An indignation rally was held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last Friday, August 7, condemning the selection of newly-named National Artists. Touted as the biggest gathering of artists in a long time, they gathered at the CCP ramp to hold a symbolic necrological service for "the death of the National Artist awards."

Previous National Artists attended the rally and as a sign of protest, they locked their medals in a box.

(Clockwise from top left) painter Ben Cabrera, writer and professor Virgilio Almario, poet and dramatist Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, author F. Sionil Jose, theater designer Salvador Bernal, film director Eddie Romero, painter Arturo Luz and sculptor Napoleon Abueva.

National Artists who passed away were also represented through their relatives, namely painter Cesar Legaspi and architect Leandro Locsin (who designed the Cultural Center of the Philippines).
Photography: Paul Mata