Art and Culture
Malacañang reveals why Nora Aunor was excluded from National Artist awardees
According to Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, the 65-year-old actress is “still young” and “will be proclaimed as a National Artist in God’s perfect time.” (File Photo: @ayene501/Instagram)
President Rodrigo Duterte’s office finally answered the questions of netizens who are wondering why actress Nora Aunor was not included in this year’s set of National Artist awardees.
According to Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, the 65-year-old actress is “still young” and “will be proclaimed as a National Artist in God’s perfect time.” At a press conference, he stated, “Her non-inclusion does not diminish her iconic stature as the country’s Superstar and her significant contributions to film, theater, television and music industries,” Nora Aunor being most known as Philippine’s ‘superstar’ for outstanding performances in movies such as Miracle, Thy Womb, and Three Godless Years, to name a few.
Panelo added that “Her non-inclusion is to spare Ms. Nora Aunor from the emotional and psychological torment coming from the barrage of mixed reactions the award will bring,” possibly referring to Nora Aunor’s involvement with illegal drugs in 2014.
At first, Panelo admitted that “the power and the privilege to appoint rests on the President. That’s discretionary,” but then points the decision elsewhere stating, “The artistical and musical legend that is Aunor may not have passed the critical eyes of a select juror to be bestowed the National Artist award but her enrapturing film artistry and musicality and mass acceptance surpass any technical recognition given by any entity or authority.” As per Panelo, this includes members of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Duterte awarded the seven national artists added to the country’s list last Tuesday, October 23. Those who received an awarded included Francisco Manosa for Architecture, Kidlat Tahimik for Film, Resil Mojares for Literature, Ramon Muzones for Literature, Larry Alcala for Visual Arts, Ryan Cayabyab for Music, and Amelia Lapena Bonifacio for Theater.
