Gilda Cordero-Fernando, 90 (Memo U2021-005)

The Ateneo de Manila University community is one with the Filipino nation in mourning the passing away of artist and cultural icon Gilda Cordero-Fernando on 27 August 2020 at the age of 90.

A writer, editor, publisher, theater producer, and visual artist, Mrs Fernando’s creative work embodied her long-abiding passion for everything Filipino, from familial relationships to socio-political phenomena, from fashion and dance to myths and legends. In 2008, the University conferred on her the Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi “in recognition of her outstanding achievements in creative writing, publishing and theater arts, her championing of the Filipino artistic genius, and her unequivocal faith in the cultural greatness and spiritual destiny of the Filipino.”

Mrs Fernando once said that “…creation is the only divine act of which man is capable and the artist is most like his Maker when he is pouring his soul into his craft.” Let us honor her by living our lives with as much creativity and passion.