MANILA, Philippines?The 152nd anniversary of the birth of Juan Luna will be commemorated Saturday at the Juan Luna Shrine in his hometown Badoc, Ilocos Norte.

Activities which include a memorial mass, flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, and a commemorative program will highlight the celebration.

Known as a consummate artist, Juan Luna pursued his interests in the art capitals of the world?Rome, Paris and Madrid.

He received numerous awards for winning prestigious international art competitions in Europe and the United States. King Alfonso of Spain commissioned him to paint ?El Battala de Lepanto? to hang in the halls of the Spanish Senate.

In 1883 he painted the ?Spolarium? which won the gold medal at the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid the following year.