DID YOU KNOW

Today, July 24, is the 130th birth 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.

His other masterpieces included the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City which was completed in 1933, the bronze figure of President Manuel L. Quezon at Quezon Memorial Circle, and the life-size busts of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal on the UP and University of the East campuses.

Tolentino was conferred the title of National Artist in 1973. He was born in 1890 and died on July 12, 1976. —Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research