Philippines – Black seems to be the new motif as protests regarding the newly declared seven national artists of the country arise amid the congratulations. It seems not everyone is in favor of some of the choices as critics – sporting dark clothes – express disapproval on the pick for National Artists for Visual Arts and Film, Magno Jose “Carlo” J. Caparas.

According to critics, Caparas is undeserving of the title as he may have given life to one of Philippines most famous comic book characters including the immortal “Panday” – Caparas was not the one who drew these personas.

Another protest regarding the choice for the National Artist for Theater, Cecil-Guidote Alvarez is brought up. Alvarez is the head of the agency tasked to put together the prestigious award, namely the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), making her an inadequate choice as she herself is part of the judges. The NCCA together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines puts up the list of probably candidates for the National Artists Award.

Caparas replies to his detractors, one of which is singer and composer Jim Paredes, naming them as “elitists” who rebuff the value of his works.

“…sectoral artists who refuse to see the merit of my work only because I came from the masses…” he said during an NCCA news conference held at Intramuros.

At the same symposium, Vilma Labrador, Chair of NCCA expresses the qualification of the two for the award, stressing that the “masa” is also eligible for the title of National Artist.

It was also noted the support of Imee Marcos in the protest saying that the family is “saddened” by the event especially since the person who first thought of the National Artists concept was her mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos.