Artists, poets to pay tribute to Salvador Bernal at CCP

Poem readings, reminiscences and tribute performances will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Saturday, Oct. 29, in memory of the late Salvador “Badong" Bernal, National Artist for Theater Design. Both the National Commission for Culture and the CCP will be spearheading the necrological services at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater). The 66-year-old Bernal passed away Wednesday due to cardiac arrest. His remains lie in state at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City. Interment is on Wednesday, Nov. 2, in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. Bernal was conferred the National Artist Award in 2003 for his work in nearly 300 productions since the late 60s. He was most known for his “unparalleled achievements" in theater design. Bernal was also known for incorporating indigenous materials such as abaca, hemp twine, and cacha in stage preparations, particularly in Pagkahaba-haba Man ng Prusisyon, Prince of the Pagodas, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and La Traviata. He was also costume designer for films such as Oro, Plata, Mara and Gumising Ka, Maruja, according to the CCP. Bernal was also a mentor to many young craftsmen and production designers. He had taught in the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University, where he was supposed to teach two classes in the coming semester. — Bea Cupin/KBK, GMA News