QUEZON CITY (Jan. 27, 2026) — The University of the Philippines will honor esteemed National Artists Benedicto Cabrera, Resil Mojares, and Agnes Locsin in the third edition of Tanghal Tertulia, Feb. 21.
A festive evening of music, dance, and prose, once again set against the scenic backdrop of the Executive House Amphitheater in UP Diliman, will pay tribute to the three National Artists and their enduring contributions to Philippine arts and culture. The annual event recently won the Best Special Events Production Award at the 38th Aliw Awards — the only event from a higher education institution recognized in the category.
Cabrera, also affectionately known as “BenCab,” was conferred the National Artist for Visual Arts in 2006 in recognition of his mastery of contemporary Philippine art, as evident in his paintings and pieces that commented on the struggles and strife of the ordinary Filipino. BenCab pursued a Fine Arts degree in UP from 1959-1964 and was conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, by the university in 2009.
Mojares, widely celebrated as the “Visayan Titan of Letters,” received the honor of National Artist for Literature in 2018 for devoting his life to Philippine cultural and historical studies, especially his pioneering efforts in advancing Cebuano studies. He earned his PhD in Literature from UP Diliman in 1979.
Locsin was recognized as a National Artist for Dance in 2022 for her progressive work in neo-ethnic Filipino dance, characterized by her distinct choreography that blends indigenous ritual and ethnic traditions with Western classical and modern techniques. She was a senior lecturer at the UP Diliman College of Music’s dance program from June 1985 to May 1992, imbuing future dancers and choreographers with her artistic philosophy.
Tanghal Tertulia is UP’s cultural program celebrating the university’s National Artists, led by the UP Office of the President in collaboration with the UP Diliman College of Music, the Philippine Association of University Women-UP Chapter, the UP President’s Committee on Culture and the Arts, UP Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, and TVUP.
Its inaugural program in 2024 honored Ramon Santos (Music), Gémino Abad (Literature), and Virgilio Almario (Literature), while its second iteration last year paid tribute to Ricardo Lee (Film and Broadcast Arts), Fides Cuyugan-Asensio (Music), and Ryan Cayabyab (Music).
Tanghal Tertulia is open to the public. However, due to limited seating capacity and event arrangements, attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested attendees may RSVP through this link to ensure a smooth experience for all guests.