enriched the development of their art form. The award is also given to cultural workers who, through their works in research, curatorship and administration, have helped to develop and enrich Philippine art. Meanwhile, the Tanging Parangal is handed to individuals or organizations to honor their outstanding contributions to the development of the arts in the country.
The 2020 Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awardees, named in July 2020, are as follows. (Bio notes courtesy of The CCP):
Rafael Catalino “Nonoy” Froilan, one of the country’s most talented and prolific dancers/choreographers. A pioneer of Ballet Philippines, he is known as the Philippines’ beloved Premiere Danseur, partnering with the leading ballerinas of his time and best remembered for his leading roles in groundbreaking dance productions, such as Songs of a Wayfarer and Song of Adarna by Norman Walker, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, among others.
Raul M. Sunico, an outstanding Filipino pianist, arranger, composer and teacher. He is an advocate of Philippine music, preserving it for the enjoyment of future generations through his large discography that encompasses around 50 compact discs recordings, including his piano transcriptions of Filipino folk songs and kundimans, original compositions, and more.
Kenneth Cobonpue, an internationally acclaimed industrial designer who made his mark with his signature designs in natural fibers and materials. His unique furniture pieces are found in private homes and public establishments all over the world, and the recognition given him by the international design community has put Philippine modern design on the map of the world.
The Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG), a trailblazer in the establishment of an active theater in the Southern Philippines. Its productions are built from local creative expressions in dance, music, literature, the visual arts, and indigenous lore.
Nestor Horfilla, a major force in the propagation
of cultural work as part of development work in the regions. He pioneered the establishment of the first-ever Mindanao Community Theater Network in the 1980s along with development and social worker Karl Gaspar, which organized hundreds of community and church-based cultural organizations in the regions.
Felix “Nonon” Padilla, one of the most original, accomplished and influential figures in contemporary Philippine theater. With a career spanning more than 50 years, he is both a theater artist and a visual artist. He founded the Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actors Company that became the breeding ground of Filipino theatrical talents that now dominate Philippine theater.
Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr., who a sizeable body of work that established the trend in indigenous materials. His work assembles, binds, or weaves together into various shapes organic materials such as dried pods, twisted roots, banana pulp, coconut shells, twigs, and coconut fiber.
Lualhati Bautista, one of the foremost Filipino female novelists in the history of contemporary Philippine literature. Her major works include books, such as Dekada ‘70, Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?, ‘GAPÔ, Desaparesidos, Bulaklak sa City Jail, Hinugot sa Tadyang, and Sonata.
Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo Jr., the legendary screenwriter of films that have become classic gems of Philippine cinema, namely Maynila…Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, Kisapmata, Itim, Batch ‘81, ‘Merika, Mulanay, and Bayaning 3rd World.
Cristina Turalba, an advocate of heritage conservation and part of several heritage-related activities of the United Architects of the Philippines. She implemented the NCCA-UAP Documentation of Philippine Heritage Structures and Cultural Sites. Architect Turalba was one of the first Filipino female architects, and a pioneer in the field of architecture.
‘Liwayway,’ a Filipino magazine established in the Philippines in 1922 that published significant works of known writers and poets, as well as the works of National Artists. At the same time, Liwayway brought Filipino literature to the masses and helped gain an appreciation for homegrown writers.
Antonio L. Fabella, one of the country’s most talented and prolific choreographers. His works contributed to the development of Philippine dance. He popularized the medium of classical and contemporary ballet, fusing them to evolve a distinct form and style.
Dr. Alice Guerrero-Guillermo, a giant in the field of art criticism and art history. She was conferred The CCP Centennial Honor for the Arts in 1999 in recognition of her remarkable contributions to Philippine Art Criticism with a distinctly nationalist perspective. Among her legacies are her multiple books and essays on art history, art criticism and cultural studies that served as the foundation for Art Studies in the Philippines.
Danilo Dolor, the recipient of the Tanging Parangal for the development and support of the arts, is known to be a patron of Philippine culture and arts. He founded The Tribung Pilipino Foundation in 1978, which has shown more than 400 concerts that focus on promoting, preserving, and disseminating traditional Filipino music.
Last year, the CCP launched the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Folio, the official publication of the award. The folio was released in printed and digital formats, featuring citations, essays, photos and notable works of the recipients of the 2020 Gawad CCP Para sa Sining for their outstanding achievements and contributions to Philippine arts and culture.