Carlo J. Caparas. National Artist. *spits*

(UPDATE: National Artist for Visual Arts Ben Cabrera -- yes, the BenCab -- expresses his displeasure over what he calls "a mockery of the system". BenCab, along with Director General of the Film Academy of the Philippines Leo Martinez intend to boycott the NCCA ceremony honoring the newly appointed National Artists.)

This is what the National Commission on Culture and the Arts says about the title "National Artist".

The Order of National Artists (Orden ng Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts.

Carlo J. Caparas, National Artist.

The Order of National Artists is one of the Honors of the Philippines that embodies the nation’s highest ideals in humanism and aesthetic expression through the distinct achievements of individual citizens.

Carlo J. Caparas, National Artist.

While the Republic bestows due recognition to these singular achievements, it in turn honors its own cultural heritage, whose enrichment these achievements have significantly effected, enhanced, and given direction.

Carlo J. Caparas, National Artist.

These achievements are measured in terms of their vision, unusual insight, creativity and imagination, technical proficiency of the highest order in expressing Filipino culture and traditions, history, way of life, and aspirations.

Carlo J. Caparas, National Artist.

*spits*

***
But let the man speak for himself:

"Kaya lang, ganyan talaga kung may something for grabs. E, iisa lang ang pipiliin. Sana, maghintay na lang sila ng tamang panahon sa gusto nilang manalo. Hindi naman ito palakasan."

More:

"I think na nakapag-cross over ako from komiks to the movies and television. Kaya wag mag-alala ang mga critics ko, may pagkakataon pa sila o ang mga manok nila na manalo in the future. They cannot take the award from me anymore.

"Something for grabs"? "Gusto nilang manalo"?

Goddammit, Mister Caparas, the National Artist is a TITLE, an honor, a distinction for and by and representative of the Republic! IT IS NOT SOME GODDAMNED STUPID FILM AWARD THAT EVERYBODY RECEIVES AFTER SOME FILM FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO CRASS AND COMMERCIALISM!

Baka ang nasa isip nila ay bata pa ako. Pero hindi naman ‘yon ang basehan. Sino naman ang ko-contest sa decision ng Cultural Center, ng NCCA at ng Malacañang tungkol sa award na ito? Mabuti na nga at ngayon pa lang ay ibinibigay na ang ganitong award sa mga taong nandito. Ang akala kasi nila ay sa matatanda o sa beterano o sa mga patay na ibinibigay ang ganitong award."

For you to belittle the honorific that is the National Artist in such a manner, to insult the memory of the likes of Nick Joaquin, of Lino Brocka, of countless others who have uplifted the Filipino people with the spirit of art and humanism... for that, Mister Caparas, I say to you, SHAME BE ON YOU.

If the community that comprises Philippine cinema does not protest this travesty, if the community that comprises Philippine graphic arts does not at least raise a hue and cry, then this I will do as further protest: I will reject Philippine cinema and graphic arts and shake the dust off of my feet, and I will encourage others to do the same.

If those who have been treated with disrespect lay back and enjoy the rape, then I will not defend them nor be a patron to them.

Bleh. What a farce.