Lisa Macuja interprets NAIS KO in dance. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
On October 7, 2007, 15 artist-leaders incorporated and registered the Artists Welfare Project Inc. (AWPI) at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The SEC registration paved the way to legally and formally assist Filipino artists deal with a number of issues they face, notably rights and welfare concerns.
Concert Pianist Dr. Raul Suñico is among the prestigious AWPI Founders; BULAWAN CCP 50th Anniversary Concert, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Main Theater, Sept. 20-21, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
They 15 artist-leaders were Fernando Josef. Nick Pichay. Grace Nono Aves. Glecy Atienza. Ronnie Lazaro, Raul Sunico, Dennis Marasigan, Madeleine Nicolas, Sid Gomez Hildawa, Clotilde Lucero, Rica Arevalo, Rafael Froilan, Jose Victor Torres, Ricardo Eric Cruz, and Rebecca Jose. Board members were Jun Lozada, Emily Abrera and Nes Jardin.
from left: TP Artistic Dir. Nanding Josef, TP Company Mgr Carmela Millado-Manuel and Sculptor Toym Imao; BULAWAN CCP 50th Anniversary Concert, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Main Theater, Sept. 20-21, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Dennis Marasigan w Mailes Kanapi in Tatlong Maria, July 2010. Photo by Jude Bautista
The action to legally and formally organize artists was a direct response to the stark reality that thousands of Filipino freelance artists are working without a legal employer-employee relation framework. This precarious situation was not helpful when they need assistance on financial and health issues, for example. Then, there were the more important concerns on benefits covering health, unemployment, retirement, and assistance on building a house.
Mae Paner (JUANA C THE MOVIE) during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista
Most of the time, fellow artists “rescue” their colleagues by passing the hat for financial contributions. These are, however, temporary and palliative steps.
AWPI turned seven years old in 2014. By then, the organization considered dissolving itself. Board members felt nothing substantial was happening. But they decided to make another try as there was support from the membership.
From left: Boots Anson Roa with Director Rica Arevalo of the Kaibigan portion in “Ganap Na Babae.” March 6, 2011. Photo By Jude Bautista
As executive director, Grace Nono worked with congressional contacts to push for bills which would institutionalize solutions for short-term and long-term problems of artists.
After 13 years, AWPI continues to serve Filipino creatives in an effective manner possible, given the limitations.
from right: National Artist Alice Reyes, Mario Esperanza and CCP Trustee Nestor Jardin. ALICE & FRIENDS, A Tapestry of Dances in Celebration of 50 years at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, February 21, 2020, CCP Main Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Among the current AWPI initiatives are: coordinating with government agencies such as SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund to inform and educate freelance artists and creatives on how to register, contribute, and avail of their services
Through persistent working with congressional allies, AWPI was instrumental in the House and Senate deliberations of various bills that will advance and protect artists’ rights and welfare.
From left: Dir Showcase Best Actress ensemble Iza Calzado (Mga Mumunting Lihim), New Breed Best Actress Ama Quiambao (DIABLO), Director’s Showcase Best Actor Eddie Garcia (Bwakaw), New Breed Best Supporting Actress Anita Linda, New Breed Best Supporting Actor Joross Gamboa (Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino) and Dir Showcase Best Supporting Actor Art Acuña (POSAS). Cinemalaya films and the directors were also screened at the UP Film Center’s CINE ADARNA from August 1-14, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista
These bills include the Eddie Garcia Bill which proposes to institute safety in the workplace of workers in the audiovisual, broadcast, and entertainment industries.
On top of its regular literacy campaigns via the AWPI Talks, the organization is at the forefront of an unprecedented program called the HMO for Artists, where about 600 creatives from different art sectors and their families avail HMO benefits by paying reasonably priced health insurance.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Rudy de Dios perform PROKOFIEV: Romeo & Juliet. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
In April 2020, as the Covid19 pandemic caused havoc on lives, jobs, and the economy, AWPI became a fund manager of different fund-raising activities initiated by artists.
Many events were cancelled due to the pandemic, throwing artists out of jobs, thus no income. This drastic work disruption and dislocation prompted different artist groups to band together and raise Php 4 million. The amount assisted almost 2,000 creatives in need. More artists are needing assistance and support.
