RENOWNED writer and poet Gloria Garchitorena-Goloy, who was the oldest living female ex-Varsitarian editor, died on Dec. 28. She was 93.
National Artist for Literature and former Varsitarian editor F. Sionil Jose, a contemporary, led tributes to Goloy, saying she was among “cultural workers who have contributed so much of their talent to Philippine culture.”
Goloy was literary editor during F. Sionil Jose’s term as editor in chief of the University’s official student publication from 1948 to 1949.
Goloy’s condition deteriorated because of dementia over the past two years, her daughter Angelina told the Varsitarian.
In 2012, Goloy fractured her right hip and underwent partial hip replacement surgery. She became wheelchair-bound even as she continued physical therapy.
Goloy obtained her bachelor’s degree in journalism, cum laude, from UST in 1950.
She worked for different publications including Philcross Magazine, Manila Times Annual Yearbook, Weekly Women’s Magazine, The Sunday Times Magazine and the Manila Times Supplements Section.
She authored three books, “Adam and Eves and Other Poems” (1969), “A Housewife in the World of Sports” (1997) and “Two Voices”, a joint collection of poetry with Doris Trinidad. These were included in several Philippine anthologies.
Goloy co-founded the Greater Manila Duckpin Bowling Association, Inc. and subsequently the National Duckpin Bowling Association, Inc.
The late writer and journalist received recognitions from several bodies for her writing, including a certificate of recognition in journalism from the UST Alumni Association in 1982, the San Lorenzo Ruiz Award from the San Fernando de Dilao Parish in 1982, the Gawad Kalinangan Award from the Rotary Club Manila in 2001, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association in 2003, the Golden Owl Award from the UST Philets Foundation in 2005, the Varsitarian’s Parangal Hagbong in 2006, and the Noblesse Oblige Award from the Paco Catholic School in 2006.
“My mommy was known for her alliterative style, and I found it fascinating and challenging,” Angelina said.
Angelina also shared how accommodating her mother was to other writers, recalling that Goloy would write personal notes to aspiring writers.
“She would tell me that she enjoyed discovering diamonds in the rough. Unlike the standard ‘thank you for contributing, but we regret we cannot publish your piece’ rejection letter, she would write personal notes to contributors, with suggestions on how they could improve their work,” Angelina narrated.
Goloy’s remains were cremated at Holy Gardens Memorial Park in Antipolo City. Christine Joyce Paras
