The Birth Anniversary of National Artist Atang de la Rama is celebrated on January 11. Atang de la Rama, whose birthday is on January 11, was a Filipina singer, bodabil performer, and someone who embodied a significant part of the pop culture heritage of the people of the Philippines. She started her career in entertainment as a teenager and went on to dominate the industry all through her years as an adult until her retirement later in her life. She was a cultural icon in the Philippines, becoming the first-ever Filipina actress. A firm believer that art should be accessible to everyone, she performed in the big theaters of Manila and some unconventional places such as cockpits. She was married to Amado V. Hernandez.
History of Birth anniversary of National Artist Atang de la Rama
Rama was born Honorata de la Rama-Hernandez in Pandacan, Manila on January 11, 1902. As at the time when she was seven, she was already starring in Spanish sarzuelas’ such as “Mascota,” Sueño de un Vals,” and “Marina.” At the age of 15, she starred in the the Philippine sarsuela “Dalagang Bukid,” and she became known for singing the song, ‘Nabasag na Banga.’
In her quest for cultural sovereignty fought for the dominance of the ‘Kundiman,’ an important Philippine folk song, as well as the “Sarsuela,” which is a musical play focusing on contemporary Filipino issues. She did all of this during the American occupation of the Philippines. Generations of Filipino artists and audiences consider Rama’s vocal and acting talents as being responsible for much of the success of original Filipino sarsuelas like “Dalagang Bukid” and dramas like “Veronidia.”
Rama worked as a talent manager, writer, and producer of plays. She created plays like “Anak ni Eva” and “Bulaklak ng Kabundukan,” among others. In 1979, at the age of 72, she was recognized as the Queen of the Kundiman and the Sarsuela in honor of her accomplishments and contributions to the Philippine art form. “For her sincere devotion to original Filipino theater and music, her outstanding artistry as a singer, and as a sarsuela actress-playwright-producer, her tireless efforts to bring her art to all sectors of Filipino society and the world,” reads the statement in which Rama was named a ‘National Artist of the Philippines for Theater and Music’ on May 8, 1987.
Birth anniversary of National Artist Atang de la Rama timeline
Rama is born on January 11 in Pandacan, Manila, Philippines.
Rama begins to star in sarzuelas at 15, one of the most notable of which is “Dalagang Bukid.”
Rama receives the unofficial title of ‘Queen of the Kundiman.’
Rama passes away on July 11, at the age of 89.
Birth anniversary of National Artist Atang de la Rama FAQs
Who is the librettist of Atang?
It was one production that drew both younger audiences who wanted to learn about the legendary star of the “Zarzuela,” “Film,” and “Bodabil,” as well as older audiences who came to enjoy the nostalgia. It was written by Floy Quintos, directed by Alexander Cortez, and with musical direction by Von de Guzman.
What are the contributions of Atang de la Rama?
Rama was instrumental in the popularization of the ‘Tagalog’ song repertory across these different entertainment platforms; she activated voice and image to play a central role in creating a Filipina femininity in the 1920s that challenged expectations of women’s work as solely devoted to home and family life.
Does Atang de la Rama have a musical named after her?
Yes, it is called “Atang Dulang May Musika.”
5 Surprising Facts About Rama
She was the first Filipino movie actress
Rama was the first Filipino actress to ever appear in movies.
She once received a presidential honor
In 1966, she received the ‘President’s Medal of Merit,’ a Filipino Presidential honor in respect of her artistry.
She was named a national artist
She was named a national artist of the Philippines in 1987, at the age of 85.
She died six months after her birthday
Rama passed away on July 11, 1991, which was exactly six months after her 89th birthday.
She was widowed in 1970
In 1970, at the age of 68, her husband, Amado V. Hernandez, passed away.
Why We Love Birth anniversary of National Artist Atang de la Rama
She was a cultural icon
Rama was a cultural icon and a significant reference to arts in the Philippines for over three decades in the 20th century. We love her tireless efforts to bring her art to all regions and sectors of Filipino society and the world.
She was a pioneer in entertainment
Rama was the first to do several things as far as the arts in the Philippines are concerned. Most notable is that she was the first-ever movie actress from the Philippines.
She was considered a national treasure
As a result of her contributions to the development of arts and popular Filipino culture, she was considered a national treasure for most of her life. She was an exceptional prodigy.
Birth anniversary of National Artist Atang de la Rama dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 11 | Saturday |
| 2026 | January 11 | Sunday |
| 2027 | January 11 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 11 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | January 11 | Thursday |
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