Playwright, poet, ‘mage’ Tony Perez dies

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Multi-awarded playwright, screewriter, poet, author, and prolific psychic trainer Tony Perez dies aged 74

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino playwright, screenwriter, poet, and mystic figure Tony Perez died on Tuesday, May 20.

He was 74 years old.

Best known for his plays like Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?, Bombita, Sa North Diversion Road, and Biyaheng Timog, Perez received multiple accolades in his prolific career extending beyond the stage and into scripts for television and film, and multiple other areas of arts and literature.

These include the CCP Thirteen Artists Award in 1974, the CCP Centennial Honors for the Arts 1999, and National Book Awards for both drama and short fiction, as stated by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ tribute post.

“A graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University and Maryhill School of Theology, his intellectual and creative depth informed a career that traversed the literary, psychological, spiritual, and mystical realms,” read the CCP’s tribute.

“He was a staunch advocate of psychological realism in drama and was among the rare few whose creative practice also embraced spiritual exploration.”

Perez’s other famous works include Cubao 1980 and Iba pang mga Katha: Unang Sigaw ng Gay Liberation Movement sa Pilipinas.

He also played a vital role in strengthening Filipino-American relations and cultural exchange, as he served as the US Embassy Cultural Affairs Specialist since 1979.

“Through his writing, his work with the Spirit Questors, and his quiet devotion to the mysteries of life and death, Tony inspired generations to look deeper, listen closer, and trust their inner knowing,” wrote the Esoteric Society of the Philippines in its tribute of the Spirit Questors founder.

“Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again. Thank you for your light Sr. Tony.” – Rappler.com