Did you know: Jovita Fuentes

Today, Aug. 7, is the 36th death anniversary of National Artist for Music Jovita Fuentes whose portrayal of Cio-Cio San in Giacomo Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly” in Italy was hailed as the “most sublime interpretation of the part.” Born on Feb. 15, 1895, she received many awards, including the Leadership in Music award from UP in 1957, the Presidential Medal of Merit in 1958 and the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan award in 1975. She died in 1978.–Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research