Did you know: National Artist Cesar Legaspi

Today, April 2, is the 97th birth anniversary of the National Artist Cesar Legaspi. Born on 1917 in Tondo, Manila, he is recognized as one of the pioneers of neo-realism in the country. Among his achievements were the Araw ng Maynila award for painting in 1972, Professional Award for Painting from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in 1978, Gawad CCP Award for Visual Arts and Tanglaw ng Lahi award from Ateneo de Manila University in 1990. Legaspi was named National Artist for Painting in 1990. He died on April 7, 1994, at the age of 77.—Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research