Director Caparas hits back at critics, says he's deserving of National Artist award

Newly-declared National Artist for Visual Arts and Film Carlo J. Caparas on Thursday said he is not bothered by the mounting criticism and controversy the recognition has stirred. "’Pag nanalo, pag sa tingin mo may karapatan ka, di ka mababawasan nang kasiyahan at katiyakan (If a winner thinks he is deserving, his delight and confidence will not be blanked)," Caparas said in an interview on GMA’s Unang Hirit.

A number of artists are protesting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s decision to confer the award to Caparas, who said his selection was tainted with politics. National Artist for Visual Arts Ben Cabrera called the list a mockery, particularly the inclusion of Caparas, a known pito-pito (films shot in just a week) film director of the '90s. Film Academy of the Philippines director general Leo Martinez was also surprised how Caparas landed on the elite list. But Caparas took a swipe at those questioning his recognition, and even likened his “victory" to Philippine politics. "Parang election fever, nung matapos ang ganoon, lahat ng natatalo, magkakaroon ng hinanakit ng protesta (As in an election fever, the losers will have grievances and protests)," he said. Caparas also lashed back at National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, who he said he lauded in 2006. "Ngayon naman ako ang mahirang, di siya (Lumbera) pumapalakpak, kundi pumuputak (Now that I’m the one who was awarded, he is yakking instead of clapping)," Caparas said. Malacañang had earlier defended its choice of this year’s batch of National Artists. Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio said then that the selection was a product of consultations and the government is ready to defend the awardees. Aside from Caparas, this year's National Artist awardees include: Manuel Urbano a.k.a Manuel Conde (Film and Broadcast); Lazaro Francisco (Literature); Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media); Cecilla Guidote-Alvarez (Theater); Francisco Manosa (Architecture); and Jose "Pitoy" Moreno (Fashion Design). National artists are given medallion and citation. They will also receive a lifetime emolument and material and physical benefits like cash award, a monthly pension, medical and hospitalization benefits. The awardees will likewise receive life insurance coverage, arrangement and expenses for a state funeral, a place of honor, in line with protocular precedence, at national state functions, and recognition at cultural events. - GMANews.TV