Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia was among those recognized by the National Commission for Culture and Arts in Malacañang yesterday where it held its “Ani ng Dangal” or harvest of honors ceremony where international artist Lea Salonga and TV personality Boy Abunda led the awardees.

In its citation, the NCCA chaired by Professor Felipe de Leon Jr. said Leonardia was being acknowledged for his “unwavering support as partner in the completion of various events in celebration of the National Artist Month and the promotion of Philippine Arts.”

The NCAA also said it highly appreciated the support extended by the City of Bacolod to the National Film Festival “Bacolywood 2012: Cinema Rehiyon”, a pilot project of NCAA’s Committee on Cinema held in Bacolod February 8 to 11, 2012, that featured the works of filmmakers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Leonardia, who was seated beside Salonga, said the famous singer expressed interest in singing the National Anthem in one of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s future fights.

Also awardees with Salonga and Abunda were movie star Jericho Rosales who won the best actor trophy in the Newport Beach Film Festival in California, award-winning ballet dancer director Shirley Halili Cruz and internationally-awarded filmmaker Aureus Solito, among others.

Also present at the rites were movie actor Dingdong Dantes, National Artist Eddie Romero.

Malacañang deputy executive secretary Michael Frederick Musngi delivered the message of President Benigno Aquino III who lauded the country’s local artists for showing the innate talent and unique genius of the Filipinos to the world, and urged them to continue inspiring the people through their art and masterpieces.

He also commended the NCCA for its continuous efforts to promote Filipino talent and skills.

The Ani ng Dangal awards honors the exceptional accomplishments of Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to Philippine culture and arts film directors and performers, architects, visual artists, designers and multi-disciplinary artists.*

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