Gil Soriano, original ‘Anna Liza’ director, dies at 81
Gil Soriano. Images: Courtesy of his daughter Gia Allana
Hermenegildo “Gil” C. Soriano, best known for directing the 1980 teleserye “Anna Liza,” has died. He was 81.
Soriano’s death was confirmed by his daughter Gia Allana through her Instagram account last Wednesday, Dec. 6.
“He wasn’t doing well already back in September, and was in critical condition around October [to] November. Still, we hope to make his last moments a time for him to be remembered for his contributions in the entertainment industry,” Gia wrote while showing a photo of herself with Soriano.
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“Annaliza” director Theodore Boborol paid tribute to Soriano on his Instagram Story, where he said it’s a “privilege” to breathe new life into the 1980 series through its remake in 2013.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@theodoreboborol
Soriano is best known for being the co-writer and director of “Anna Liza” starring the late Julie Vega. It ended five years later due to Vega’s sudden death and having an incomplete storyline. Mirasol del Cielo took her place.
The teleserye was remade in 2013 with Andrea Brillantes as the lead. It was co-directed by Boborol and Cathy O. Camarillo.
Soriano also directed the 1989 series “Anna Luna” starring Margarita Fuentes and the 1994 sitcom “Chibugan Na.”
Soriano’s wake is scheduled to be held on Dec. 8 to Dec. 10, although further details are yet to be disclosed.
