MANILA: The Senate on Monday honored the 26 recipients of the 16th Ani ng Dangal Awards (ADA) and the nine Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees for representing the Philippines in the global artistic scene and their contributions to Philippine cultural heritage, respectively.
In her sponsorship speech of Senate Resolution No. 958, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda noted that the ADA is not just a mere token of appreciation, but symbolizes the Filipino’s character, creativity and innovativeness.
She said each artist, performer, writer, filmmaker, and cultural advocate who received the ADA deserved to be honored as their work ‘transcends our vast archipelago, delivering our cultural and artistic landscape throughout the globe.’
‘Your work knows no boundaries, overcoming the language barrier, and touching the hearts and souls of people across the country and beyond,’ Legarda said.
The Filipino artists who received the ADA included Sam Manacsa, JT Trinidad, Stephen Lopez, Whammy Alcazaren,
Kayla Abuda Galang, Nathan Carreon Lim, and Ma-an Asuncion-Dagnalan for winning prestigious awards in international film festivals.
Meanwhile, Kristel de Catalina, Legit Status, La Salle Filipiniana Dance Company, Folk Jumpers, Rhea R. Marquez, Julius Jun M. Obero, Edelyn P. De Asis, HQ Dance Collective, and Halili-Cruz School of Ballet dancers showcased their exceptional talents in dance competitions worldwide.
Jannina Eliana Pena, De La Salle University Chorale, Jose Emmanuel D. Aquino, Young Voices of the Philippines, Kammerchor Manila, and Anthony Villanueva brought honors to the country through their musical achievements; while Albert Emir Reyes and Domcar Calinawan Lagto excelled in visual arts competitions, winning top prizes in France and China.
The nine GAMABA awardees, meanwhile, were congratulated and honored through Senate Resolution No. 959.
In her sponsorship speech, Legarda noted that modernization, digitization, colonization, and neoliberalism pose challenges to preserving traditional arts
, making GAMABA a crucial effort to safeguard and transmit them to the youth.
GAMABA recognizes exceptional traditional artists, especially outside Metro Manila, ensuring the continuation of their skills.
The nine GAMABA awardees were Adelita Romualdo Bagcal, an Ilocano master of oral traditions from Banna, Ilocos Norte; Rosie Godwino Sula, a Tboli chanter from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Abina Tawide Coguit, a Manobo embroiderer from La Paz, Agusan del Sur; Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas a Sama master of traditional dance from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Tboli brasscaster from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Bundos Bansil Fara; Marife Ravidas Ganahon, a Higaonon mat weaver from Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Amparo Balansi Mabanag, a Ga’dang embroiderer from Paracelis, Mountain Province; Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo, a Mandaya ikat weaver from Caraga, Davao Oriental; and Tboli ikat weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Barbara Kibed Ofong.
Source: Philippines News Agency