Lesso

Filipino Media-Based
n 1 Artists and their Works

What’s In

In the previous quarter, you have learned the different elements, principles, and forms of
technology-based arts. Technology has evolved so much that creating artworks in this field requires an
interdisciplinary approach. Your skills in creating videos, digital print, or digital art in general is also
applicable in media-based arts and design.

Media-based are products of a much complex application of technology in art. Photography, film, print
media, digital media, and product and industrial designs all rely on digital technology. It is in this area
where Filipino artists have emerged in this field and eventually created names for themselves in the
international scene.

By learning how Filipino media-based artists work hard to be the best in their own crafts and use them
as platforms to raise awareness to social issues and advocacies. You may someday be just like one of
them.

What is It

Filipino Ingenuity and Artistry

Filipino talents, ingenuity and creativity have been recognized internationally. Numerous names landed
Philippines in the global stage like Arnel Pineda of the band Journey, Lea Salonga, Apl. De. Ap. and
Francis Magalona who are widely recognized singers. Moreover, we have other notable Filipino artists
that shared significant contributions like Xyza Bacani, a multi awarded street and documentary
photographer who uses her lenses to present untold stories of human trafficking of domestic helpers,
modern day slavery, and other human rights abuses. Another one is Apolonio Medina Jr., a cartoonist of
the best-known comic-strip “Pugad Baboy” which reflect the political and social issues of the country in
an ironic, yet humorous way.

In your previous module, you have learned about the elements and characteristics of the artworks
made by Filipino media-based artists in various forms. Now, let us discuss how these artists have
contributed to the recognition of our country in the field of media-based arts and in raising our
consciousness in the different social issues, their genuine advocacies, for our community, their
creativity, and ingenuity.

PHOTOGRAPHY

 Xyza Bacani

She is a multi-awarded street and documentary photographer that focuses on labor and human
rights. One notable element of her works is the use of black and white images instead of using colored
ones. She captured street images like the 2014 Hongkong protest, the systemic poor working conditions
of domestic helpers and laborers, and relevant social issues of the time. As a former OFW herself, she
roamed the streets of Hongkong during her day off and captured images of everyday life that are
unpredictable and unscripted which made her a fellow at the Magnum Foundation of Human rights
Fellowship in New York City and received numerous international recognitions for presenting pressing
social issues through her lenses.

 George Tapan

He is an award-winning travel photographer who won two Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA) Gold
Awards, ASEAN Tourism Association Award, and the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest as the
second placer.

 John K. Chua

John K. Chua is a popular advertising and commercial photographer who had been working with
international brands. He was recognized by Canon Philippines in leading and initiating their Bachang
Advocacy for the rebuild of rice terraces in Batad, Ifugao. Mr. Chua also advocated special children and
animal rights through his photography as a platform.

 Manny Librodo

His images appeared in different publications worldwide like Asian Graphic and UNICEF calendar. Mr.
Librodo whose focus is on vision rather than technique, is also recognized as one of the top ten world’s
famous portrait photographers and an international photography conference speaker. He also
specializes in travel and people, glamour, and fashion photography.

FILM and ANIMATION

 Kidlat Tahimik

Kidlat Tahimik, a National Artist for Film, is being praised worldwide for his works that are critic of
neocolonial exploitation and state oppression or known as “Third Cinema”. His work Mababangong
Bangungot in 1977 was considered as the pioneering postcolonial essay film. Kidlat Tahimik’s works
develop in the quest of independence and self-recognition of our own culture and history that are free
from the influence of the west. He advocates indigenous cultures and create artworks to raise
awareness about environment issues. Though his works are considered Third Cinema, he mentioned
that even in the direst situation and social injustice there is always hope, triumph, and possibilities. He is
also dubbed as the “Father of the Philippine Independent Cinema”. Aside from his contributions in
Philippine Independent Cinemas, he was also awarded in the global scene like the Berlin Film Festival
International Critics Award in 1977, Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize Laureate, Arts and Culture Prize in 2012,
the Prince Claus Laureate in 2018 and several others.  Marilou Diaz Abaya
Abaya is a feminist director. She was also a critic of President Marcos during martial law due to the
oppressive social situation. Her social-realist films are centered on the lives of the poor, women, and
children. She was also the 2001 Laureate of the Fukuoka Prize for Culture and the Arts in Japan. She won
numerous awards in Metro Manila Film Festival, Urian Award, FAMAS, International Federation of Film
Critics’ Awards, and Network of Pan Cinema Awards.

