President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named Jose Pitoy R. Moreno ’48 as one of seven National Artists for 2009. A pioneer of fashion design, his career reads like a significant chapter in the history of local fashion. He is one of the earliest exponents of the Maria Clara, inspired by the paintings of Damian Domingo, Fabian dela Rosa, Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo whose works he studied at the University of the Philippines. His costumes for the world-famous Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company as a young designer oriented him in the various Filipino Customs and traditions, an immersion which would influence his future work.
The title of National Artist or Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining is the highest recognition to a Filipino for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. Such Filipinos are announced, by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation, and are conferred membership in the Order of National Artists. Congratulations brod!
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