Norma Crisologo Liongoren, pioneering gallerist and a champion of Filipino heritage, passed away today, Aug 26, at 2:15am, according to her son Erik. She was 69 years old.
“It’s been a little over a year when she was operated for gastric carcinoma (stomach cancer). Although she beat the “BIG C” and was said to be cancer free a few months back — the complications on her stomach caught up with her,” he explained on Facebook.
Liongoren, wife of artist Alfred, was known for “encouraging, supporting and nurturing young artists,” wrote Alma Cruz Miclat in Feb this year in a Philippine Daily Inquirer article meant to promote a fundraising effort for the owner of Liongoren Gallery on New York Street in Cubao.
“For 35 years now, Liongoren Gallery has been the beehive of artistic activities: from art exhibits and competitions to musical performances and poetry readings to forums on social and community concerns and environmental issues. It has even served as evacuation center for typhoon victims, and, for years now, as a regular venue for Bible study and prayer meetings,” the article noted.
She was also civic minded, and once volunteered for the National Movement for Free Elections during the 1986 Edsa Revolution (watch the video below).
Norma Liongoren is survived by her husband Alfred, and children Erik, Avid, Hannah, and grandchild Lumen.
In a Facebook post, Erik wrote that his mother has been “called back to headquarters to join the master of all master painters. There’s big curatorial job waiting for her.”
Norma Crisologo Liongoren’s wake is at the Michael Chapel of Haven of Angels Memorial Chapels and Crematorium (Km.26 Sumulong Highway, Bgy. Sta. Cruz, Antipolo, 1870, Rizal; +63 2 6617577, +63 999 9914035) until Aug 29.
