By Keziah G. Huelar

Clem Marnel R. Burgos visits the Philippine Consulate in Armenia after his win in the 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture.

Clem Marnel R. Burgos, a graduating Mass Communication student of Central Philippine University and a two-time CPU Republic senator, was hailed as one of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Dangal ng Ani Awardees for dramatic arts.

The awarding will be at the Manila Diamond Hotel on February 27, 2019, in line with the celebration of the National Arts Month.

Besting 44 other contestants from 12 countries around the globe, Burgos was the over-all champion during the 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture held in Yerevan, Armenia on July 7-12, 2018. He was the only Filipino representative in the said competition.

In his Facebook post, Burgos expressed his joy and thanked his family, friends, and the CPU community for their consistent love and support. He also highlighted his love for the arts as a platform for his faith in God: “Let my life be a testimony on how God uses the most ordinary person like me [for] something. Never ever have I imagined [that I would receive this award].”

The Dangal ng Ani Awards recognizes Filipino artists who have earned honor and prestige for the country in international competitions all over the globe. Established in 1991, the said recognition has been supporting local artists and projects to showcase the best of the country in culture and the arts. It has seven art disciplines, namely: architecture and allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, and visual arts including multi-disciplinary arts.

Its notable awardees are Brillante Mendoza, Pepe Diokno, Lea Salonga, Kara David, Nora Aunor and many others. Ilonggo awardees include Jhett Tolentino, Eric Delos Santos and Jed Madela; Burgos is the first Centralian and Ilonggo student to receive such award.