Filipino music stars who deceased at age 53
Here are 3 famous musicians from Philippines died at 53:
Benigno Aquino, Sr.
Benigno Aquino, Sr. (September 4, 1894 Concepcion, Tarlac-December 20, 1947 Rizal Memorial Coliseum) a.k.a. Benigno Simeon "Igno" Aquino, Sr., Benigno S. Aquino or Benigno S. Aquino, Sr., was a Filipino lawyer, politician and farmer. He had eleven children, Butz Aquino, Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara, Benigno Aquino, Jr., Maria Aurora Aquino, Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Ditas Aquino, Paul Aquino, Antonio Aquino, Servillano Aquino II, Milagros Aquino and Erlinda Aquino.
Benigno Aquino, Sr. was one of the founders of the Partido Liberal, a political party in the Philippines, and was elected as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives in 1919. He served as a member of the House until 1934 and then entered into the Philippine Senate where he served until 1941. During his tenure in the Senate, he authored many bills and laws that aimed to improve the lives of the Filipino people, especially the farmers.
Aside from his political career, Benigno Aquino, Sr. was also a successful lawyer and businessman. He devoted his time and resources to farming and agricultural development, which he believed was necessary for the country's economic growth. He owned a large estate in Tarlac, which he managed very well, making it one of the most productive agrarian lands in the country.
Benigno Aquino, Sr. was married to Aurora Aquino, a civic leader, and had several prominent children, including Benigno Aquino Jr. (also known as Ninoy Aquino), a well-known opposition leader who was assassinated in 1983, and Herminio Aquino, a former member of the Philippine Senate. He died of a heart attack during a basketball game at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on December 20, 1947.
Benigno Aquino, Sr. was born in the town of Concepcion in Tarlac province, Philippines. He obtained his law degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and passed the bar exam in 1919. He then began his political career as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives and later became a senator. Aquino was a staunch advocate for the rights of farmers and laborers, drafting several laws aimed at improving their living conditions. He also supported the education of the masses, particularly women's education, through his laws and policies.
Apart from his political endeavors, Aquino also had a passion for agriculture, particularly for rice farming, and owned several successful farms in Tarlac. He was a pioneer in the use of hybrid rice and introduced modern farming techniques that led to increased productivity and profit for farmers. He was vocal about the importance of agriculture in the development of the country's economy and often spoke about the need to prioritize agricultural growth.
Aquino was known for his integrity and dedication, earning the respect of his colleagues and constituents. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, many of whom have also become prominent figures in Philippine politics and public service. His grandson, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, served as the President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016.
Moreover, in 1934, Benigno Aquino, Sr. founded the Philippine Rice Institute, which aimed to improve rice production in the country. He also established the Tarlac Provincial Hospital and supported various health and education programs. He was recognized for his contributions to Philippine society and was posthumously awarded the Quezon Service Cross, the highest award given by the Philippine government. Beyond his political and business pursuits, Aquino was also a devout Catholic and active member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as the Grand Knight of the Tarlac Council for several years and was instrumental in the construction of the Our Lady of Grace Church in Concepcion. Overall, Benigno Aquino, Sr. was a multifaceted figure who made significant contributions to various fields including law, politics, agriculture, and social work. His life and work continue to inspire many Filipinos to this day.
One interesting fact about Benigno Aquino, Sr. is that he was the first chairman of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) when it was founded in 1941. Despite being primarily known for his political and agricultural work, Aquino was also involved in the aviation industry and played a key role in the establishment of the country's national carrier. He personally invested in the airline and helped secure financing for its operations, paving the way for its eventual success. Today, PAL is one of the largest airlines in Asia and a significant contributor to the Philippine economy. Aquino's involvement in its founding reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to building a thriving, modern Philippines.
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Rene Villanueva
Rene Villanueva (September 22, 1954 Philippines-December 5, 2007 Philippine Heart Center) also known as Rene O. Villanueva was a Filipino writer and playwright.
Villanueva was a prolific writer who penned numerous plays, books, and screenplays. Some of his notable works include the play "Hans Christian Andersen," the screenplay for the film "Sarah... Ang Munting Prinsesa" (Sarah... The Little Princess), and the children's book "Si Pilandok at ang Manok na Nangingitlog ng Ginto" (Pilandok and the Hen That Lays Golden Eggs).
He received several recognitions throughout his career, including the Grand Prize for the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for his play "May Isang Sundalo" (Once a Soldier).
Aside from his writing career, Villanueva also served as the artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Children's Theater Division from 1990 to 1992.
Despite his untimely death, his works continue to inspire and entertain generations of Filipinos.
Villanueva was born in Tondo, Manila, Philippines and grew up in a family of writers and artists. His father, Oscar Villanueva, was a playwright and his mother, Aida Rivera-Ford, was a fictionist. He studied Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, where he later became a professor.
Aside from his successful career in writing, Villanueva also dabbled in acting and directing. He acted in several films such as "Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit" and "Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?" He also directed the stage play "Ang Pamilyang Tino-Tinolang Tumbong" at the CCP.
