The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) launched on Araw ng Kagitingan this year a memorial website dedicated to Filipino artists, CCP workers, icons of arts and culture, and media personalities who have lost their lives since the pandemic.
In a Facebook post, the CPP said it created the “Hanggang sa Muli: Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat sa mga Pumanaw” site as well as a Facebook page as virtual spaces where families, friends, and the public can pay their respects to departed artists and cultural workers.
“Hanggang sa Muli is a virtual place where families, friends, and individuals may gather and connect online to celebrate life, works, and great contributions to the country of their loved ones,” the post read.
According to the website, it hopes to bring comfort amid the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It will also serve as a reminder of the deceased’s legacies in the arts and culture sector and an opportunity for the younger generation to honor and draw inspiration from these artists and personalities.
“As it gives tribute and it helps preserve the legacy of these members of the arts and culture sector, the HSM memorial website also presents a chance for the younger generation to honor, learn, and gain inspiration from the dearly departed,” it added.
Among the many accomplished and famous individuals featured on the website are National Artist of the Philippines for Theater, playwright Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio; stage actor Celia Diaz Laurel; comedians Kim Idol, Shalala Reyes, and Lloyd Cadena; and showbiz personality Aurea S. Erfelo, better known as “Madam Auring.”
Also honored here are many who worked behind the scenes, yet whose contributions to Philippine art and culture are no less significant.
Another feature of the website is a “memorial wall” that “allows personal tributes in the form of text, images, videos, and announcements of memorial services.”
A note on the website encourages the public to participate in the project by sending the details of the names of loved ones or those they wish to see included on the website.
CCP also invites everyone to visit the website to learn more about the achievements of Filipinos who worked in the fields of the arts, culture, and media.
