The Philippines lost many seasoned performers and cultural practitioners who were highly esteemed in their communities. Among them were award-winning actress Susan Roces, who spent a life in film; F. Sionil Jose, who was recognized as a National Artist for Literature in 2001; and Ambalang Ausalin, who enriched the textile weaving tradition among the Yakan community of Basilan.
When an artist or cultural worker passes away, the loss is felt by their faimilies and loved ones and by the wider arts and cultural community in the region. As we mourn their passing, we remember, and are comforted by the legacy of their creativity and their contributions to their local and national arts communities, as well as to Southeast Asian arts practices.
In the first of an annual series, ArtsEquator commemorates the artists and cultural practitioners lost across Southeast Asia in 2022. This year, we focus on Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and The Philippines, with plans to expand the series to other countries in Southeast Asia next year.
Image credit: Facebook/Cinemalaya
Image credit: Facebook/F. Sionil Jose
Sionil Jose
National Artist of the Philippines for Literature
3 December 1924 – 6 January 2022
Image credit: Instagram/Angelito David
Image credit: Inquirer.net
Image credit: National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
Ambalang Ausalin
Textile weaver, awarded National Living Treasure
4 March 1943 – 18 February 2022
Image credit: Facebook/Eduardo Roy Jr.
Image credit: Ocs Alvarez, from Ballet Manila Archives
Luz Fernandez
Veteran film, television, theatre actress, and radio talent
13 July 1935 – 5 March 2022
Image credit: Emmanuel Santos
Image credit: Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network via filipinaleadership.org
Suzie Moya Benitez
Dancer, executive director of the Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation
1 April 1951 – 28 March 2022
Image credit: Jamie Wilson from Jun Lopito website
Image credit: Facebook/Susan Roces
Image credit: IMDB
Image credit: Sara Black for Metro.Style
Image credit: Bolichie Suzara
Image credit: Instagram/Jim Parades
Image credit: Mik Santos
Image credit: The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra, from The Manila Times
While we have done our best to be as comprehensive as possible, if there are artists or cultural workers we have missed in our list, please do add their names in the comments section, with links where possible, and we will update the article accordingly.
The layout for this series and the image treatment was designed by Jun Kit.
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