Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker Armando “Bing” Lao passed on peacefully on Tuesday, June 18, at the Philippine Heart Center. He was 75.
Known for his great contributions to Philippine independent cinema, Lao’s screenplays garnered numerous accolades, including Gawad Urian awards for Best Screenplay for films like “Takaw-Tukso,” “Itanong Mo sa Buwan,” “Pila Balde,” “Tuhog,” and “La Vida Rosa.”
More than his awards recognition, his screenplay for Brillante Mendoza’s “Kinatay” helped propel the film to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2008.
Beyond his writing, Lao was also a dedicated mentor. He founded the influential “Found Story” screenwriting workshop, where he guided aspiring and professional screenwriters, directors, and editors. His students aim to continue his legacy by publishing his teaching methods in a book.
Lao’s death comes just a few months after he received the prestigious “Parangal ng Sining” award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines, a recognition for his significant impact on Philippine cinema. Despite suffering a stroke in 2022, Lao attended the ceremony.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division paid tribute to Lao, stating his work “will serve as a cultural archive for future generations.”
