Civic organization nominates Roger San Miguel for National Artist Award

By Nathan Sergio

The KJS Fraternity, a civic organization founded in 1957 in Buhi, has nominated local visual artist Roger San Miguel for the National Artist Award. The nomination folder, submitted to the NCCA Office of the Executive Director in Intramuros by KJS President Stanley Briz, was a comprehensive 66-page document, submitted on June 29, 2024, just before the June 30 deadline.

Background and Contributions

Roger San Miguel, a native of Buhi, Camarines Sur, was born to Flaviano Noblefranca San Miguel, a barber, and Celedonia Fabul Bon, a weaver. A self-taught artist, San Miguel actively participated in art contests during his school years and worked as an Artist/Illustrator at Bichara Theatre in Naga City while studying at Camarines High School (now the CSNHS). His talent was recognized by a philanthropist, earning him a scholarship at the UST College of Fine Arts.

San Miguel is renowned for his impressionistic and figurative expressionist art, which vividly portrays traditional Filipino themes such as women, mother-and-child depictions, customs, culture, fiestas, pastoral occupations, and rural landscapes. One of his notable works includes the recreation and later restoration of Fernando Amorsolo's lost mural on the history of Philippine dance, now "Ritual Dance" and displayed at the GSIS Museum. The mural recreation in early 1970s was a commissioned work ordered by then first Lady Imelda Marcos.

Exhibitions and Community Involvement

Over his six-decade career, San Miguel's artworks have been displayed in various exhibitions worldwide. He has also contributed to interior designs of Catholic churches and mentored aspiring young painters.

Recognition and Collaboration

San Miguel is highly respected by his peers, including National Artists like Vicente Manansala, BenCab, J. Elizalde Navarro, and Napoleon Abueva, who have collaborated on various projects and have requested portraits done by him. .

Nomination Process

The idea to nominate San Miguel had been discussed in KJS meetings for years and gained momentum following the recent recognition of Bicolanos to the Award, including Fides Belza Cuyugan, a Buhinon, as National Artist for Music. The nomination project for San Miguel was spearheaded by Nathan Sergio, a past president of KJS.

KJS Fraternity

The KJS Fraternity is dedicated to local history, culture, arts, and heritage preservation, publishing yearly magazine about Buhi and its people since 1971, except during Martial Law and election years.

*Nathan Sergio is a development and cultural worker. A native of Buhi, he has been an executive for 18 years and a legislator for 9 years in the City Government of Naga.