BY NESTOR CUARTERO
NATIONAL ARTISTS: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) have 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.
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REMEMBER NORA: 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 Noynoy Aquino, and second, under Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.
She was, however, denied the honor on both occasions.
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 shall be revived and more importantly, that she be given the award, at long last.
To the officials in Malacanang 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.
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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.
Nominations shall be submitted to the NCCA on or before Dec. 15, 2020.
