Entertainment
Palace honors Pinoy artists and performers
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Feb 26, 2010 - 4:39:12 PM

MANILA, Feb. 27 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday honored Filipino artists and performing groups who brought pride and honor to the country through their excellence in arts and culture.

The President, in simple ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall in Malacanang, led the recognition of 41 Filipino artists in various fields with trophies sculptured by National Artist Abdul Imam.

The 2nd ''Ani ng Dangal'' is part of the celebration of the National Arts Month this February as per Presidential Proclamation No.683 in 1991.

The notable awardees included Brillante Mendoza, who was the Best Director at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival for his film ''Kinatay''; Pepe Diokno, for garnering the award for the best Debut Film at the 66th Venice International Film Festival; Gina Pareno, who won as Best Supporting Actress at the 3rd Asian Film Awards; and Rhap Salazar for being the Grand Champion Performer of the World at the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts.

The 2nd ''Ani ng Dangal'' was organized by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA).

In a related development, NCCA Executive Director and Presidential Adviser on Culture Cecile Guidote Alvarez said the Philippines was declared by the ASEAN as its Culture Capital for 2010 to 2011.

As such, the Philippines will host the 4th ASEAN-Ministers for Culture and Arts Meeting and SOMCAplus 3 Meeting from March 23 to 26 at Clark in Pampanga. (PNA)
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