By Noreen Jazul February is a celebration of the arts in the Philippines. Coincidentally, it's also the month when many of the country's art luminaries were born. This month, the country also celebrates the birth anniversaries of the following national artists whose contributions have revolutionized the field of arts, locally and globally: Lucio San Pedro Sr.
(NCCA)

Lucio San Pedro Sr. February 11, 1913

Who hasn’t heard of “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”? This classic lullaby composed by Lucio San Pedro remains to be in stereos of Filipino households until this day. The song has also been interpreted by present-day singers like Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, and Ice Seguerra. But more than his compositions, San Pedro was known for his “civic commitment and work with town bands.” The 1991 National Artist for Music conducted for the renowned Peng Kong Grand Mason Concert Band, the Banda Angono Numero Uno, and the San Pedro Band of Angono. “ civic commitment and work with town bands have significantly contributed to the development of a civic culture among Filipino communities and opened a creative outlet for young Filipinos,” the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said. In 2013, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released commemorative stamps for the birth centenary of San Pedro, who they described as a “musical genius.” “Lucio San Pedro produced an outstanding body of work which not only reflects his artistry but more importantly, expresses the beauty and essence of Filipino identity and culture,” the PHLPost said. Lamberto Avellana
(NCCA)

Lamberto Avellana February 12, 1915

Known as the “Boy Wonder of Philippine Movies,” Lamberto V. Avellana was able to prove himself to be a force in the film industry early in his career. At the age of 23, Avellana made his directorial debut with the biopic “Sakay,” which was adjudged best picture of 1939. Avellana was also considered a pioneer in Philippine cinema for being the first filmmaker to “use the motion picture camera to establish a point-of-view,” which “revolutionized techniques of film narration,” according to NCCA. The 1976 National Artist for Theater and Film was able to make over 70 movies in his six-decade career. Some of Avellana’s works also received international recognition. In 1956, “Anak Dalita” won the Grand Prix in the Asian Film Festival in Hong Kong, while Badjao (The Sea Gypsies) earned for him a “Best Director for Asia” award in Tokyo. Jovita Fuentes
(NCCA)

Jovita Fuentes February 15, 1895

The voice of 1976 National Artist for Music Jovita Fuentes echoed from the streets of Manila to the piazzas of Milan. After working as a voice teacher at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music for five years, Fuentes flew to Milan, Italy in 1924 to further study and improve her craft. In 1925, Fuentes made her mark in the international opera scene with her “most sublime interpretation” of “Cio-cio san” in Giacomo Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.” From then on, Fuentes landed major roles in other operas such as Puccini’s “La Boheme,” Pietro Mascagni’s “Iris,” and Richard Strauss’ “Salome.” After performing all around Europe and parts of the United States, Fuentes returned to the Philippines for her curtain call. Fuentes retired from performing in 1955 and went back to her roots as a voice teacher. Fuentes also used her voice to help opera grow in the country by founding the Artists’ Guild of the Philippines. With her achievements in the field of music, Fuentes earned the title “First Lady of Philippines Music.” Francisco Feliciano
(NCCA)

Francisco Feliciano February 19, 1941

Francisco Feliciano was an artist who championed for Asian music, particularly Philippine folk music throughout his career. The NCCA recognized Feliciano for elevating the “Filipino artists into one that is highly esteemed by people all over the world.” “ brought out the unique sounds of our indigenous music in compositions that have high technical demands equal to the compositions of masters in the western world,” the commission said. Feliciano’s works – whether a choral composition, an opera or music dramas – were influenced and inspired by the country’s indigenous tribes. “He not only borrows these musical lines, albeit, he quotes them and transforms them into completely energetic fusions of sound and culture that does nothing less than celebrate our various ethnicities,” the NCCA said. Aside from his award-winning choral pieces such as “PokPok Alimpako,” and revered operas like “La Loba Negra,” Feliciano was also known for his contribution to liturgical music. “One of Asia’s leading figures in liturgical music, Dr. Feliciano composed hundreds of liturgical pieces, mass settings, hymns, and songs for worship,” the Santa Barbara Music Publsing, Inc said on its website. Feliciano also founded the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music, a school for musicians dedicated to creating church music. Lazaro Francisco
(NCCA)

Lazaro Francisco February 22, 1898

“An exponent of social realism and Filipino nationalism,” was how many would describe multi-awarded writer Lazaro Francisco. Francisco dissected the different facets of Philippine society with his novels. Among his notable works were “Ama,” “Bayang Nagpatiwakal,” “Daluyong,” and “Maganda pa ang Daigdig.” Journalist Amadi Ma. Guerrero said the novels of the late literary great “exposed the evils of the tenancy system, the exploitation of farmers by unscrupulous landlords, and foreign domination.” The 2009 National Artist for Literature was also acknowledged by literary historian Bienvenido Lumbera as “among the finest” Filipino novelists. The University of the Philippines in 1997 honored him as a “champion of the Filipino writer’s struggle for national identity.” Francisco also earned the title “Master of the Tagalog Novel” for his “masterful handling of the Tagalog language and supple pose style,” according to the NCCA. Ramon P. Santos
(NCCA)

Ramon P. Santos February 25, 1941

The works of Ramon P. Santos as a composer, musicologist, and conductor took Philippine music to new directions. The NCCA dubbed him as the “country’s foremost exponent of contemporary Filipino music,” and a “prime figure in the second generation of Filipino composers in the modern idiom.” Santos studied different types of music and underwent trainings from prestigious music institutions around the world. The 2014 National Artist for Music used his diverse music knowledge to make a new sound. He “merged the varied influences” he acquired abroad and created his own distinct music style. As a musicologist, Santos immersed himself in traditional music cultures, studying the music of folk groups in Quezon and Northern Luzon. “Embedded in the works of this period are the people-specific concepts central to the ethnomusicological discipline, the translation of indigenous musical systems into modern musical discourse, and the marriage of Western and non-Western sound,” the NCCA said. To this day, Santos continues to be an instrument in shaping modern Philippine music.