CJ de Silva-Ong, a visual artist and former Promil Gifted Child, passed away on Tuesday, June 18 at the age of 36.

Her husband, director and actor Wincy Ong, confirmed the news in a social media post on Wednesday morning, June 19. CJ died after suffering an aneurysm and two strokes, according to Wincy.

“She fought to the very end. Sadly, yesterday at 10:45AM, while in the ICU, our beloved CJ suffered two strokes and finally became one with the Universe,” Wincy wrote.

“She was a loving wife to me, a loving cat-mom to our cats Andres and Max, and a loving daughter to her parents and uncle. She was a passionate Executive Creative Director in the industry she loved so much—advertising. She used her talents in illustration and painting to champion causes close to her heart.”

CJ first captured public attention as a Promil Gifted Child in the 1990s, but her impact extended far beyond her early fame.

Wincy highlighted her multifaceted nature, noting: “Most of you would remember her as a Promil Gifted Child in those commercials in the Nineties, but from the many people who visited the hospital or sent in a message or two, I learned that CJ was a gift herself to the people who came to know her. Behind that tough and take-charge person you may know is such a sweet, caring girl. I will always remember her for the kindness she brought to people.”

CJ’s professional career was distinguished by her role as the Executive Creative Director at TBWA\Santiago Mangada Puno agency. She was not only a painter, illustrator, and graphic designer but also a creative director in the advertising field and a podcaster on Telebabad Tapes, which she co-hosted with her husband. She also made a guest appearance on Kabulastugan: The Podcast in 2021.

In 2023, CJ became a member of the Design Jury for the Cannes Young Lions competition, where she evaluated campaigns created by individuals aged 30 and below for humanitarian causes.

CJ's wake will be held at The Heritage Park in Taguig from June 20 to 22, with cremation scheduled for Sunday, June 23.

Wincy shared that CJ always wished for a funeral filled with joy rather than sorrow, encouraging those who knew her to celebrate her 36 years of life with music, conversations, coffee, and good food.

— By Samantha Prats