Pinoy artist Marvin Baldemor dies at 50

The family of Ireland-based Filipino painter Marvin Baldemor announced on Tuesday that the internationally acclaimed artist died last January 19 at age 50.

Baldemor was celebrating his birthday and 25th wedding anniversary during a tour of  Rome with his family when he unfortunately expired.

Baldemor family gave no further details on the artist's death.

Baldemor's remains were flown to the Philippines on Sunday, and his wake was being held at the Chapel of Heaven’s Gate Memorial Gardens in Antipolo City.

His funeral was scheduled for Thursday noon.

Baldemor was survived by his wife and four daughters.

Baldemor held numerous exhibitions across the world, proudly raising the Philippine flag in every painted canvass full of landscapes and historical landmarks.

His most recent achievement was to be declared a Gallery Prize Winner during the Derik Hill Easter Open Art Competitions in 2018. This was a feat he had also accomplished in 2017

Baldemor also held the first-ever Philippine Art Exhibition in Beirut, Lebanon, entitled "A Journey of Colors," in June 2014, with the help of the Philippine Embassy.

Baldemor's sister, Mailah, remembered her brother, not only as an impressive artist, but also as a good- humored and energetic personality.

"One of Marvin’s greatest gifts is jokes and storytelling. We talked about so many things—everything under the sun. I can clearly hear him laughing and joking around on the phone," Mailah recounted.

Baldemor's father, artist Manuel Baldemor, meanwhile, posted a quote from Victor Hugo when he announced his son's death: "Life closes in the twilight but opens with the dawn."

The older Baldemor went on to thank the Philippine Embassy in Rome for their assistance in bringing his son's body home. — Dona Magsino/DVM, GMA News