UP Alumni Association Honors Kevin Piamonte

By Robert Rodriguez

Kevin Pison Piamonte, a renowned Ilonggo in the Philippine arts community, has been awarded the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Distinguished Alumni Award for Culture and the Arts in Film for his efforts in preserving Visayas tradition and heritage.

This prestigious honor is given to UP alumni who have demonstrated remarkable achievements and made substantial contributions to society, bringing pride to the university.

Piamonte’s recognition highlights his deep dedication to the arts and education, shining a spotlight on UP Visayas and Iloilo.

Piamonte began his UP education as a Batch ’83 graduate from UP High School Iloilo. Interestingly, his first college degree was in Applied Physics at UP Diliman—a stark contrast to the artist he would eventually become.

During his freshman year at UP Diliman, Piamonte became a company member of Dulaang UP and was mentored by National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa. He later completed his degree in Broadcast Communication at UP Visayas.

His academic journey continued at the University of Warwick in England, where he earned a master’s in English Language Teaching in 1994 through the British Council’s Chevening Awards.

This educational experience has profoundly influenced his teaching philosophy, which he now imparts to his students at the University of the Philippines Visayas.

As a filmmaker, Piamonte has garnered numerous accolades. His film “SOLO” won Best Short Film at the 69th FAMAS Awards in 2021 and Best Short Film at the Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health.

His filmography includes notable works such as “Land from God,” “Waiting Shed,” “Dog Eaters,” “Baboy Talunon” (Wild Boar), and “Bukog” (Fish Bone).

Piamonte’s short stories, such as “The Window Lover” and “Old Woman of the Candles,” have been published in national anthologies and magazines, further solidifying his reputation as a notable fiction writer.

Piamonte’s contributions extend to the theater, where he has directed significant productions like “Panayanon: The Epics of Panay” for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the 2002 Sambayan National Theater Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

His adaptation of the neo-sarswela “Juanita Cruz” was another highlight of his theatrical career, featured in the National Theater Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The University of the Philippines’ Board of Regents has recognized Piamonte’s prolific output in the creative arts and art scholarship by conferring upon him the title of UP Artist multiple times.

His numerous awards include this year’s UP Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni for Culture and the Arts in Film and the UP Visayas Centennial Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement in Culture and the Arts. He is also a recipient of the One UP Professorial Chair Awards.

Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Piamonte is passionately committed to cultural advocacy. His work often explores and preserves Filipino heritage, making significant contributions to the nation’s cultural consciousness.

His documentary “Lugta Ke Tamama” (Land from God) was officially selected for the Busan International Film Festival and showcased at numerous international festivals, highlighting the struggles and resilience of indigenous communities, particularly the Atis in Boracay.

Piamonte’s dedication to the arts and cultural advocacy is also recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, where he is featured as a theater artist and director.

Currently, Piamonte is working on post-production for his first full-length film, “Candè,” slated for completion in 2025.

Additionally, he has received a production grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for his upcoming film “With Love, Bridgit,” set to begin filming later this year.

Piamonte’s teaching and creative works significantly influence the next generation of artists and cultural advocates, embodying perseverance, passion, and a steadfast commitment to the arts and education.

Through his films, writings, and theatrical productions, he pushes for his mantra “creating art that matters,” delivering to society the transformative power of creativity and cultural advocacy.