Armando “Bing” Lao. Image: Facebook/FOUND STORY School of Filmmaking
Veteran screenwriter Armando “Bing” Lao, known for his award-winning screenplays for the films “Takaw-Tukso,” “Itanong Mo sa Buwan” and “Kubrador,” among many others, died on Tuesday, June 18. He was 75.
Lao’s death was confirmed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines Film, Broadcast and New Media Division as well as the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) via their respective Facebook pages, also on Tuesday.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Respected for his “substantial body of work in Philippine cinema,” Lao cemented his name in the field with several Gawad Urian awards, among them the Best Screenplay honors for ‘Takaw-Tukso” in 1987, “Itanong Mo sa Buwan” in 1989, “Oras-Oras, Araw-Araw” in 1990 and ‘Tuhog” in 2001.
His films with director Brillante Mendoza, “Serbis” (2008) and “Kinatay” (2009), also competed at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
The FDCP also conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award to Lao at the 2024 Parangal ng Sining held last April.
Aside from his filmography, Lao also founded the Found Story School of filmmaking in which he conducted workshops that “[guided] aspiring and professional storytellers in creating films that resonate deeply with audiences.”
“His depiction of Filipino culture and experiences has helped promote the nation’s heritage through film, serving as a cultural archive for future generations,” CCP said of Lao. “Your work and generosity to the film industry will never be forgotten, Armando ‘Bing’ Lao.”
The screenwriter’s wake is being held in Quezon City. He will be brought to his final resting place on Saturday, June 22.