Edgar Maranan, poet and activist, dies

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – Edgar B. Maranan, whom poet Ruel de Vera described as a man who “can’t stop writing,” has finally stopped writing.

Maranan died peacefully Tuesday morning, May 8, in Manila of liver complications, his poet sister Luchie said.

On Facebook late on May 8, Luchie said that Maranan’s wake will be held at the UP Catholic Church, Diliman from late evening on May 8 until May 10. 

“Cremation will be on May 11, after which we shall bring his ashes home to Happy Glen Loop, Baguio City.

“Necrological rites and Pulong Parangal shall be held tomorrow, May 9 at the UP Catholic Church at 7/7:30 pm,” she said.

Ed was born in Batangas on November 7, 1946, but grew up in Baguio.

He studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman and was off to becoming a poet when his subversive activities caught up with him, and he was imprisoned for more than two years.

He had won 33 Carlos Palanca literary prizes and became a Hall of Famer in 2000. He also won in the Cultural Center of the Philippines literary contests, Amado Hernandez Playwriting Competition, Philippine Free Press Literary Awards, Alfrredo Salanga Writers Prize, Philippine Graphic Nick Joaguin Literary Awards, National Book Awards, NCCA Writers Prize and many others.

He had also written 50 books – children’s books, translations, poetry and short stories.

From 1993 to 2006, Maranan worked as a foreign information officer of the Philippine Embassy in London. He also taught political science at UP Diliman prior to his detention.

He is a member of the Baguio Writers Group. – Rappler.com