More screen icons who deserve the National Artist nod

With the recent release of the new National Artists lacking a single screen actor, the conversation about who deserves to join Nora Aunor in that elite circle continues to brew. While some names are frequent, heavy-hitting staples in the debate, Philippine cinema boasts a deep bench of unparalleled talent that goes beyond the usual suspects.

Looking at the sheer artistry embedded in local cinema history, the elite group shouldn't be so lonely. Below are more names who, in the opinion of this writer, have the body of work to warrant a place in the National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts.

Gina Alajar. She had always been an actress and not a star. Surely, she had her share of hits, the biggest of which was Diborsiyada. But she will always be remembered for her socially-relevant films: Kapit sa Patalim, Orapronobis, Brutal, Salome, Mulanay and Sister Stella L.

Acting comes naturally for Gina. Pound for pound, her capacity as an actress is on the same level as Nora and Vilma. But here’s one question: Is there a group that is actually pushing for Gina Alajar to become a National Artist?

Jaclyn Jose. She already showed signs of acting greatness even in her first film, the teeny-bopper flick Chikas in 1984. By her next movie, the sex drama White Slavery, she had become the toast of the critics. She did Private Show and Takaw-Tukso in 1986 and won a string of acting trophies.

After that came more award-winning roles: Itanong Mo sa Buwan, Macho Dancer, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Mulanay and Sarung Banggi. In May Nagmamahal sa Iyo, she was able to draw tears from moviegoers in scenes where she only did voice-over narrations.

There was a time when performing became so easy for her that her acting style was dismissed as parody. But Jaclyn quickly snapped out of it. She learned how to camp it in soap operas on TV and proved to be very funny. She was unforgettable as Dona Charito vda. de Carbonel in Mundo Mo’y Akin on GMA.

But when offered serious roles in indie movies, she was back in her element. Ma’ Rosa made her the first Filipino to win an acting award at the very prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Death tragically claimed her in 2024. She could still be doing premium work until today had she not died. An organization should push for her to become National Artist the next time around.

Joseph Estrada. Just like his late buddy, Fernando Poe, Jr., he, too, could have been National Artist for Film. Poe had an edge over him though: FPJ wrote and directed films under the name Ronwaldo Reyes.

But both action superstars tackled Pinoy culture in their respective movies. Joseph is a very good actor. The public tends to forget that because he started making himself look like a comedian through his interviews where he talks in mangled English.

Unfortunately for Joseph Estrada, he will never become a National Artist after he was ousted as President of the Republic in 2001. Had his name not been tainted, he is qualified to be a National Artist for Film given his body of work as an actor and producer.

Maricel Soriano. She had come a long way, starting out as a child actress — a period in her career where she already showed promise as an acting great. The movies she made in her teen years were not exactly her defining moments.

But from the time she matured as a performer, she was taken seriously by the moviegoing public. Her best performance around this time was in Minsan Lamang Magmamahal, followed by Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal.

Why does she seem qualified now as a candidate for National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts? In 2025’s Meet, Greet & Bye, she has embraced her age. She is a senior now, but doesn’t look it. However, if the role calls for it, she’d gladly turn her hair gray. From the looks of it, she will become an even better actress in the coming years. Here’s hoping Maricel Soriano becomes a National Artist in the future.

Gloria Romero. She is truly qualified to become a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, but there is no point pushing for it. Gloria Romero was born an American citizen and remained one till the end. That disqualifies her from getting this much-coveted award among local artists.