MANILA, Philippines - No amount of protests will make newly-proclaimed National Artist for Visual Arts and Film Carlo J. Caparas return the award the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) bestowed on him.
“When I think of my award,” he says, “I see the fruits of my efforts to give life to the (movie) industry. I never asked for this. Night and day I worked hard to do good in my work.”
Caparas explained that if he accepted the honor of being called Komiks King, Box-Office King and TV Ratings King, why shouldn’t he accept this one?
After all, he believes that he met the criteria and he didn’t do anything wrong that would embarrass the awards committee.
Caparas made more than 200 movies which reaped a big profit at the box-office and wrote more than 800 komiks stories that were made into movies and now being remade in television.
“I never did anything obscene that would violate the rules of the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board). I didn’t write inane stories and novels,” Caparas goes on.
He adds that he was able to provide livelihood for many people through his movies, komiks stories and teleserye.
“I entertained readers through my komiks stories, movies and teleserye. That’s how I show my love for my country,” Caparas says.
The Komiks King also answers critics who questioned his proclamation as National Artist because he’s merely a “massacre” director.
“My massacre movies have become justice stories. They helped the victims and their families get justice, especially when the law has neglected them. That’s why the PNP gave me an award.”
As to the question of whether Caparas’ nomination went through the usual process of selecting candidates or not, he insists that his name was in the original list of nominees.
“This means those involved in the first level of discussion for the choice of national artist have discussed my work.”
Dr. Vilma Labrador, chairperson of the NCCA, for her part, says the organization merely recommends nominees. But the President has a presidential prerogative to add her own candidates.
According to Labrador, “I’m sure that Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo studied the qualifications of each nominee.”
In yesterday’s Startalk, Caparas promised that he will donate his monthly stipend as National Artist to streetchildren. They will be the latest beneficiaries of his charitable projects, including support for 400 scholars.
(Email reactions to maridol@yahoo.com)