RP NATIONAL ARTIST NICK JOAQUIN DIED IN HIS SLEEP THIS MORNING, 86
MANILA, April 29, 2004 (STAR) National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin died early Thursday morning in his sleep. He was 86.Joaquin's remains are scheduled to be cremated at the Funeraria Paz in Quezon City this evening. On Friday, his ashes will be brought to the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Yasay said.
The writer who wrote such works like "The Woman Who Had Two Navels" and "Summer Solstice," Joaquin was proclaimed National Artist in 1976 in the field of literature, the highest recognition given in the Philippines to an artist.
Before his death, Joaquin was the corporate editor-in-chief of the Philippine Graphic Magazine.
National Artist's death a great loss to the nation: Palace 04/29 4:19:21 PM
Malacañang Thursday expressed sadness over the death of National Artist Nick Joaquin, saying his demise is a great loss to the nation and the Filipino people.
In his regular press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said that President Gloria Arroyo wishes to extend her deep condolences to the family of Mr. Joaquin.
"The President mourns the loss of Mr. Nick Joaquin. He is a national treasure and an asset for the Philippines," Bunye said, adding that, "He is a loss not only to the nation but to the world of literature."
Bunye said that the President also felt a deep sense of personal loss over his death because Mr. Joaquin has been a very good friend of the Arroyo family.
Nick Joaquin, who used the pen name "Quijano de Manila" in most of his essays, died of cardiac arrest in his home in San Juan, Metro Manila early Thursday morning.
He would have turned 87 on May 4.
Immediately before his death, Joaquin was the editor in chief of the Philippine Graphic and Philippine Mirror.
Conferred the National Artist Award in l976, Joaquin’s major literary works include "The Woman Who Had Two Navels," "Summer Solstice," and the "Portrait of the Artist as Filipino."
Aside from being an essayist, Joaquin was also a novelist, poet and playwright. He was widely considered as the country’s best postwar author.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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