KEVIN Pison Piamonte is a luminary in Philippine arts, whose versatile career as an associate professor, filmmaker, writer, and theater director has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. This year, Piamonte added another feather to his cap, having been selected as one of the recipients of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Distinguished Alumni Award for Culture and the Arts in Film (Preservation of Visayas Tradition and Heritage). The UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards are conferred on alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements and significant contributions in their chosen fields, bringing substantial benefits to society and distinct honor to the University. This achievement is a testament to Piamonte’s dedication to the arts and education, and it is a source of pride for UP Visayas and Iloilo.
Piamonte’s academic journey began with a graduate degree from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, where he completed his Masters in English Language Teaching under the prestigious British Council’s Chevening Awards in 1994. This foundation in education has been pivotal in shaping his teaching philosophy and approach, which he now imparts to his students at the UP Visayas.
Piamonte’s expertise is not confined to academia; he is also an award-winning filmmaker and a celebrated fiction writer. His film “SOLO” clinched the Best Short Film award at the 69th FAMAS Awards in 2021 and Best Short Film for the 2021 Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health. His filmography is rich with critically acclaimed works such as “Land from God,” “Waiting Shed,” “Dog Eaters,” and “Baboy Talunon” (Wild Boar), each showcasing Piamonte’s impeccable gift of storytelling that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally. His short stories, like “The Window Lover” and “Old Woman of the Candles,” have been published in notable anthologies and magazines, further cementing his reputation as an exceptional fiction writer.
In addition to his achievements in film and literature, Piamonte has made significant contributions to theater. He directed “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 direction of the neo-sarswela adaptation “Juanita Cruz” is another highlight of his theatrical career, having been selected to be part of the National Theater Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Piamonte’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has been conferred the title of UP Artist by the University of the Philippines’ Board of Regents multiple times, an honor that acknowledges his outstanding productivity in creative arts and art scholarship. His awards include being this year’s recipient of the 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.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Piamonte is deeply 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 in numerous international festivals, highlighting the plight and resilience of indigenous communities, specifically the Atis in Boracay. Piamonte’s dedication to the arts and his cultural advocacy are also recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, where he is given an encyclopedic entry as a theater artist and director.
Piamonte is currently working on the post-production of his first full-length film entitled “Candè,” set to be completed in 2025. He has also received a production grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines for his upcoming film “With Love Bridgit,” set to begin filming late this year. As Piamonte continues to inspire through his teaching and creative works, his influence on the next generation of artists and cultural advocates is profound. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the arts and education. Through his films, writings, and theatrical productions, Piamonte not only entertains but also educates and provokes thought, making him a vital figure in the preservation and evolution of Filipino culture and a true pride of the Ilonggos. In the ever-evolving landscape of Philippine arts, Kevin Pison Piamonte stands as a testament to the power of creativity and cultural advocacy. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us of the transformative power of the arts in shaping society and preserving our cultural heritage./PN
