MANILA, Philippines - Art and culture patron Danny Dolor and eminent artist-painter Juvenal Sanso (holding their trophies) were among the lifetime achievement awardees of the Gantimpalang Lampara Ng Kultura at Sining (Light of Culture and Arts Award) at the recent UNESCO International Arts Education Week and World Theater Day held at the Mabini Hall of Malacañang Palace.
The other awardees include internationally acclaimed artists Lea Salonga and Lisa Macuja, culture and art critic Rosalinda Orosa, playwright Bert Florentino and music patron George Yang, among others.
The Philippine Center of the International Theater Institute and the ITI-Earthsavers UNSECO Dream Center initiated the awards, to be given annually to artists and art patron who have helped spread the light of Philippine Culture and arts in and outside of the Philippines.
President Benigno S. Aquino III and United Nations resident coordinator for Asia Luiza Carvalho extended their messages to the awardees.
Cecil G. Alvarez, president of Philippine Centre of the ITI and director of UNESCO Dream Center; Isagani Cruz, secretary general; Teresa Debuque, director UN Information Center Manila; and Tobias Biancome secretary general of the International Theater Institute, Paris, France handed over the awards.