Gilda Cordero-Fernando, Iconic Writer and Artist, Passes Away at 90

Iconic writer and artist Gilda Cordero-Fernando has passed away at the age of 90.

Cordero-Fernando's son, Mol Fernando, confirmed the news of her death on August 27.

"Gilda Cordero-Fernando, writer, publisher, producer, artist, fashion designer, and cultural icon passed away on August 27, 2020. We will miss her dearly and love her always. Inimitably, [she] held her own wake earlier thus, there will be no need for funeral services," he said.

In 2012, Cordero-Fernando held a living funeral as she says she wanted to be there to enjoy it. The wake featured a "paper house mansion that you find in Chinese wakes," "shock-proof friends," and virtual fireworks. Read the full story here.

Cordero-Fernando was born to Narcisco and Consuelo Cordero in 1930. Through the years, she wore different hats as a cultural icon, writer, publisher, producer, artist, and fashion designer. She notably was a columnist at the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

She has two collections of short stories The Butcher, The Baker and The Candlestick Maker and A Wilderness of Sweets. As a publisher, she produced History of the Burgis.