In Memoriam

Prof. Candido A. Cabrido Jr., 71

May 29, 2021

Prof. Candido A. Cabrido Jr., former dean of the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP) from 2007 to 2012, passed away on May 24. He was 71.

A licensed environmental planner, his research interests were on urban and regional planning, climate change and disaster risk reduction management studies, environment and natural resources planning and management, and sustainable development policy and modeling to government, private and international organizations.

Cabrido had more than 35 years of work experience in the Philippines and abroad as a consultant and had prepared more than 70 plans for various national government agencies and local government units and international organizations.

The Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners at its Facebook page said Cabrido had written 125 manuscripts and articles, and 61 papers on environmental planning and management and related subjects published in local and international journals.

In 2019, Cabrido served as Team Leader and International CCA/DRR Specialist of the European Union-French Development Agency Project on Disaster Risk Management and Institutional Strengthening of the Department of Interior and Local Government; Team Leader of the Baguio City Urban Carrying Capacity Project; and Land Use Planning Specialist of the United Nations Development Programme Project on Sustainable Land Management.

He sat as technical adviser of Shell Philippines Exploration’s Sustainable Development Council and the Board of Malampaya Natural Gas Foundation. He was also the past president of the Planning and Development Research Foundation, Inc. (PLANADES).

For his outstanding works in urban planning, Cabrido was awarded in 2011 by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) the Most Outstanding Environmental Planner of the Year. He was also awarded with the Professorial Chair on Sustainable Development at the University of Asia and the Pacific by the Shell Philippines Explorations, Inc. in 1999.

Cabrido earned his PhD in Environmental Science from UPD, his MSc in Environmental Engineering and Diploma in Environmental Science and Technology from the Institute for Hydraulic and Environmental and Environmental Engineering in Delft, The Netherlands.

As a tribute to Cabrido, a virtual memorial service hosted by UP SURP, UPAA-SURP Chapter and the UP Planners Organization is scheduled on May 27, 3 p.m.

Source: https://upd.edu.ph/cabrido-71/

Leo Abaya, artist and production designer, passes away

May 28, 2021

by John Legaspi


Leo Abaya (Photo from UP Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts)

The Filipino arts and entertainment community mourns the passing of Leo Abaya, a noted artist known for his works as a production designer. He died last May 26, 2021 at the age of 60.

Born on Dec. 13, 1960, Leo first earned an economics degree from the Holy Name University in Tagbilaran, Bohol. He then pursued fine arts studies at the University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman and got his masters degree from the Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton in the UK.

His artworks explored different mediums, from painting to sculpture and installations. In 2013, he entered the world of filmmaking by writing and directing “Instant Mommy,” a drama-comedy nominated for an award at the ninth edition of the Cinemalaya Film Festival.

According to Art in Embassies, his debut film went on to be showcased in different countries, billed at international film festivals like the 33rd Hawaii International Film Festival, the 50th Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival, the 11th World Film Festival of Bangkok, the 10th Dubai International Film Festival, the 9th Osaka Asian Film Festival, and the fourth Richmond International Film and Media Arts Festival.

“I subscribe to the notion that the proliferation of images used today for thinking and communication has broadened people’s sense of visuality,” Leo said. “It continues to increase porosity to the boundaries that restrict conventional art practices… But I also think that the more daily life is inundated by images, the more we aestheticise almost anything today, the more we should be mindful and critical of their use–ethically, socially, and politically.”

Leo was also an agent of arts education. He shared his expertise on studio art and production design to undergraduate and graduate students at UP Diliman.

Among his last works is “Unsang Dapita,” which is a phrase meaning “what place.” It is a series of dioramas inspired by various locations in Bohol where Leo grew up. “As a serialized visual-textual narrative, this project features one photograph a week, each bearing subtle or distinct changes from the previous ones, exemplifying or describing our footprint on this world,” the artist said.

Tributes from fellow artists and friends have poured in online to honor the late artist and the legacy he left behind.

Rest in peace, Leo Abaya.

Source: https://bit.ly/3vA2Rn6

UP Table Tennis coach Oskie Santelices, 59, passes away

May 11, 2021

ByAeron Paul Valderrama

One of University of the Philippines’ sporting greats passed away Monday morning.

Oscar Yoshihiro “Oskie” Santelices (September 16, 1961 – May 10, 2021) battled through COVID-19, but was pronounced dead at 1:05 a.m. on Monday.

He was 59 years old.

His wife Gwen posted the news on her Facebook account.

Santelices played for University of Santo Tomas in his stint in the UAAP.

After his collegiate years, he was hired to serve in UP’s faculty and then went on to coach its table tennis teams. He subsequently became its Varsity Office’s Director for six years.

In UAAP Season 80, Santelices was honored as part of the league’s great athletes during its opening ceremony.

The decorated tactician’s last championship was a memorable one, as he led the UP women’s team to a historic sweep of the erstwhile undefeated De La Salle University, headed by the late Ian Lariba, in UAAP Season 76.

The Lady Green Paddlers had the thrice-to-beat advantage in the Finals, but the Fighting Maroons had managed to take all the three team matches in the championship round en route to its sixth UAAP title.

He is survived by his wife Gwen and two sons, Jolo and Nigel.

Source: https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/oskie-santelices-59-passes-away/207775

Dr. Aurora “Rory” S. Baldrias, 73

May 4, 2021

To the family of our beloved Principal Miss Aurora Baldrias, our deepest sympathy and condolences.

The Laguna College family is deeply saddened by her untimely demise.

The LC administration and Board of Trustees are forever grateful for her life long dedication and tremendous contribution to the school. We will miss her dearly.

She has been a pillar of strength and leadership inspiring generations of students and teachers alike.

She was such a brilliant mentor, teacher and a faithful friend. Miss Rory Baldrias left a legacy of extraordinary loyalty and professionalism.

As our Laguna College hymm states, “Faithful and true-hearted, we shall be to the College” – that is what she was.

Ma’am Rory, thank you and goodbye. May you rest in peace.

Source: Laguna College Fb page

Dr. Arnold V. Hallare

May 1, 2021

It is with great sorrow that we announce that our beloved Director, Dr. Arnold V. Hallare, has joined our creator yesterday, April 30, 2021.

Dr. Hallare served as the Director of the National Graduate Office for the Health Sciences for seven years. As the director, he initiated several projects that developed and improved UP Manila’s graduate programs.

He was a tireless and dependable NGOHS Director who had great visions for the university, and a generous and understanding leader to his staff.

The NGOHS Family will be forever grateful to you, Sir H.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

Source: National Graduate Office for the Health Sciences FB page

Dr. Jose Maria C. Avila

April 28, 2021

The Consummate Pathologist Gave the Final Word:
JOSE MARIA C. AVILA, MD, FPSP

The UP Manila community mourns the passing of DR. JOSE MARIA C. AVILA, a graduate of the UP College of Medicine Class 1983, last 20 April 2021 due to COVID-19. Avila.

Source: UP Manila FB page