Here are 6 famous musicians from Philippines died at 56:
Rudy Fernandez (March 3, 1952 Manila-June 7, 2008 Quezon City) also known as Rodolfo "Rudy" Padilla Fernandez, Daboy, Rodolfo Padilla Fernandez, R.F., Rodolfo Rudy Padilla Fernandez or Rodolfo Valentino Padilla Fernandez was a Filipino actor and film producer. His children are Mark Anthony Fernandez, Renz Fernandez and Raphael Fernandez.
Rudy Fernandez started his career in the film industry as a stuntman before transitioning into acting. He has appeared in more than 200 films throughout his career, earning him the title of "Action King." Some of his notable films include "Ang Panday," "The Dirty Dozen," "Mga Agila ng Arkong Bato," and "Kapag Puno Na ang Salop."
Aside from acting, Rudy Fernandez also tried his hand at film production. He founded his own company, Rudy Fernandez Productions, which produced several successful films.
Fernandez was a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. In 1993, he won the FAMAS Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Markang Bungo: The Bobby Ortega Story." He was also bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences in 2007.
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Rudy Fernandez faced many personal struggles including legal issues and health problems. He battled periampullary cancer for two years before he passed away at the age of 56. His death was mourned by many fans and colleagues in the industry, and he was remembered as one of the greatest action stars in Philippine cinema.
Rudy Fernandez was born to a family of actors, with his mother being a bit player in films and his father performing in zarzuelas (musical comedies). He grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry and began his career as a child actor. He appeared in his first film at the age of seven, playing a bit part in "Anak ng Kumander." Despite his early success in the industry, Fernandez chose to finish his studies first before pursuing a full-time career in acting. He graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Communication Arts.
Aside from his work in film, Fernandez was also involved in politics. He ran for a congressional seat in his home province of Pampanga in 1998 but lost the election. In 2004, he was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a Board Member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
Fernandez was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to perform his own stunts. He was also known for his kindness and generosity to his colleagues and fans. He is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in Philippine cinema, leaving behind a legacy in the industry that continues to inspire and influence generations of filmmakers and actors.
He died as a result of periampullary cancer.
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Manuel Roxas (January 1, 1892 Roxas, Capiz-April 15, 1948 Clark Air Base) a.k.a. Manuel Acuña Roxas was a Filipino lawyer, politician and soldier. His children are Gerardo Roxas and Ruby Roxas.
Roxas served as the fifth President of the Philippines from 1946 until his untimely death in 1948. Prior to his presidency, he held various high-ranking government positions including serving as the last president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and as the first president of the independent Third Republic of the Philippines.
During his presidency, Roxas focused on rebuilding the country after World War II, implementing social and economic reforms, and establishing closer ties with the United States. He also signed the Bell Trade Act, which solidified the economic relationship between the Philippines and the US.
Before his political career, Roxas fought in the Philippine-American War and was later awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for his military service. During his law practice, he defended Filipino nationalist Jose Rizal's family in legal grievances.
Roxas' legacy is remembered as one of the most significant in Philippine history, particularly for his role in leading the country towards independence and his contributions to the post-war reconstruction of the nation.
Manuel Roxas was born into a wealthy family and received his education at the University of the Philippines before obtaining his law degree at the University of Manila. He started his law practice in Capiz, where he also ventured into politics and became the town's representative for the Philippine Assembly. Roxas became known for his advocacy of Philippine independence, and he played a significant role in drafting the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which provided a 10-year roadmap to Philippine independence.
During World War II, Roxas was held as a prisoner by the Japanese and later released when Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrived in the Philippines. After the war, he worked closely with MacArthur in establishing the Philippine government and eventually became the country's first ambassador to the United States. Roxas was regarded as a staunch advocate of a pro-US foreign policy, which drew controversy but was ultimately upheld by his successors.
Roxas' presidency faced several challenges, including a communist insurgency, a crippling post-war economy, and territorial disputes with other Southeast Asian countries. Nevertheless, his administration was able to implement several programs and policies that helped improve society, such as the Rice Share Tenancy Act and the establishment of the Social Security System.
Today, Roxas is widely recognized as one of the Philippines' founding fathers, alongside other luminaries such as Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Apolinario Mabini. There are several streets, parks, and buildings named after him as a testament to his legacy.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
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Danilo Lagbas (January 25, 1952 Misamis Oriental-June 8, 2008) was a Filipino personality.
Danilo Lagbas was a well-known Filipino journalist, broadcaster, and commentator who made significant contributions to the field of media through his work in various television and radio stations. Born on January 25, 1952, in Misamis Oriental, Lagbas began his career in the media industry in the early 1970s. He was known for his unique style of reporting, which combined humor and wit with insightful commentary on current events and social issues.
In the course of his illustrious career, Danilo Lagbas worked for several media outlets, including ABS-CBN, GMA Network, and RPN-9. He received critical acclaim for his work as a broadcaster and was recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to the media industry.
Aside from journalism, Lagbas was also an accomplished writer, having written a number of novels and short stories throughout his career. He was deeply committed to his craft and was known for his passion for storytelling.
Sadly, on June 8, 2008, Lagbas passed away due to lung cancer. His death was a great loss to the media industry in the Philippines, and he is remembered to this day as one of the most influential journalists and broadcasters of his time.
Danilo Lagbas was also a well-known advocate for press freedom and media ethics. He was a vocal critic of corruption, human rights abuses, and other social injustices that he uncovered through his work as a journalist. Lagbas was also actively involved in several media organizations in the Philippines, including the National Press Club and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP). He was a respected mentor to many young journalists, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring journalists to this day. In honor of his contributions to the media industry, Danilo Lagbas was posthumously recognized with the Presidential Citation Award in 2009. His life story and remarkable achievements were also documented in a biography titled "Danilo Lagbas: Ang Boses Natin sa Diyaryo at Telebisyon," which was published in 2012.
He died in lung cancer.
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Emilio S. Liwanag (March 27, 1911 Dagupan-April 5, 1967 Quezon City) a.k.a. Emilio Liwanag was a Filipino personality.
He was known for his literary works, particularly his Tagalog poetry which were often featured in various publications during his time. Liwanag was also a playwright, journalist, and editor who worked for several newspapers including the Liwayway and the Taliba. His notable works include the play "Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Kaspar Hauser", and the collections of poetry "Ang Kamalig" and "Ang Ilang-Ilang". Liwanag was honored as a national artist in 1973, posthumously.
Aside from his literary works, Emilio Liwanag was also active in various organizations that aimed to promote Filipino culture and literature. He was a member of the Writers' League of the Philippines and the Philippine Writers' Association, and served as the director of the Philippine Education Company. Liwanag was also a teacher and taught literature and journalism at the Far Eastern University in Manila. He was a recipient of several awards for his contributions to Philippine literature, including the Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1965. Despite his many achievements, Liwanag passed away at the age of 56 due to heart disease.
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Babalu (June 29, 1942 Sampaloc, Manila-August 27, 1998 Manila) also known as Pablito Sarmiento, Jr., Pablito Sarmiento, Don Robert "Mang Berto/Babsy" Makunatan or Richy was a Filipino actor and comedian.
Babalu was known for his comedic performances in Philippine cinema and TV during the 1980s and 1990s. He started his acting career in the 1960s, and his big break came in the 1980s when he starred in the TV series "Iskul Bukol." He also appeared in a number of films with comedy legends Dolphy and Panchito, making him one of the most sought-after comedians of his time. Babalu was also a talented singer and released several albums throughout his career. Despite battling health issues towards the end of his life, Babalu continued to work in the entertainment industry until his passing in 1998.
Babalu's real name was Pablito Sarmiento Jr. He was born in Sampaloc, Manila on June 29, 1942. He started his entertainment career in 1962 as a singer and guitarist for the group Tilt Down Men. Eventually, he transitioned to comedy and became known for his slapstick humor and impeccable timing. One of his most iconic roles was as Mang Berto in the TV series "Iskul Bukol" alongside fellow comedians Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon.
Aside from his successful career in show business, Babalu was also a devoted family man. He married his long-time partner, Evelyn Alba, and they had five children together. Despite his busy schedule, he made sure to prioritize his family and be present during important milestones in their lives.
Towards the end of his life, Babalu battled health issues, including diabetes and kidney problems. He continued to work and perform even while undergoing treatment. Sadly, he passed away on August 27, 1998, at the age of 56, due to complications from diabetes. Despite his untimely death, Babalu's legacy as one of the most beloved comedians in Philippine entertainment lives on.
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Botong Francisco (November 4, 1912 Angono-March 31, 1969 Angono) also known as Carlos Francisco, Botong, Carlos 'Botong' Francisco, Carlos Modesto Villaluz Francisco or Carlos V. Francisco was a Filipino muralist and production designer.
Francisco was known for his large-scale murals that showcased the cultural heritage and history of the Philippines. Some of his most famous works include the mural at the main building of the University of the Philippines that depicts the nation's struggle for freedom and the progress of Philippine society, and the mural at the Bulwagang Katipunan of the Manila City Hall that takes viewers through the country's history from pre-colonization to modern times.
Aside from his mural paintings, Francisco was also involved in the film industry as a production designer. He worked on numerous films, including the acclaimed Filipino classic, "Anak Dalita."
Despite his untimely death at the age of 56, Botong Francisco's legacy continues to be celebrated and appreciated by art enthusiasts and historians in the Philippines and around the world.
Francisco was born in the town of Angono, which is known as the Art Capital of the Philippines. He was raised in a family of artists and started drawing and painting at an early age. He initially pursued a degree in law but eventually switched to fine arts, studying under the likes of Fabian dela Rosa and Fernando Amorsolo.
In addition to his murals and production design work, Francisco was also a gifted painter, known for his use of bold colors and dynamic forms. Some of his famous paintings include "Bayanihan," "Muslim Wedding," and "The Invasion of Limahong."
Francisco was a recipient of the Republic Cultural Heritage Award and the Patnubay ng Kalinangan Award. In 1973, the posthumously awarded him the Order of National Artists for Visual Arts, the highest honor given to artists in the Philippines.
He died caused by tuberculosis.
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