MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In time for her first death anniversary, the Cultural Center of the Philippines will hold a Necrological Tribute for National Artist for Theater Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio on December 11, 2021, 9am, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).
Known as the Grand Dame of Southeast Asian children’s theater, National Artist Lapeña-Bonifacio died on December 29, 2020. She was 90.
The “Pagpupugay Para Kay Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio” tribute program will start with the opening remarks from CCP chair Margie Moran-Floirendo, followed by an audio-visual presentation on the life and works of the late National Artist who was known for her works in children’s theater and puppetry.
Fellow National Artists awardees will do floral offering, followed by a tribute by National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik.
Dr. Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera, Jr. and Dr. Joi Barrios-Leblanc will reminisce about their experiences working with the late National Artist at the Institute of Creative Writing, University of the Philippines. Lulu Cayabyab-Corpus will also share her stories about Tita Amel as the founder of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas.
There will be excerpts from selected works of NA Lapeña-Bonifacio, including “Ang Manok at Ang Lawin” (to be performed by Jules dela Paz, Charm Aranton and Vincent Pajara); “Dalawang Bayani” with the performance of “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa” by soloist Becky Demetillo-Abraham, guitarist Lester Demetillo with Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, puppeter and daughter of the late National Artist.
NCCA chair Arsenio J. Lizaso will also give his speech followed by a response by Aina Ysabel B. Ramolete, grandchild of the late National Artist. Mr. Lizaso will read the message from the Office of the Republic of the Philippines. Guardianship of the Medallion rite will follow.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Herminigildo G. Ranera, provides musical accompaniment throughout the program.
On 24 October 2018, Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio was conferred the Order of National Artist, the highest recognition given to individuals for their contributions on the development and preservation of the Philippine arts and culture.
NA Lapeña-Bonifacio wrote most of the plays based on materials culled from painstaking researches performed by Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, which she founded. Through the production and design of puppets, she was known for her indigenous fusion of puppetry, children’s literature, folklore, and theater.
