Visual artist CJ De Silva-Ong passes away at 36
Visual artist CJ De Silva-Ong has passed away. She was 36.
CJ's husband, director Wincy Ong, made the announcement on Facebook, saying she suffered two strokes on June 18 at 10:45 a.m. while in the intensive care unit.
"She fought to the very end," Wincy said.
He described her as a loving wife, a loving cat-mom to their pets Andres and Max, and a loving daughter to her parents and uncle.
He said CJ also loved the advertising industry "so much," and was a "passionate executive creative director."
"She used her talents in illustration and painting in championing causes close to heart," Wincy said.
He also took note of CJ's status as a Promil Gifted Child in the '90s.
"But from the many people who visited the hospital or sent in a message or two," he said, "I learned that CJ was a gift herself to the people who came to know her."
Saying CJ told her she wanted a "fun and not so serious" funeral, Wincy asked the public to celebrate her "36 amazing years by filling it with things that made her happy—music, conversations, coffee, and good food."
Wincy also shared a video of CJ during her birthday celebration, when she was laughing a lot and they were singing for her.
According to Wincy's post, the wake will be held at The Heritage Park in Taguig from June 20 to June 22. The cremation service will be on June 23.
Friends from the industry like fellow Promil kid Shaira Luna paid tribute to the artist.
"Whenever people would mistake us for each other in the industry, I always say how funny it is that we actually have yet to meet again, or work together as adults! I’m sure we would have had plenty of things to talk about (especially as former Promil kids, hahaha). You will remain in my memory forever as that exceptional little one," the photographer said. "Rest in peace, CJ."
Non-profit organization Project Pearls also wrote: " CJ was a dedicated volunteer and advocate for Project Pearls, and she designed our favorite 5th anniversary shirt. CJ, you will be greatly missed. Thank you so much for sharing your time, talent and treasure with us."
Last June 5, Wincy on Facebook asked the public for prayers as CJ had an aneurysm. He said the coiling surgery following the aneurysm "was not successful so another procedure will be implemented."
CJ, or Christiana Jade, was also a painter, illustrator, designer, and podcaster. She's the executive creative director of TBWA\Santiago Mangada Puno.
According to her website, her advertising work has been recognized in local and international industry shows, winning the D&AD, Cannes Lions, Clio, AdFest, Spikes Asia, One Show, and AMEs. She was also part of the team that bagged the country’s first Webby.
CJ also judged in notable industry awards like the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, Spikes Asia, and The Webby’s. She was also the first Filipina judge for the Cannes Young Lions Design Competition 2023.
She held solo art exhibits and was part of group shows in places like the Ayala Museum, Philam Life Theater Lobby, Whitespace Gallery, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, Cubao X, and The Collective.
Aside from that, CJ illustrated the 2012 children's book Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin by Bernadette Neri, which won first prize at the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 2006 for the story. Her other illustrating credits include Gumagapang, Lumulukso, Lumilipad: Bugtong Sa Mga Kulisap by Eugene Evasco and Stupid Is Forever by the late Filipino Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
She also designed the cover art of OPM band Itchyworms' 2013 studio album After All This Time.
She produced and co-hosted the podcast Telebabad Tapes with Wincy.
She also became a Philippine ambassador of the sneaker brand Keds.