MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) honored thirty-nine exceptional artists and creatives at the Ani ng Dangal 2025 awards ceremony, held at the Metropolitan Theater on March 5.
Now on its 17th year, Ani ng Dangal, aptly translated as “Harvest of Honor”, is more than just a recognition. It is a testament to the unwavering spirit of Filipino artistry and its resounding impact across global borders. From architecture to cinema, dance to design, music to visual arts, this year’s honorees have not only brought home trophies, but have elevated the cultural narrative of the Philippines to the world stage.
NCCA Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo, Executive Director Eric Zerrudo, and Subcommission on the Arts (SCA) Commissioner Arvin Villalon led the awarding and personally handed the sarimanok trophy to the awardees. Furthermore, Members of the NCCA Board of Commissioners, SCA committee heads and members and NCCA secretariat graced the prestigious event.
In his welcome speech, Manalo highlighted the significance of the artists’ contribution to both national and global culture.
“They (artists) open doors for future generations of artists, inspiring young talents to pursue their passions with confidence … When they see someone from their homeland winning awards, they believe that they, too, can achieve greatness,” he added.
Maria Ira S. Reyes, president of BAWZ, a group recipient for dance, delivered an acceptance speech on behalf of the awardees. “This recognition affirms our dedication, hardwork, passion we pour to our craft as artists … While winning internationally is an incredible achievement, nothing compares to the pride of being recognized at home by a national institution,” Reyes said.
The Ani ng Dangal trophy is stylized sarimanok sculpted by National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao, which represents the Filipino artist’s achievements in the global stage. The logo of Ani ng Dangal, stylized rice stalk, alludes to the rice harvest as metaphor for an art harvest: a product of the creative process that expresses the dreams, aspiration, and ideals of the Filipino artist. It bears seven grains, which is representative of the seven arts, while its bright colors evoke the festive mood of NAM, symbolizing the abundance and excellence of Filipino artistry.
ARCHITECTURE & ALLIED ARTS
- Frenjick Quesada (Design Hirayama + Quesada) – Titan Property Awards 2024
- Christina Periquet – Asia Pacific Property Awards, Residential Show Home for Filigree Showsuites
- Chartra Paz “Cha” Fores – International Property Award for Leisure for 5 Stars
- Royal Pineda – Travel Trades Excellence Award for Clark International Airport
- William Ti – Overall Winner, WAFX Awards, World Architecture Festival 2021 Masterplan
- LPPA Design Group, Inc. / L.P. Parinas & Associates – 5 Star Best Mixed Use Architecture at the Asia Pacific Property Awards in Thailand and International Property Awards Global in the United Kingdom
- Archiglobal – Best Architecture & Commercial Building Design 2023
CINEMA
- Rian Simon Cabatingan Magtaan – Best Documentary, 14th Kota Kinabalu Festival “The Night is Drunk When We Suffer”
- Cris Bringas – Golden Reel Award for “All These Wasted Space”
- Sasa Cabalquinto – Best Performance, “Vox Humana,” Singapore International Film Fest
- Sonny Calvento – Best Short Form Content, Asian Academy Creative Awards “Primetime Mother”
- Carl Lara – Best Short Film, Berlin Newgen “Rumbles of the Earth”
- Sheron Dayoc – Best Narrative, “Gospel of the Beast,” BALINALE
- Max Eigenmann – Best Actress, “Kargo,” ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards
- Carlo Obispo – Best Director, “A Baseball Player,” ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards
DANCE
- Bailes De Luces – Multiple titles at World Championship of Performing Arts, California
- Halili Cruz School of Ballet – Winners at Asia Pacific Dance Competition, Bangkok, Thailand
- UPEEPZ & A-KIDZ – World Champions at Hip Hop Dance Championships, Arizona
- TPM – Champions at Super24 Singapore
- BAWZ – Champions at Summer Jam Showcase, Vietnam
VISUAL ARTS
- Justin Joseph Mendoza – Grand Prize, Huawei XMAGE Awards 2024
- Jed Bacason – Winner, MAGNUM x Polaroid Worldwide Photography Competition
- Benjamin Torrado Cabrera – Grand Prize, ASEAN Graphics and Arts Exhibition
MUSIC
- Imusicapella, Los Cantantes de Manila, Sola Gratia Chorale, University of Mindanao Chorale, UP Manila Chorale, UST Singers, Baoo Children and Youth Choir, and Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra all dominated prestigious international choral and orchestral competitions.
- Individual honorees include composers Ily Matthew Maniano, Ian Gabriel Corpuz, Saunder Choi, Jose Lorenzo Reyna Jr., and poet Joey Vargas.
