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It took me some time to react because of the whole National Artist Awards controversy that’s been brewing for weeks now. For one, the first time I read the list, I honestly thought that one of the names listed was a typo and had to re-read it. But I’m not going to talk about that particular “artist.” I’m only going to talk about the collateral damage.
Noted architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa was one of the artists included in the “President’s Prerogative” list. I know that inclusion in the list makes it sound bad, but I honestly think that Mañosa’s body of work makes him qualified and that he definitely deserves it. Criteria for the award includes that you have to have made an impact on future artists, and Filipinos in general. Even though Mañosa was heavily associated with the Marcoses back then, he helped champion the concept of the Filipino materials and design to the public.
I can vouch for the fact that a lot of the younger architects (including his own son, Gelo) I’ve met who’ve worked in his office at one point or another have been heavily influenced by his philosophy on Filipino design, and have brought it with them throughout their design careers. One of his architects, the kindly Stanley Fernandez, even championed it when he taught Tropical Design at the University of the Philippines. Mañosa’s work on the Filipino home wasn’t confined to his own design firm; it actually had a trickle-down effect. Because of him, and because he influenced his junior architects, a lot of Filipino homes can breathe better, and are planned well.
And there is that iconic factor of Mañosa as well. I spotted him at a construction fair recently, quietly browsing through some books at one of the design bookstore booths there. I wanted to say hi to him, but I was too starstruck! A salesclerk approached Mañosa as he went to the stack of tropical design books, and obviously didn’t recognize him.
Salesclerk: “Yan po sir, puro tungkol sa mga tropical design na residential.”
Mañosa: “Ay oo, I did a bit of that too.”
Readers, what do you think? (To see more of Mañosa’s work, click here. To read more about the National Awards controversy, visit spot.ph)
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August 20th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
FINALLY. He does deserve it. At my last interview with him, when you and I were still at that other magazine, his office was already campaigning for this. But you’re right, the one who must not be named, who’s there for the masa factor…ugh!
August 20th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
As I heard in the news, Manosa’s name was included in the first list but was later dropped before they forwarded the names to the palace.
If indeed the selection body doesn’t agree that he will be conferred the said award, then so be it. These committees surely have their reasons.
Now, that this controversy already reached the supreme court, if I am the architect, I will not accept the award because history will just judge him as “one of the four” pseudo- National Artists. If he so deserve such, time will come that it will be eventually given to him.. without a shadow of doubt.
August 20th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
besides… such honor is something that one doesn’t fight or work for. one deserves it if he is true to his craft regardless of the monetary reward. if one is a true artist, such award will not be even considered an achievement but a simple gift.
October 14th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I actually feel bad that Mañosa was announced in the same batch as Guidote-Alvarez and Caparas. He sincerely deserves to become a National Artist and it doesn’t warrant having his name dragged into the mess. I hope when his appointment comes through, people will see the skill, artistry and creativity he has that merits the honor of becoming a National Artist.