The Biggest Filipino Names We Lost in 2022
As we look back on the most important stories the past year, we can't forget about the biggest personalities we've lost along the way. The world mourned the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Coolio, and Robbie Coltrane, among others.Â
In the Philippines, we also lost a few cultural giants of our own. From literary titans to former Presidents, these people's names forever altered and shaped Philippine history, whether it was in film, politics, literature, and more.
F. Sionil Jose (December 3, 1924 – January 6, 2022)
While National Artis for Literature F. Sionil Jose's politics earned him the criticism of the literary community towards the end of his life, he is nevertheless revered as one of the greatest Filipino writers and fictionists ever. He founded the Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) back in 1958. Jose's Solidaridad bookshop also cradled generations' worth of writers, artists, musicians, and more. In a career that spans five decades, he published books like the novel series The Rosales Saga and wrote roughly 35 books and dozens more essays and stories in his lifetime.
Susan Roces (July 28, 1941 – May 20, 2022)
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Susan Roces is considered the queen of Philippine movies for a reason. Apart from being the wife of Fernando Poe Jr., she would come to define our cinema from the '50s to the '60s, as well as the decades that followed. Known for films like Boksingera and Bakasin Mo sa Gunita, She began her career at the age of 10 back in 1952 with Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan, and never looked back. Poe and Roces wound up starring in about 17 films together, as well.
Fidel V. Ramos (March 18, 1928 – July 31, 2022)
Former President Fidel V. Ramos is best known as one of the shapers of our modern-day democracy. A decorated general, Ramos was instrumental in the People Power Revolution of 1986. He would then become Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces soon after. As President, he was best known for establishing economic and political stability, social reforms to address the impoverished, and championing liberal democracy. Ramos also forged a peace agreement with military rebels and the secessionist Moro National Liberation Front.
Cherie Gil (June 21, 1963 – August 5, 2022)
An icon of Philippine cinema, Cherie Gil might best be known as the quintessential villainess of her generation. For close to five decades, she was a fixture in television, film, and theater, becoming one of the most prolific artists of her generation. With films like Bituing Walang Ningning, Oro, Plata, Mata, Ngayon at Kailanman, and Manila by Night, she cemented her status as one of the most beloved actresses in the industry.
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Danny Javier (August 6, 1947 – October 31, 2022)
As the lead vocalist and composer of APO Hiking Society, Danny Javier was one of the country's most respected musicians of his time. Javier, together with Jim Paredes and Buboy Garovillo, formed arguably the most famous trio in Filipino pop music. The group became one of the greatest acts ever and Javier was right there front and center. He wrote some of their best-known hits, including "Show Me A Smile," "Pumapatak ang Ulan," "Kaibigan," "Doo bidoo," and "Awit ng Barkada."
Sylvia La Torre (June 4, 1933 – December 1, 2022)
As the daughter of director Olive La Torre and artist Leonora Reyes, the singer came from a distinguished family of cultural workers, La Torre became an icon in Filipino music and entertainment. She was a constant presence at the Manila Grand Opera House and recorded roughly 300 songs throughout her lifetime. Some of her most well-known folk hits include "Waray Waray" and "Mutya ng Pasig," among others. With a filmography that dates back five decades, she became our "First Lady" when she co-hosted Oras ng Ligaya back in the '60s.
Jose Maria "Joma" Sison (February 8, 1939 – December 16, 2022)
The history of our politics cannot be told without Communist Party of the Philippines Founder Jose Maria Sison. He was imprisoned for roughly nine years during the Marcos dictatorship and would be released in 1986 once Corazon Aquino came to power. A hero of left-wing movements in Asia, Sison was the leader of the longest-running communist insurgency in Asia. The communist thinker, teacher, and writer had many detractors, but he himself came to criticize and battle the struggles that would define our class-divided society.
