President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has named Teodoro “Teddy” Hilado a National Artist for Theatre. He is one of ten Filipinos recognised for major contributions to literature, visual arts, architecture, dance, design, film, theatre and music.
Hilado died in 2015 at the age of 77 after battling brain cancer. He is one of four honourees to receive the title posthumously this year. The other three are architect Gabriel Formoso, filmmaker Armando “Bing” Lao and writer Gregorio Brillantes.
Hilado in Philippine theatre
Teodoro “Teddy” Hilado was born in Silay City, Negros Occidental, on 15 May 1938. He studied at Ateneo de Manila University before starting his career as a stage actor and director.
Hilado later became the first technical director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He held the position from 1969 to 1973. He then served as theatre director of the Folk Arts Theater from 1973 to 1986.
His work included several major public productions. These included The Malinta Tunnel Experience and the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal light-and-sound show.
Hilado also brought his lighting expertise to projects outside the theatre. His work included the tombs of Cardinal Jaime Sin at Manila Cathedral and President Ferdinand Marcos in Batac. He also worked on Makati’s Tower One and Exchange Plaza.
In 1997, Hilado received the inaugural Gawad CCP Para sa Sining. The award recognised his contribution to Philippine theatre and the arts.
Lighting designer Monino Duque praised Hilado’s distinctive style in a 2016 interview with Rome Jorge for the Inquirer Philippines.
“Teddy’s signature was his elegance. It was grand in a very quiet way. It never sought attention to itself, which is the way lighting should be,” Duque said.
Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego also praised Hilado’s contribution. Rappler reported that Gallego described him as “an exceptional artist behind theater lighting and productions.”
Hilado in the National Artist tradition
Hilado is the third National Artist from Silay, according to Negros Occidental Historical Council chairman Solomon Locsin. Rappler reported Locsin’s comments about the honour.
Architect Leandro Locsin became a National Artist in 1990. Dancer Agnes Dakudao-Locsin received the recognition in 2022.
Hilado now joins a long list of National Artists for Theatre. The roster includes Honorata “Atang” de la Rama, recognised in 1987, and Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, honoured in 1997.
Rolando Tinio also received the title in 1997. Daisy Avellana followed in 1999. Severino Montano received the honour in 2001, while Salvador Bernal became a National Artist in 2003.
Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio received the recognition in 2018. Tony Mabesa joined the roster in 2022.
Posthumous benefits
As a posthumous awardee, Hilado is entitled to a cash award of PHP75,000, net of taxes, according to PhilSTAR. His legal heirs will receive the award.
The recognition also includes cultural commemorations and ceremonial events that honour his artistic contributions.
Hilado’s influence continued after his death. In 2018, Filipino rock band The Itchyworms filmed a tribute music video inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The video featured their song “Di Na Muli”. It was dedicated to Hilado and featured his widow, former Bayanihan dancer Rosky Balahadia Hilado.
Rosky danced once again on the stage where she and Hilado first met decades earlier.
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