It was his first time to appear in public following the recognition.
On Sunday, September 13, newly proclaimed National Artist Nicanor Tiongson made his first public appearance during the book launch of celebrity manager and journalist Noel Ferrer at the Manila International Book Fair 2026 in Pasay City.
During which, a rare moment happened when he sat alongside two other National Artists Ricky Lee and Virgilio Almario.
In a short interview with Trendrod, the newly proclained National Artist told that he welcomes the said recognition, which was conferred by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. through Proclamation No. 1414 last September 1.
“Ako ay masaya na mapabilang dito at mabigyan ng (isa sa) pinakamataas na karangalan sa bansa,” he said in our interview.
Tiongson also said that this new title also inspires him to do better for the people and uplift the arts and culture in the country.
“Ito ay inspirasyon upang lalo pang magsikhay, magsikap na makatulong sa pagpapabuti ng ating industriya… at mapabuti ang kultura dito sa ating bayan,” he added.
In his recognition as a National Artist for Literature, Tiongson’s contribution to the society as a writer, playwright, scholar, critic, and cultural leader, which shaped Philippine literature, theater, and cultural studies, were cited.
Furthermore, the proclamation noted his efforts to reconcile traditional Philippine culture with modern artistic expression, particularly through the revitalization of indigenous and Hispanic-influenced dramatic forms.
Apart from him, the President also named nine other distinguished Filipinos as National Artists for 2025.
They are Gabriel Formoso (posthumous), Rafael “Nonoy” Catalino Froilan, Maria Beatriz “Patis” Fabella Pamintuan Tesoro, Armando “Bing” Lao (posthumous), Gregorio Brillantes (posthumous), Alfredo Buenaventura, Teodoro Hilado (posthumous), Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, and Nunelucio Alvarado.
The said title, which is one of the highest on the land, recognizes their outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and culture across architecture, dance, fashion, cinema, literature, theater, music, visual arts, and cultural development.
Under Proclamation No. 1001 that was issued back in 1972, the National Artist Award was established to honor Filipinos who have made outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and letters.
Executive Order No. 236, which was issued back in 2003, elevated the award to a Cultural Order and officially renamed it the Order of National Artists or Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining.