Renowned poet Rogelio Mangahas has passed away at 79

Nueva Ecijia-born artist and poet Rogelio Mangahas has passed away on Wednesday, July 4.

His close friend Alma Cruz Miclat confirmed the news, quoting Mangahas' wife Fe, "Roger left us to join our Lord in eternal bliss at 6:14 am."

Friends took to social media to gather support for Mangahas, who was rushed to the University of Santo Tomas Hospital earlier this week after suffering a stroke.

A wake will be held for Mangahas at St Peter's Quezon Avenue on Thursday, followed by a writer's memorial tribute on Friday. His remains will be brought back to his hometown of Cabiao.

Mangahas graduated with an AB Filipino degree from the University of the East. He would go on to make tremendous contributions to Philippine literature, not least of which is "Manlilikha", published in the 1960s.

He was recognized by Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature twice; once for his poetry collection "Mga Duguang Plakard" and another for his critical essay of Edgardo M. Reyes’ novel, “Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag.”

Mangahas was also a mentor, teaching Filipino language and literature at the Universit of the Philippines Manila, St. Scholastica's College, De Le Salle University, and at his alma mater, University of the East.

Mangahas received the title "Makata ng Taon" in 2015 from the Commission on the Filipino Language.

In addition to his success as a poet, Mangahas was also a well-loved friend. He leaves behind his wife Fe and their child Tagumpay. — LA, GMA News