 Maryo J. delos Reyes

A Filipino film and television director, delos Reyes is an expert of youthoriented films. His works also
focused on human relation. Aside from his multiawarded film directions in local setting, he also won
international awards. His “Magnifico” won the Eutsches Kinderhilfswerk Grand Prix during the Berlin
International Film Festival in 2004 and Special Jury Award for "International Competition" category for
his film “Naglalayag” at Brussels International Independent Film Festival.

 Brillante Mendoza

Mendoza is undoubtedly an internationally awarded Filipino film director. His works are centered in
“Neorealism”, a docudrama style that showcases the pressing social issues of the country. From
advertising, he crossed to film directing. Kinatay, a film that talks about a criminology student who later
became involved in a syndicate, has made Brillantes won the Best Director award during the 62nd
Cannes Film Festival. He also won several international recognitions such as the Henry Barakat Award
for Best Artistic Contribution of the movie, “Mindanao” during the 41st Cairo International Film Festival;
and Achievement in Directing for the film, “Thy Womb” at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in 2012.

 Laurice Guillen

Guillen was an actress who eventually became a film director. Her notable work is “Salome” in 1981
where she won as Best Director for the Gawad Urian. The same film was also shown at the Toronto
International Film Festival. She won the Best Screenplay for her “Tanging Yaman” in 2002 of the same
award-giving body. Guillen won the 9th Gawad Tanglaw Awards’ Best director and Presidential Jury
Award for “Sayo Lamang” in 2011.

COMIC BOOKS & ANIMATION

 Antonio Velasquez

Velasquez is known as the “Father of Tagalog Comics” and founding father of Philippine comic
industry. Some of his notable works are the creation of “Kenkoy” that was published in the Tagalog-
Language Liwayway Magazine and designed product labels for Philippine products advertisements.

 Mars Ravelo

He is known as the “King of Komiks”. Ravelo’s works had been adopted to films and captivated
Filipinos for generations like Darna, Dyesebel, Captain Barbell, and Lastikman.

 Larry Alcala

Larry Alcala is an editorial cartoonist, illustrator, and a National Artist for Visual Arts. His works
depicts the Filipino lives in a witty manner and a pioneer in animated cartoons and TV commercials in
the country. His style presents the everyday life of Filipinos with humor and critical to the issues of the
time, arousing reflection and rational judgement. One of his famous works is the Slice of Life that
received the Best in Humor award in 1988. Alcala’s Kalabog en Bosyo was the longest running cartoon
series in the country. Aside from his cartoon and animation works he also introduced the first college
degree course on Commercial Design in the Philippines in 1953. He won tons of awards and received
recognitions from different organizations like the UP College of Fine Arts, The Komiks Operation
Brotherhood, Inc. (Komopeb) Life Achievement Award, The Society of Philippines Illustrators and
Cartoonists, Philippine Council of Industrial Editors and many more.

 Apolonio “Pol” Medina Jr.

He best known for creating Pugad Baboy, one of the longest running comic strips in the country.
Pol’s Pugad Baboy success was attributed to its ability to present the political and social issues of the
country in an ironic and satirical manner. Medina primarily exploited the Filipino psyche and transpire
them in the different contemporary issues using comic as his medium. Public figures, politicians, and
even celebrities are often the subject of his caricatures and ironic commentary but with subtle reference
to the personalities involved. Though his works often evokes laughter to his audiences Medina’s comics
are vehicle for both satire and social commentary.

