GILBERT L. Soriano, a UST advertising arts alumnus and former Varsitarian art director, passed away on Oct. 1 due to pulmonary complications from smoking. He was 61. 

His death was announced in a Facebook post by his son, Gericho, and confirmed to the Varsitarian by his daughter, Genielyn. 

“Daddy has dedicated his life for the pursuit of arts and creatives, inspiring three of his children to pursue arts as their career as well,” the post read. 

During his time at UST, Soriano joined the Varsitarian and served as its art director from 1983 to 1984. It was at the “V” where he met his wife, Nerisa Muescan, then a writer for the Filipino section. 

Former Varsitarian editor in chief Vim Nadera, who worked with Soriano during his first year in the student publication, recalled how the late artist brought visuals to his literary works during Martial Law. 

“Si Gilbert ang gumawa ng artwork ng tula ko para kay Ninoy na pinamagatan kong ‘Hindi Tayo Nag-iisa,’” Nadera said. “Tinatanong niya hindi lamang ang content kundi ang context ng piyesa — tula, kuwento, sanaysay o dula.” 

Soriano was also a UST track and field athlete and was among those who competed in the 12th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in 1983 alongside the likes of Philippine sporting legend Lydia de Vega. 

He obtained his undergraduate degree from the now-defunct College of Architecture and Fine Arts in 1984, receiving the Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award, given to students with notable achievements in national or international competitions.

As a graphic designer, Soriano illustrated the packaging for Rose Bowl Sardines and created early murals and menus for UCC cafés, Coco Ichibanya, and other establishments under the Mugen Group.

“He shared his love for arts and for animals with us,” Genielyn told the Varsitarian. ‘He taught us how to draw and make things, and he let us use his Macintosh computers for gaming and later on as a medium for arts.”

He is survived by his wife, Nerisa, and their four children, Gizette, Gerome, Gericho, and Genielyn.  

Soriano’s wake will be held from Oct. 4 to 8 at the Immaculate Chapel of San Felipe Neri Church in Mandaluyong. Varsitarian alumni will gather for a memorial on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. Marco Luis D. Beech

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