Last night, I pass by a mall and see an exhibit. It is interesting that Philippines today is celebrating "National Heritage Month" and part of the celebration is the presentation of "Haligi ng Harayang Filipino: Order of National Artists".
"Haligi ng Harayang Filipino" can be literally translated into: Pillars of Filipino Imagination.
They presented the National Artists with their contribution in Philippines Art from their own medium - Film, Literature, Music, Archtecture, Dance, Painting, Sculpture, Theater, and Fashion Design. I hope I never miss some medium. Some of them are familiar to me and I never heard of the others but have seen or heard their works. I take some pictures from the exhibit and I will share it to you...
********** SORRY BLURRED FOR ISHMAEL BERNAL*********
PLEASE REFER BELOW FOR HIS CAREER AS AN ARTIST
Ishmael Bernal
Nationa Artist for Film
September 30, 1938 - June 2, 1996
Year Awarded: 2001
Iconic Works:
Nunal sa Tubig (1976)
Manila By Night (1980)
Himala (1981)
Ishmael Bernal was a film critic writing for The Manila Chronicle before becoming a film director in 1971 with the film "Pagdating sa Dulo," which established him as a young director who sought to make films that were critical even of filmaking itself. He has gained critical acclaim for his films, and is credited for his expertise in a wide range of genres from historical to contemporary dramas, comedies to experimental films. The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino included five of his films in the 10 Best Films of 1970s and 1980s, namely, "Pagdating sa Dulo," "Nunal sa Tubig," "Manila By Night," "Himala," and "Hinugot sa Langit." His film "Himala" won the CNN-Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time in 2008, and is the only Filipino film to be included in the list. Bernal also has a body of work in television, advertising, and theater, and was an active part of the anti-censorship movement during the Marcos and Aquino years. His films continue to be screened in international film festivals across the world. He died in 1996.
Enjoy!
Is your work worthy to be lined with these great artist from the Philippines? Who knows? Some of those artist never intended their work to be highly regarded in the National Arena. Some of them never know that they are given award. But because of its beauty, their co-artist regarded their work as exceptional.
Just create your piece... in your own medium... with your own style... with your heart. Give your piece a soul... a life in itself... a beauty that even your critic will love your work.
Never compare.
Never expect.
Never stressed your self.
Just give your self a chance to express itself.
Best of all, enjoy!