Granted to those who have made a significant contribution to the country’s arts scene, the title of National Artist of the Philippines is the highest recognition a local artist can be given. It’s a title that every Filipino artist wants to have.
The award is granted through a Presidential Proclamation: The president is given a shortlist of nominees from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and will then proclaim the chosen awardees.
Controversy hit the awards when, in August 2009, then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded the title to four individuals by the “President’s prerogative”—meaning the decision was made without the shortlist of nominees. They were Cecilla Guidote-Alvarez (Theater), Magno Jose “Carlo” Caparas (Visual Arts and Film), Francisco Mañosa (Architecture) and Jose “Pitoy” Moreno (Fashion Design). Moreover, Ramon Santos (Music), who was part of the submitted shortlist, was not included in the list of the President.
Then, on July 16 of this year, the proclamation by former President Arroyo was voided by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. The title of Carlo Caparas in particular had been the subject of much criticism from the beginning because, prior to the “President’s prerogative,” he had been dropped twice from the selection panel’s shortlist. Still, the comic strip creator, director and producer cried foul, accusing the NCCA of elitism and discrimination.
What sparked even more controversy regarding Caparas was the interview he gave on an ANC’s Headstart where he talked about the decision of the Supreme Court. This interview led to a heated conversation between Virgilio Almario (National Arist for literature and NCCA Commissioner) and Caparas, which soon escalated to personal attacks.
During the heated argument, Caparas said, “Sino ang nakakakilala sa iyo, Almario? (Who knows of you, Almario?)” and, “Maglakad tayo sa daan, sinong kilala ng tao? (Let’s walk in the streets, which one of us do people know?)” From there, he went on to accuse Almario of being jealous of his fame.
I respect Caparas as an artist, and rightly so. He has done great things that have been and will continue to be enjoyed by many Filipinos, but what he said is certainly something I cannot respect.
It’s frustrating that Caparas chose to concentrate only on his popularity. It’s disappointing how he was boasting about it during a discussion with the likes of Almario. He did not only insult a National Artist, he disrespected the credibility of the title and Filipino art. Crying underdog certainly didn’t help him; instead, it showed his arrogance.
Unlike most underdog stories, he doesn’t deserve the sympathy of the public. He failed to understand how the award and its nomination is based on broad criteria and that art is not only about people recognizing you on the streets because you are popular.
I suppose if we follow what Caparas thinks, we should already lobby for Anne Curtis’ nomination as a National Artist for film and music. She’s even more popular than Caparas. The thing is, that’s not how the National Artist award works—and it should stay that way.
