Today, July 12, is the 42nd death anniversary of National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino. After becoming a professor at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts, Tolentino created the iconic UP Oblation statue, now a symbol of academic freedom and achievement.
Also among his masterpieces is the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City which was completed in 1933, the bronze figure of the late President Manuel L. Quezon at Quezon Memorial Circle, the life-size busts of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at UP and University of the East campuses, and the marble statue of the late President Ramon Magsaysay at the GSIS building.
He also designed the gold and bronze medals in the Ramon Magsaysay Awards, and the seal of the Republic of the Philippines. Tolentino was named National Artist in 1973. —Marielle Medina