PRODUCT AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

 Kenneth Cobonpue

Kenneth Cobonpue is a native of Cebu. His innovative designs usually combine natural materials
through handmade productions processes. He uses bamboo, rattan, and abaca materials to his creation
which are native to the Philippines. Cobonpue’s works do not only venture on design but promotes
Philippines as a rich source of inspiration and place where possibilities are limitless. His works has
received international recognitions such as the Hong Kong's Design for Asia Award, the Japan Good
Design Award, the American Society of Interior Designers Selection, the French Coup de Coeur Award,
and the first Asian Designer of the Year, a title given by the Maison et Objet in Paris. By using natural
materials and fibers, he was able to create modern designs which he is known for.

 Monique Lhuiller

She is also a Cebuana fashion designer and became known for her wedding gowns. Her couture was
worn by Hollywood stars and other well-known celebrities. Monique was a member of the Council of
Fashion Designers of America in 2003. The Best Bridal Fashion Show at the Elle International Bridal
Awards in 2012 was given to her.

 Rajo Laurel

Laurel co-founded the House of Laurel (a fashion boutique) together with her sister, Vennise Laurel-
Hermano. He introduced Filipino fashion through his avantgarde collections in international galas and
exhibits. Laurel also used his resources to create income opportunities to impoverished women by
making handmade bags, accessories and clothing made from discarded fabric from his own shop. He
was awarded several recognitions such as the Asian Top Fashion Designer of the Year (Prêt-à-Porter
Category) in 2010 by Fashion Asia AFMA China; The Outstanding Young Men Award of Philippine Jaycees
in 2009; and People of the Year Award for People Asia Magazine in 2008 to name a few.
 What I Have Learned

I have learned that:

• Filipino media-based artists are at par with international artists in the global community as
recognized in their ______ and distinct _________.
• Most of the works of Filipino media-artists showcase the ________, __________, and
___________ of the country.
• George Tapan, John K. Chua, and Manny Librodo used _______as a platform to raise awareness
to social issues, promote advocacies and showcase talent to inspire people.
• Xyza Bacani is a multi-awarded street and documentary photographer that focuses on labor and
human rights and capture images of everyday life that are ________ and ____________.
• Kidlat Tahimik is a National Artist for Film, is being praised worldwide for his works that are critic
of _________ exploitation and state _______ or known as ________. His work Mababangong
Bangungot in 1977 was considered as the pioneering postcolonial essay film.
• Laurice Guillen is an actress who turned to a film director. She has won several awards for the
movie entitled _______ in Gawad Urian, Metro Manila Film Festival, and Gawad Tanglaw
Awards.
• Marilou Diaz Abaya, a ______ director. She was the 2001 Laureate of the Fukuoka Prize for
Culture and the Arts in Japan.
• Maryo delos Reyes is an expert of _____ films. His works also focused on human relation. He
won several international awards like Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk Grand Prix.
• Brillante Mendoza won the Best Director during the 62nd Cannes Film Festival for his ____ film.
His works are centered in “Neorealism”, a docudrama style to showcase the pressing social
issues of the country.
• Larry Alcala is an editorial cartoonist, illustrator, and a National Artist for Visual Arts. His works
depicts the Filipino lives in a _________ and a pioneer in animated cartoons and TV commercials
in the country. His style presents the everyday life of Filipinos with humor and _________ to the
issues at the time, arousing reflection and rational judgment.
• Apolonio “Pol” Medina Jr. is best known for creating Pugad Baboy, one of the longest running
comic strips in the country. Pol’s Pugad Baboy success was attributed to its ability to present the
political and social issues of the country in an _______ and _______ manner.
• Mars Ravelo is the King of _______in the Philippines with his notable works like Darna, Dyebel,
Captain Barbel, and Lastikman, Filipino generations were captivated by them.
• Kenneth Cobonpue is an innovative designer by combining ____ materials through innovative
handmade productions processes. He won the first Asian Designer of the Year, a title given by
the Maison et Objet in Paris.
• Monique Lhuiller is fashion designer and became known for her _____.
• Rajo Laurel introduced Filipino fashion on ________through his international galas and exhibits.
He was awarded as the Asian Top Fashion Designer of the Year (Prêt-à-Porter Category) in 2010.