CAPIZ BEST FILIPINO ARTIST FOR MUSIC
Jovita Fuentes,
the great diva, is the first female National Artist for Music in 1976.
Her significant contributions are the publication of the song of Filipino
compositions and the organization of the Boys Town Band Concert.
On February 15, 1895, Jovita Fuentes, dubbed the First Lady of Philippine Music,
was born in the capital town of Capiz (now Roxas City) in Capiz province.
Fuentes, who received the distinction in 1976
as the first Filipina National Artist in Music, made a name for herself in
European opera at a time when the Philippines was hardly heard of in the
region.
In recognition of these achievements, she was
given the unprecedented award of "Embahadora de Filipinas a su Madre
Patria" by Spain. Fuentes attended college at the University of
the Philippines Conservatory of Music (1917) and pursued her training abroad to
hone and polish her skills in opera singing and acting as well. She later
taught at the University of the Philippines. She was responsible for producing operas in the Philippines with dreams of developing the love of opera in the country.
Fuentes also sang for charitable organizations to raise funds
for the maintenance and upkeep of San Lazaro Hospital, Abiertas House of
Friendship, La Liga de Damas Catolicas, Convento de Monjas Carmelitas, and the
Casa de Buen Pastor.
Fuentes garnered numerous other awards and citations, including
the Presidential Medal of Merit in Music in 1958.
She passed away on August 7, 1978 at the age of 83.
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