ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City government conferred posthomous achievement awards to writer Magdalena Gonzaga Jalandoni and violin virtuoso Gilopez Kabayao during the 88th Charter Day celebration on Monday, Aug. 25.
“Their legacies continue to inspire future generations of Filipinos to embrace their heritage, pursue excellence, and share their gifts with the world,” said the Iloilo City government.
Jalandoni was bestowed a Republic Cultural Heritage Award for Literature in 1969 and the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Papal Award) from Pope John XXIII in 1962 for her prolific body of works.
Born in 1891 and died in 1978, Jalandoni was a trailblazing woman writer in her time. She produced 66 volumes of works. It included 24 novels, poems, dramas, short stories, translations, and an autobiography.
Kabayao, who died at the age of 94 last year, is a nominee for National Artist of Music.
Kabayao is widely believed to be the first Filipino to play at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City and had a career playing in key cities of Europe, North America, and Asia.
Kabayao was conferred the 1972 Ramon Magsaysay Awards and the 1969 Presidential Award of Merit for bringing classical music closer to ordinary Filipinos with performances in humble venues such as a basketball court and a cockpit.
Kabayao was born in Negros Occidental and he settled in Iloilo City with his family.