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Award-winning actress, playwright and philanthropist Rustica Carpio died at her Cavite home last Tuesday, February 1. She was 91.

Her niece, Nessea, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, “We wish you farewell in your journey to eternity. You'd never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Tita Rustica Carpio.”

The actress' cremation is set on the afternoon of February 2, 2022. Meanwhile, funeral details are yet to be finalized.

Rustica, until her death, was one of the oldest living actresses. She was born in Paombong, Bulacan on August 9, 1930.

Her first major role which was also considered her signature character for decades was as Kikay in the 1960's cult play The New Yorker in Tondo.

However, it was in 1975 when Rustica made her first movie, the critically-acclaimed film Nunal sa Tubig. She was already 45 years old then. The movie was helmed by no less National Artist for Cinema Ishmael Bernal.

Since then, her movie appearances became more frequent, but she still managed to continue her teaching career.

Among the iconic roles she's given life are Lady Macbeth, Sisa, Teodora Alonzo, Leonor Rivera and other fictional and historical characters.

Because of her powerful performances, she received accolades from different award-winning bodies for her contribution to Philippine cinema.

Apart from being an actress, she was also a literary critic and book editor. Moreover, she also served as a dean for the College of Languages and Mass Communications now College of Communications at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, take here are some of the celebrities we lost last year: