JUST A THOUGHT: “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” -- Scott Adams
NATIONAL ARTISTS: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) recently jointly announced that nomination is now open for the Order of the National Artists.
Jointly administered by the NCCA and CCP and conferred by the President of the Philippines, the Order of National Artists is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine Arts.
REMEMBER NORA AUNOR: The shout-out for the search for National Artists brings us back to Nora Aunor, who so richly deserves the honor.
Nora has passed the rigid screenings of both the NCCA and the CCP twice; first, under the term of former president Benigno Aquino, Jr. and second, under Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
She was, however, denied the honor on both occasions for no specific reason.
Others say she was turned down because of her personal life. Controversy tailed the path of the superstar.
Then again, let it be stated that an artist should be appraised for her body of work and its contribution to culture, and not for the way she lives her life.
The Order of the National Artist isn’t assigned to saints. It isn’t looking for candidates for beatification.
HER GREATEST CONTRIBUTION: With this new call-out for National Artists, it is the fervent hope of many in the art and culture sector that Nora’s nomination be revived.
More importantly, that she be given the award, at long last, at the ripe old age of 67.
Nora started her career as a singer at 14 as a champion in a TV singing contest, "Tawag ng Tanghalan." She then went on to pursue what was described as a phenomenal career that saw her growing as an artist in various media.
To the officials in Malacañang Palace, please note that naming Nora Aunor as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts brings honor and prestige not only to the veteran actor but more so, for the country, the Philippines, that she represents.
Nora is a national treasure, one whose artistry in both music and film is a rarity in a thousand years. Her rich body of work in film, television, theater, and music, speaks volumes and remains unmatched by any Filipino to this day.
The veteran Tempo columnist, Ronald K. Constantino, says Nora’s greatest contribution to Philippine arts and culture ‘’is giving joy to and inspiring the masses with her incomparable singing and acting.’’
DEDICATED TO ART: The Order of National Artist aims to recognize Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to our cultural heritage.
It is given to Filipino artists who have dedicated their lives to their works to forge new paths and directions for future generations of Filipino artists.
Artists are honored in the following fields: Architecture and Allied Arts; Dance; Design; Film and Broadcast Arts; Literature; Music; Theater; and Visual Arts.
In the world of cinema, only a few have been conferred the honor: Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Lamberto Avellana, Gerardo de Leon, Fernando Poe, Jr.
Nominations shall be submitted to the NCCA on or before Dec. 15.