Playwright Tony Perez passes away at 74
Playwright, poet, visual artist, and psychic trainer Tony Perez has passed away. He was 74.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines announced that Perez, born Antonio Benjamin Silva Perez, died on May 20 in Quezon City.
"Tony Perez's legacy is etched in the annals of Philippine art and culture," the CCP wrote.
Perez was an master's candidate in clinical psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University and held a master's in religious studies from Maryhill School of Theology. He also worked as Cultural Affairs Specialist at the Public Affairs Office of the Embassy of the USA.
In his career—which spans across TV, film, and theater—he explored psychological, spiritual, and mystical realms.
Some of his plays include Bombita, Sa North Diversion Road, Biyaheng Timog, and Saan Ba Tayo Ihahatid ng Disyembre?
Beyond theater, he wrote for TV and film and authored books such as Cubao 1980 and Sitio Catacutan series.
"He was a staunch advocate of psychological realism in drama and was among the rare few whose creative practice also embraced spiritual exploration," the CCP added.
Perez has won several awards, including the CCP Thirteen Artists Award, CCP Centennial Honors for the Arts, Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, a FAMAS Award for Best Story for Tatlo, dalawa, isa, and National Book Awards for drama and short fiction.
Several of his students mourned his passing online.
"A bold voice in the realms of spirit and psyche—he taught many how to navigate the unseen with clarity, courage, and compassion," the Esoteric Society of the Philippines, Inc. wrote.
"Thank you for the guidance and the unique ways of helping others. Thank you for paving the way for my spiritual development and evolution," one user added.
Palanca-winning writer Jerry Gracio also expressed his admiration for Perez.
"Ginawa niyang lunan ng mahika ang Cubao sa kanyang serye, pinuno ito ng mga tauhan na nagsasala-salabid ang nasa, libog, dahas—ang paghahangad ng kapayapaan, ang paghahanap ng pag-ibig sa gitna ng sindak. Binabalik-balikan ko ang kaniyang mga kuwento, labis na humanga sa kanyang eksperimentasyon sa anyo ng fiksyon, ng tula, ng dula," he shared.