AWPI Exec. Dir Jenny Bonto (in red) with National artist for Dance Alice Reyes (10)
AWPI’s current executive director, Jenny Bonto, has been busy coordinating aid, grants, linkages, sponsorships, fund-raisers, and Covid19 prevention campaigns.
The most challenging project confronting AWPI currently is the development of a Philippine Registry of Creatives, which is aimed at preventing arts and culture workers from being left out of the government support mechanism and social safety nets, most especially the freelancers who have no regular sources of income.
from left: JV Ibesate (Payat), Lhorvie Nuevo (Carling) and Nanding Josef (Tatang). Tanghalang Pilipino’s KATSURI is a play based on John Steinbeck’s OF MICE AND MEN translated to Filipino by Bibeth Orteza. KATSURI will run from October 4 to 27, 2019 at the CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute). Photo by Jude Bautista
The current AWPI is governed by a board of directors, with Fernando Josef as chairman, Carmela Manuel as president, Ronnie Lazaro as vice president, Dennis Marasigan as secretary, Lisa Macuja Elizalde as treasurer.
Board members are: Anthony Cruz, Ibarra Mateo, Emmanuel dela Cruz, Tednicolao Camahalan, Monet Pura, Kate Lim, Jonas George Soriano, Raffy Tejada, Mae Paner, and Simon Balboa.
Even in the middle of the Covid19 pandemic, AWPI continues to champion the artists’ rights and welfare.
From right: AWPI Board Member Ibarra Mateo, Filmmaker Babyruth Villarama Gutierrez, Bulawan Director Loy Arceñas, Filmmakers Chuck Gutierrez and Alemberg Ang. BULAWAN CCP 50th Anniversary Concert, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Main Theater, Sept. 20-21, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
It is one of the leading organizations which value Filipino creatives, whose ranks include but are not limited to artists, culture bearers, craftsmen, culture educators, production workers, and other creators in the country. For AWPI, they are as essential as the other workers in many sectors. Artists, among others, help the country by nurturing the soul of the nation.
from left Dennis Marasigan and the late great Mario O’Hara share the distinction of being an actor, writer and director, July 2010. Photo by Jude Bautista
With continued support from its members, sponsors, donors, government and non-government leaders advocating the interests of Philippine culture and the arts, AWPI will continue to serve the Filipino artists and creatives in the years to come.
For more information on the AWPI activities and the ongoing HMO for Artists program, please log on to: awpi.ph or FB Artists Welfare Project Inc. ##
from left: TP Honoree Gloria Sevilla (Queen of Visayan Movies), TP Director Nanding Josef and Suzette Ranillo. STAGESHOW by Mario O’Hara opened the Natl. Theater Festival; Nov. 7-8, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from left: Cheeno Macaraeg, Toym Imao, Audie Gemora, Gian Vizcarra and Dennis Marasigan. BULAWAN CCP 50th Anniversary Concert, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Main Theater, Sept. 20-21, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Mae Paner (Magdea) talks about her ‘job’ at a movie theater beside her customer Rody Vera. STAGESHOW by Mario O’Hara opened the Natl. Theater Festival, Nov. 7-8, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Lisa Macuja interprets NAIS KO in dance. THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Lisa’s other performances: La Bayadere—Nov. 17, 730pm, The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730 pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 730pm all at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
Nanding Josef (Tatang); Tanghalang Pilipino’s KATSURI is a play based on John Steinbeck’s OF MICE AND MEN translated to Filipino by Bibeth Orteza. KATSURI ran from October 4 to 27, 2019 at the CCP Studio Theater (Tanghalang Huseng Batute). Photo by Jude Bautista
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Lisa Macuja Elizalde performs PROKOFIEV: Romeo & Juliet. THE LEGENDS AND THE LEGENDS AND THE CLASSICS ENCORE was held at the CCP last Oct 12, 2013. Lisa’s other performances: The Nutcracker gala is on Nov. 29, 730pm, Dec. 1 and 7, 3pm And Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads, Feb 21, 2014 FRI 730pm at the Aliw Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Tres Dahlias from left: Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino (Ester), Angelina Kanapi (Chabeng) and Mae Paner (Magdea). STAGESHOW by Mario O’Hara opened the 4th Natl. Theater Festival, Nov. 7-8, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista
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