Marcos honors cultural icons

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored four Filipino cultural icons on Sunday with the posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit for their groundbreaking contributions to the country’s arts, cinema, music and culinary traditions.

The awardees — Gloria Romero, Margarita Araneta Forés, Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor — were recognized for their lasting impact in their fields, both in the Philippines and beyond.

“They are undeniably icons. But more importantly, we can see that the true quality of their art, of their performances, came from the core of them being Filipinos. They are women who spent their lives sharing their gifts and deepening how we understand ourselves through their respective disciplines,” Mr. Marcos said.

The Presidential Medal of Merit, created under Executive Order 236 issued in 2003, is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation.

This year, it was bestowed on four women whose artistry and achievements have become a source of pride for the country.

Romero, known as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” was celebrated for her remarkable career, which spanned decades. A beloved figure in Filipino film, she earned numerous accolades, including seven FAMAS Awards and three Gawad Urian Awards.

Her most memorable works include Dalagang Ilocana, Palibhasa Lalake and Tanging Yaman. Romero passed away on 25 January 2025.

Forés was recognized for transforming the Philippine culinary scene. She earned international acclaim for blending Italian cuisine with Filipino flavors, earning the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.

In 2025, she was also honored with the Woodford Reserve Icon Award. Forés passed away on 11 February.

Corrales, “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” was remembered for her powerful voice and captivating performances that resonated across generations.

With awards like Best Performer at the Tokyo Music Festival and the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award, she became a musical icon. Corrales passed away on 12 April.

The Presidential Medal of Merit, created under Executive Order 236 issued in 2003, is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation.

Aunor, a legend in both Philippine film and television, was honored for her iconic roles in films like Himala and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.

A National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Aunor’s portrayals of the Filipino experience won her multiple awards. She died on 16 April.

President Marcos expressed gratitude to the families of the late icons, acknowledging that their artistic gifts have enriched the nation’s culture.

He also reminded Filipinos that the arts and culture are vital to the nation’s future as well as its past.

“Their art and creations have not only been the entertainment of our countrymen, but have also become a reflection of the history of the country, of every Filipino,” the President said in Filipino.