2009 National Artist of the Philippines (Visual Arts and Film)

On July 2009, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo proclaimed Carlo J. Caparas as one of seven (7) National Artist of the Philippines for 2006, under the new category of "Visual Arts and Film." Mr. Caparas, the famous director and comic writer of “pinoy massacre movies” and the other awardees in various categories has been widely criticized by different sectors of the society dubbing the list of as “non-deserving” and “sacrilegious” to the spirit of artistic recognition.
But Carlo J. Caparas receives the most comments from the critics, some believed that his inclusion was influenced primarily by Malacanang. Another film director Ben Cabrera (winner of the National Artist for Visual Arts and Film in 2006) also criticized the award given to Caparas who believes that Caparas doesn’t deserve the recognition because he is known for making “pito-pito films (B-grade full-length movies made for only 1 week)” in the 90’s. “The awards used to be all about prestige” Cabrera says.
Personally, we should give Caparas a chance to prove that he is worthy of receiving the 2009 National Artist of the Philippines Award. His “not so good works” belongs to his past when he was just starting. Maybe we should just look at the bright side of him anyway he already been awarded so that’s it!