Manila honors artists

As part of the 430th Araw ng Maynila celebration, the Manila government yesterday gave awards to outstanding Filipino artists in various fields of Philippine arts and culture.

The "Diwa ng Lahi at Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Awards" is an annual event where three major awards are given out.

The first and highest award is the Diwa ng Lahi Award, with the awardee chosen from a field of past and present awardees in all categories. The second is the Gat Antonio Villegas Award, which is given to a Filipino artist who continues to promote the legacy of the late Mayor Villegas in the field of art and culture. The third is the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Awards, which has eight categories (architecture, literature, sculpture, music, cinema, theater, dance and painting).

Leading this year’s awardees is Carmen Guerrero "Chitang" Nakpil, Diwa ng Lahi Award and Ligaya Perez, Gat Antonio Villegas Award.

Awardees for Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan are Felino Palafox, Jr., architecture; Cirillo Bautista, literature; Imelda "Impy" Pilapil, sculpture; Ryan Cayabyab, music; Laurice Guillen, cinema; Nestor Torre, theater; Vella Damian, dance; and Rosario Bitanga, painting.

A special award was also given to the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group for its exceptional performances here and abroad.

In an inspirational message, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, during the awarding ceremonies at the Bulwagang Villegas at the Manila City Hall, hailed the awardees for their achievements in their respective fields that gave the country recognition worldwide.

The art and culture awards given out by the city government of Manila was first organized in 1963 by the late Mayor Antonio Villegas and aims to give due recognition to Filipino artists who have dedicated their skills and talent for the promotion of their respective field.