ANGELES CITY – Malacañang has named two Kapampangans among the 10 National Artists for 2025.
Elevated to the Order of National Artists through Proclamation No. 1414, s. 2026, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sept. 1 are Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro for Design and Nicanor Gadia Tiongson for Literature.
“Patis Tesoro is from the Pamintuan clan of Angeles City,” wrote cultural literatus Robby Tantingco, former director of the Center for Kapampangan Studies, in his social media page
In his 30-year friendship with Tesoro, Tantingco recalled of “collaboration on designing indigenous Kapampangan costumes, as well on the Pamintuan family tree including links to two Kapampangan candidates for sainthood, the Talangpaz Sisters and Felipe Sonsong.”
The Holy Angel University honored Tesoro in 2013 with a Juan D. Nepomuceno Cultural Award (Kapampangan Arts category).
“Patis’ recognition as National Artist underscores the long tradition of Kapampangan excellence in fashion, dating back to pre-colonial and colonial times when Kapampangan warriors wore colorful and elaborate outfits which Spanish missionary Fray Diego Bergaño in 1732 described as ‘matingquis’ (well dressed), and Fray Francisco Coronel in 1621 termed as “ymalan Capampangan,’” enthused Tantingco.
Early Kapampangan flair for fashion, Tantingco wrote, was also noted by Fray Juan de Medina, who, in 1630, wrote that Kapampangan soldiers “presented a fine appearance because the villagers came to their aid” and the menfolk from Bacolor were “the best dressed in all Pampanga.”
New National Artist for Literature Tiongson’s mother hailed from the City of San Fernando, Tantingco wrote.
Playwright, scholar, critic, editor, teacher and cultural administrator, Prof. Tiongson was a founding member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, and has served as Movie and Television Review and Classification Board director, vice president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and author of such books as The Urian Anthology, The Women of Malolos, and The Philippine Theatre series (Sarwela, Komedya, etc.).
The other National Artists named for 2026 are: Gabby Formoso (Architecture), Nonoy Froilan (Dance), Armando ‘Bing’ Lao (Film and Broadcast Arts), Gregorio Brillantes (Literature), Fred Buenaventura (Music), Teddy Hilado (Theater), Imelda Cajipe Endaya (Visual Arts), and Nunelucio Alvarado (Visual Arts).
The latest batch of National Artists was announced four years after the previous honorees were named. Punto Lifestyle Team/Photos: Robby Tantingco Page