Atang de la Rama

Honorata de la Rama-Hernandez (January 11, 1902 – July 11, 1991), commonly known as Atang de la Rama, was a singer and bodabil performer who became the first Filipina film actress.

In March 2026, Philippine Daily Inquirer enlisted her as one of "the Filipina 'firsts' [who] rarely appear in textbooks, but their contributions helped change the course of history and widened opportunities for women", alongside Ignacia del Espíritu Santo, Luisa Gonzaga de León, Martha de San Bernardo, Librada Avelino, Asunción Ventura, Pura Villanueva Kalaw and Consuelo Padilla Osorio.

Biography

Atang de la Rama was born in Pandacan, Manila on January 11, 1902. By the age of 7, she was already starring in Spanish zarzuelas such as Mascota, Sueño de un Vals, and Marina. At the age of 15, she starred in the sarsuela Dalagang Bukid, where she became known for singing the song "Nabasag na Banga".

During the American occupation of the Philippines, Atang de la Rama fought for the dominance of the kundiman, an important Philippine folk song, and the sarsuela, which is a musical play that focused on contemporary Filipino issues such as usury, cockfighting, and colonial mentality.

Generations of Filipino artists and audiences consider Atang de la Rama's vocal and acting talents as responsible for much of the success of original Filipino sarsuelas like Dalagang Bukid, and dramas like Veronidia.

De la Rama died on July 11, 1991. She was married to National Artist for Literature, Amado V. Hernandez.

Legacy A street inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City is named in her honor and memory.