Philippine literature and journalism mourn the passing of writer and art critic Amadis Ma. Guerrero

Farewell to the Master of the City: The literary world honors the literati.

The Philippine literary and arts community bids farewell to Amadis Ma. Guerrero, whose decades-long body of work helped document, critique, and celebrate Filipino art, culture, and society.

Born in Ermita, Manila, in 1941, Guerrero built a distinguished career that spanned journalism, fiction, travel writing, and art criticism. From his early days at the Associated Press and Philippines Graphic to his long editorial work at Raya Media Services, he became a respected voice in Philippine media and letters.

He authored acclaimed short story collections such as “Children of the City and Other Stories” and “The Mainstream and Other Stories,” while also helping shape conversations on Philippine art through landmark books like “The Struggle for Philippine Art” and “Edades: A National Artist,” co-written with Purita Kalaw-Ledesma.

For generations of readers, artists, and writers, Guerrero was more than a chronicler of culture—he was one of its quiet guardians.

He passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual rigor, artistic advocacy, and enduring love for Philippine literature and the arts.

 

 

Writer and art critic Amadis Ma. Guerrero has passed away at 85. Revisit the legacy of the man who gave us ‘Children of the City’ and helped define the history of Philippine modern art.

 

 

READ: