The Philippine Online Chronicles

National artist for theater design Salvador Bernal passed away yesterday at the age of 66 after suffering cardiac arrest brought about by diabetes. ABS-CBN News reports that Bernal was brought to St. Luke's Hospital at around noon on Wednesday but was declared dead on arrival.

Bernal, who was known as “Father of Philippine Stage Design”, was given the National Artist Award in 2003. Since 1969 he has designed more than 300 productions for drama, musicals, operas and concerts, typically making use of local materials like bamboo, abaca fabric, and rattan for his stage designs. He was also a teacher at the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University.

At the time of his death he was working on the design for the upcoming Philippine Educational Theater Association (Peta) production King Lear.

“Badong redefined scenic design in the Philippines and was a teacher and mentor to our current crop of designers,” said Cultural Center of the PhilippinesCultural Center of the Philippines normal;">Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Vice President and Artistic Director Chris Millado. “He will be greatly missed as a theater artist, mentor and friend.”

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda added, “We join our countrymen in mourning the death of one of our cultural pillars, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and the entire artistic community.”

“Badong Bernal’s life consisted of him showcasing, time and again, the creativity and ingenuity inherent to Filipinos,” he added. “His resourcefulness and meticulous pursuit of perfection on the stage will be missed.”

Netizens also expressed their condolences on Bernal's Facebook page.

Bernal's remains currently lie in state at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Cubao. Necrological services will be held at the CCP Main Theater on Saturday, October 29, at 9 am.