‘We must continue as artists in truth and in discipline’
I may spend the rest of my artistic life trying to justify (this award) to myself,” said sculptor Julie Lluch in jest during the awarding ceremony for Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining Sept. 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.
As the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) marks its 55th year, Lluch, along with other luminaries of the local art world including Gener Caringal (dance), Gino Gonzales (design and allied arts), Jose F. Lacaba (literature), Joey Ayala (music) and Lea Salonga (theater), took home a citation, a medal and a cash gift of P50,000 (given to living awardees).
Other awardees included Oscar Yatco (conductor and violinist), Edgardo Angara (lawmaker and culture advocate), Zenaida Tantoco (philanthropist), Mario O’Hara (film director and screenwriter), Mike de Leon (filmmaker; declined), Marilyn Gamboa (cultural work and research) and the Loboc Children’s Choir (regional arts).
“I cannot accept this honor other than with deepest humility and gratitude. The CCP Gawad should spur me on—not to greater heights, but to lower depths that every artist needs to plumb or descend to and touch the festering wounds of suffering humanity,” said Lluch, who, in a separate interview with Lifestyle, hailed the recognition as a triumph of “inconsequential” clay, a medium she has been championing all these years.
Best cohort
According to CCP president Kaye Tiñga, this is one of the best cohorts of awardees the organization has had. While there are a few who were recognized posthumously, “a lot of them are also still at the height of their careers, so they still have so much to give. It’s also nice to be able to honor them.”
Salonga similarly noted how receiving such an award does not mean the end of a career. “It only means that we must continue as artists in truth and in discipline, to continue to create, to continue to entertain and hopefully, in service of our country, be able to make everybody happy.”
During an interview before the ceremony, the multiawarded singer-actress told reporters how there’s always a feeling of “Wow, really?” whenever she receives any kind of award. “It’s a nice feeling to be recognized, especially by your own country for what you’ve done and what you’re able to do. It’s something I’ll never get used to.”
However, she added that while she appreciates these accolades, no matter where they come from, “The fulfillment for me comes from creating something that you hope other people will enjoy and be entertained by, and hoping that it might affect someone else.”
In her acceptance speech, Salonga acknowledged the “village” that has supported her throughout her 47-year career, including mentors and collaborators. Salonga was grateful for her “force of nature” mother, Ligaya, for having been formidable, strong and strict, especially in light of the startling revelations and issues surrounding the entertainment industry these days.
Lessons of history
Ayala himself acknowledged his “oldest, longest bandmate,” his wife, Jessie. “This recognition is conjugal property,” he said.
The musician also commended CCP for awarding cash prizes to the recipients, much to the delight of the audience. “This is among the rare awards that has cash. More of that!”
At one point in the evening, cheers cut through the silence as Lacaba ended his acceptance speech for Gawad CCP Para sa Sining ng Panitikan.
It was the eve of the anniversary of the declaration of martial law, and as such, the writer and activist looked back on his brother, poet Emmanuel Lacaba, who was slain in 1976.
“In this day and age where extrajudicial killings, red-tagging, jailing and disappearing of activists, the masses, environmentalists, indigenous people, artists and journalists continue, this award is a reminder for me of the need to carry on the struggle toward democracy, freedom and social justice,” he said in Filipino.
“They are cleansing and perfuming the stench from the programs of the dictator Marcos, reinstating useless ones like Masagana 99 that only served to further burden farmers, and reshaping history for our children,” he added. “Let us remember the lessons of our history and fight for our future. Never again. Never forget.”
