Unwavering, Unrelenting: The 2024 Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Awards

Words Mara Fabella
Photos courtesy of Gawad CCP
September 26, 2024

“It feels wonderful for an artist to be seen, understood, and today, recognized.”

– Gener Caringal, 2024 Gawad CCP Awardee for Dance

On September 20, 2024, the most esteemed members of the Philippine arts community gathered at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater to celebrate the Gabi ng Parangal, commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the awarding of the prestigious Gawad CCP Para sa Sining. The night brought together some of the most seminal artistic voices and supporters around the country and was a reaffirmation of why, despite years of continued turmoil, the Philippine artist perseveres.

It was a night of prestige and remembrance, as the event reflected upon the CCP’s decade-long history of serving the arts. Welcoming guests into the space was the exhibit Luminaries and Legacies, which honored both past and current CCP awardees alike. One section of the exhibit featured trophies from past iterations of the Thirteen Artist Awards. Each trophy bore the names of preeminent artists, both in the awardees etched onto each surface, and the sculptors that crafted them. The other half of the show honored current Gawad awardees, displaying artworks, videos, replicas, and photos that were a testament to the artists’ long and abundant career

Hosts Dolly de Leon and Ryan Cayabyab introduced each of the 13 awardees and their representatives, who each spoke of awe, humility, and resolve at the awards they were given. The Tanging Pagkilala award was given posthumously to Oscar Yatco, master conductor and violinist, and the first ever conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. For their steadfast efforts as cultural workers, educators, lawmakers, and ardent supporters of the arts, Edgardo Angara and Zenaida Tantoco were each awarded the Tanging Parangal, accepted by their families in turn. 

For her invaluable work uplifting the art of provinces, Marilyn Gamboa was awarded for her cultural work and research, specifically in founding the Negros Museum. “Importante kayo,” Gamboa said in her heartfelt speech, as she addressed the artists of Negros and underrepresented provincial regions. The Loboc Children’s Choir was awarded for its work in developing the provincial arts. The award was accepted by founder Alma Tado, who credited local initiatives like the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) for giving a platform to eager students. The choir then gave a lively performance titled, “Medley ng mga Awiting Bayan.”

“Unwavering” is the word often heard upon an outpouring of gratitude. Gino Gonzales, awardee for artistic design, cited the unwavering support of his colleagues, as did Gener Caringal, awardee for Dance. For music, Joey Ayala thanked the CCP and his fellow peers, even inviting everyone to a gig right after the awarding, much to the amusement of the crowd. Lea Salonga was honored for her work in theater, and in an art form she described as “ephemeral,” she talked of how artists could not work in a vacuum and the importance of the proverbial village that backs them. Unwavering artistic drive is backed by unwavering support.

Julie Lluch, awardee for visual arts, brought up the poignant question of legacy. “The thing…that causes me some unease is the likelihood that I may spend the rest of my artistic days trying to justify this award to myself.” When all is said and done, even for master artists like the Gawad recipients, what is left moving forward? Denise O’Hara, who accepted the posthumous award for her father, director Mario O’Hara, reflected, “Now more than ever, we need the truth.” 

“Unrelenting” is another word brought up in commemoration. In the midst of an evening of prestige and poise, literature awardee Jose Lacaba gave a chilling reminder. He spoke of his experiences during the time of martial law in the ‘70s that shaped the writer he would become and noted the irony of this event taking place on the eve of its 52nd anniversary in the Philippines. “Nananawagan ako sa kapwa mga alagad ng sining na magsalita, makialam, at makibaka.” As the CCP, the awardees, and fellow creatives look toward the next 50 years, they remain unrelenting in their pursuit of artistry that is incomparable, truthful, and at its heart, lifts up the stories of all Filipinos alike.