Throughout his life, Villanueva remained dedicated to promoting Philippine literature and culture. He was an active member of the Writers Union of the Philippines and was one of the founding members of the Philippine Center of the International Theater Institute.
Villanueva's legacy endures to this day with his works being performed and celebrated throughout the Philippines. In 2018, the CCP held a tribute to Villanueva entitled "Rene O. Villanueva: Life and Works."
Villanueva's works were not only limited to stage plays and books, he also contributed to several TV and film productions. He wrote scripts for TV shows such as "Hiraya Manawari" and "Sineskwela" which were educational programs for children, and "Eskuwela ng Bayan" which featured social and political issues. He also wrote the screenplay for the film "Magic Temple" which became a box office hit during its release in 1996. In addition, Villanueva was a staunch advocate for Filipino children's literature and was involved in the establishment of Adarna House, a publishing company that specializes in children's literature. He believed that literature plays an important role in developing a child's imagination and creativity. Villanueva's contributions to Philippine literature and culture have earned him numerous recognitions and awards, including the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas. Despite his passing, Villanueva's legacy will always be remembered for his valuable contributions to Philippine arts and culture.
Rene Villanueva's impact on Philippine literature and culture was truly remarkable. He not only wrote prolifically but also worked tirelessly to promote and support the arts in his country. He believed in the power of literature, drama, and film to shape the minds and hearts of Filipinos, particularly the youth. Throughout his career, Villanueva inspired and entertained audiences with his stories of hope, courage, and imagination. He was a visionary whose legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of writers and artists.
He died as a result of stroke.
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Ricky Belmonte
Ricky Belmonte (December 24, 1947 Tondo-October 3, 2001 Parañaque) also known as Jesse Cruz was a Filipino actor. He had three children, Sheryl Cruz, Patrick Sonora and Renzo Cruz.
Ricky Belmonte started his career as a child actor in the 1950s and later became a popular leading man in Philippine cinema in the 1970s and 80s. He starred in films such as "Santiago!" and "Ang Lalaki...Ang Alamat...Ang Baril" in the 1980s. He also appeared in several television shows and variety programs throughout his career.
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Belmonte was known for his philanthropic efforts. He was actively involved in charitable organizations and helped raise funds for the benefit of underprivileged communities in the Philippines.
Belmonte passed away on October 3, 2001, at the age of 53 due to cardiac arrest. His contributions to Philippine cinema and his altruistic endeavors have left a lasting impact on the industry and the people he helped through his philanthropy.
In addition to his acting career and philanthropic efforts, Ricky Belmonte was also a well-known businessman in the Philippines. He owned several successful companies and became known for his entrepreneurship and business acumen. In the later years of his life, he invested in real estate and became a prominent figure in the industry. Despite his success, however, Belmonte remained humble and dedicated to helping others, using his wealth and influence to give back to his community. His legacy continues to inspire many Filipinos and his contributions to Philippine cinema, business, and philanthropy will not be forgotten.
Towards the end of his acting career, Ricky Belmonte also ventured into producing films. He established his own film production company, Belmonte Productions, which produced some notable films such as "Biktima" and "Ganti ng Api". His passion for filmmaking and his desire to tell stories that resonate with the Filipino audience allowed him to showcase his creativity and talent not just as an actor but also as a producer.Belmonte's recognition in the entertainment industry earned him various accolades, including nominations for the FAMAS Awards, Gawad Urian Awards, and Star Awards for Movies.Beyond his profession, Belmonte was also a family man. He was married to actress and beauty queen Maria Elena "Peachy" Osorio, with whom he had two children, Sheryl and Patrick. He also had a son named Renzo from a previous relationship. Despite his busy career, Belmonte always made time for his family and valued their relationship.In his memory, Belmonte's children and grandchildren continue to keep his legacy alive. Sheryl Cruz followed in her father's footsteps and became a popular actress in the Philippines, while Patrick Sonora pursued a career in music. Renzo, on the other hand, is a successful businessman, following his father's footsteps in entrepreneurship. The Belmonte family's contributions to various industries continue to inspire and impact the Philippines, and Ricky Belmonte left a lasting impression not just in the entertainment industry but in every aspect of his life.
Ricky Belmonte's impact on the entertainment industry extended beyond his career as an actor and producer. He was also a staunch advocate for better working conditions for actors and workers in the film and television industry. He actively campaigned for the establishment of the Actors Guild of the Philippines and served as its first vice president. Belmonte recognized the importance of protecting the rights of actors and worked towards creating a more equitable and just industry for everyone involved. His advocacy and hard work eventually led to the establishment of the Film Academy of the Philippines, an organization that aims to promote and uplift the Philippine film industry.
Belmonte's dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos went beyond his work in entertainment and business. He also had a passion for sports and was a known advocate for promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. His love for sports led him to establish several sporting events and tournaments in his community, which aimed to promote camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of community among the participants.
Throughout his life, Ricky Belmonte remained grounded and committed to his values, using his success to make a positive impact on the lives of others. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipinos to strive for excellence in their chosen fields while also giving back to their communities.
Read more about Ricky Belmonte on Wikipedia »