10 new National Artists for 2025 named by Marcos Jr.

After a long wait, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named ten individuals to the 2025 roster of National Artists of the Philippines.

The announcement, made through Proclamation No. 1414, s. 2026, comes four years after the previous batch, which included Nora Aunor and Ricky Lee, among others, was named in 2022. The interval is longer than the usual three-year cycle for selecting new National Artists.

Notably missing from the list are popular names that have often been suggested for the honor such as Dolphy, Vilma Santos, and Lea Salonga (to name a few). As is customary, there is no public information about the persons who have been nominated or who made it on each stage of the nomination process.

Persons who are appointed as National Artists get perks and benefits such as a lump-sum cash prize, a monthly pension (for living National Artists), medical and hospitalization benefits, and an all-expense paid state funeral with an option to be buried at the National Artists section of the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

‘Why is Nora Aunor named National Artist?’ and other FAQs

The ten new National artists are:

Nicanor Tiongson (Literature)

Dr. Nick Tiongson (image source)

Dr. Tiongson is one of the founding members of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (which awards the Gawad Urian) and a former director of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). Known for his extensive contributions to art history, art studies and criticism, he has recently published Collected Essary: Philippine Theater, a three-volume work that examines the history and practices of theater in the Philippines.

He wrote the book The Women of Malolos, which narrates the collective and individual histories of the Twenty Women of Malolos (of which he is a descendant) whose bravery was lauded by Dr. Jose Rizal in his letter. He also wrote the screenplay for Ang Kababaihan ng Malolos, which was directed by Kiri and Sari Dalena.

Gregorio Brillantes (Literature, posthumous)

Fictionist, essayist, journalist and editor, the late Gregorio Brillantes is hailed as a master of the short story. Among his best known works include “The Apollo Centennial” and “The Distance to Andromeda and Other Stories”, which are regarded for their significant contributions to the Philippine science fiction genre. He is one of only thirty (30) writers who were inducted to the Hall of Fame of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, a rare honor that has also been awarded to National Artists Cirilo Bautista and Rolando Tinio.

Imelda Cajipe Endaya (Visual Arts)

Imelda Cajipe Endaya has broken a gender barrier by being named the first and only female National Artist for the Visual Arts. Known also her work in printmaking, mixed media and painting, Cajipe has used her art to espouse her activism and to champion women empowerment, as well as provide comment on pressing social and political issues. She founded the all-women Kasibulan art collective and established the Pananaw: Journal of Philippine Visual Art.

Nunelucio Alvarado (Visual Arts)

Nunelucio Alvarado, who hails from Negros Occidental, is considered a progressive artist whose works are distinguished by bold colors and strong forms. A CCP 13 Artists Awardee, he has depicted the struggles of the sakada laborers of Negros and used his art as a platform for their plight. He is considered one of the major visual artists in the Visayas region and has supported up and coming artists.

Gabriel Formoso (Architecture, posthumous)

Gabriel Formoso is said to be one of the first 100 architects in the Philippines, having obtained his license in the 1930s. He left his imprint in the institutional buildings that he designed and have since become landmarks of modern Metro Manila: to name a few, the headquarters of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Asian Institute of Management, the Pacific Star Building, the Lepanto Building and the Peninsula Manila Hotel (which celebrates its golden anniversary this year).

Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan (Dance)

Considered one of the country’s principal male dancers, Nonoy Froilan has performed major works of the ballet repertoire such as Swan Lake and Giselle. Formerly the principal dancer at the Ballet Manila, he has danced with Dame Margot Fonteyn, Yoko Morishita and Maniya Barredo. Outside of dance, he has tried his hand in other pursuits such as photography and acting. He was the first actor to play the role of Manolo in the theatrical production of Hintayan ng Langit, together with his wife Edna Vida who played Lisang.

Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro (Design)

Considered as an icon of Philippine fashion design and called the Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion, Patis Tesoro has championed Filipino design and has integrated native designs and materials into her creations, such as the pinya cloth, indigenous patterns and embroidery.

She is only the third person to be named National Artist for Fashion Design, after Ramon Valera and Salvacion Lim-Higgins.

Armando “Bing” Lao (Film and Broadcast Arts, posthumous)

Armando “Bing” Lao (image source)

Long considered a solid choice for the Film and Broadcast Arts category, Armando “Bing” Lao finally earned his place in the Order of National Artist, alongside fellow scriptwriter Ricky Lee. Like Ricky Lee, Bing Lao has also mentored a number of screenwriters using what he calls the “found story” school of scripwriting.

He is known for his work in critically-acclaimed and award-winning movies such as Itanong Mo sa Buwan, Sana Pag-ibig Na, Pila-Balde (English title: Fetch a Pail of Water), Tuhog (Larger Than Life), La Vida Rosa, Minsan Pa, Kubrador, Serbis and Kinatay. His first directorial project, Biyaheng Lupa, has been nominated and won several awards including the Grand Jury Prize at the 2009 Cinemanila FIlm Festival.

Teodoro Hilado (Theater, posthumous)

Often called the “Father of Lighting Design in Philippine Theater”, Teodoro Hilado has served as the lighting director of various theatrical productions in the country, lending his expertise to create new atmospheres on the stage and enhancing the artistic vision of his collaborators. Besides his work in the stage, he has also designed the lights for the Rizal Park Light and Sound Complex.

He is memorialized in the music video of The Itchyworms’ Di Na Muli, which is the only music video shot at the Cultural Center of the Philippines where his work on lighting design was konwn, and which also features ballerina Carissa Adea and his widow Rosky Balahidia-Hilado (of the Bayanihan Dance Troupe).

Alfredo S. Buenaventura (Music)

The oldest living National Artist in this batch, Buenaventura wrote works that lean heavily on Philippine folklore and history. He has created operas based on Maria Makiling, Diego Silang and Princess Urduja, among others. He has also written works for the traditional rondalla ensemble and authored marches in the style of traditional Filipino marching bands, a tradition that also continues to live on in his native Sta. Maria, Bulacan. He has taught at various conservatories in the City of Manila, most notably at the Centro Escolar University where he once served as the dean.