Dingdong Dantes underscores reasons AKTOR PH nominated Vilma Santos for National Artist Award

Dingdong Dantes

Dingdong Dantes believes an actor's "untarnished image" should be considered among other things in picking nominees for the Order of National Artist Award of the Philippines.

He said so at the Manila Hotel recently when he represented AKTOR PH, a collective group of Filipino actors, that nominated Vilma Santos for said award. The nomination acknowledges Vilma's contribution to Philippine cinema over a remarkable 60-year career. Among her landmark works are "Sister Stella L," "Anak," Dekada '70," "Palimos ng Pag-ibig" and "Everything About Her."  

"Yes, sa tingin ko, isa lang yon (untarnished image) na dapat i-consider," he said in response to Rider PH. "Kasi, syempre, pag sinabi mong National Artist (awardee), titingilain natin yan---hindi lang ng buong industriya, kundi ng buong bansa."

The actor pointed out Vilma is "a proud actor, a paragon of professionalism, a cultural champion, a protector of the community and a nation builder," and all of these make her "swak sa vision ng AKTOR" on who they think is eligible for the National Artist award.

Vilma Santos (file photo)

Vilma is not just multi-awarded, but as Dingdong put it in his prepared speech, she is "the most awarded actor in Philippine cinema history" and "one of the most revered figures in the industry."

"At multi-faceted ang larangan at body of work niya; mula sa pelikula, telebisyon at entablado hanggang sa public service, champion for woman at advocate for quality and excellence," he noted. 

"I think more importantly ay kung pano niya na sustain yon throughout six generations. Na relevant pa din siya to this day and time."

The Order of National Artists (Order ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts, namely Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film, Broadcast Arts, Architecture and Allied Arts.

The order is jointly administered by the National Commission of the Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation by both institutions.

Among awardees are Kidlat Tahimik, Nora Aunor, Ricky Lee, Ryan Cayabyab and Marilou Diaz Abaya.