The day Ka Atang was named National Artist
June 11, 1987 is an important date in the history of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was the day Ka Atang (de la Rama) was named National Artist for Music and Theater, with no less than President Corazon Aquino bestowing the honors.
Ka Atang was lauded for her ‘sincere devotion to original Filipino theater and music, her outstanding artistry as singer and as sarswela actorplaywright-producer, her tireless efforts to bring her art to all regions and sectors of Filipino society and to the world.’
Much earlier, in November 1979, this columnist and Tribung Pilipino had the honor and pleasure of giving tribute to Ka Atang at the CCP Little Theater. Then she was virtually forgotten and the concert-tribute revived interest in Ka Atang, who sang Bituing Marikit and Nabasag ang Banga that night. The songs were associated with Ka Atang. Nabasag ang Banga was from the sarswela Dalagang Bukid, which was especially written for her. It was also made into a movie with Ka Atang reprising the title role. After which many other sarswelas she starred in followed.
Then this columnist was already broaching the idea of making her a National Artist, just like her husband, the nationalist Ka Amado (Hernandez), National Artist for Literature. A Tempo columnist, Ronald Constantino, then called it my ‘Magnificent Obsession.’
The day came when Ka Atang was finally proclaimed National Artist and I must give credit to Dr. Nic Tiongson, then CCP vice president and artistic director.
When Ka Atang died in Manila on July 11, 1991, this columnist and Nic were the first to help her family in the funeral arrangements.
— RKC