MANILA, Philippines — CJ de Silva-Ong, a renowned artist known as a “gifted child” in popular children’s milk commercials during the 1990s, passed away on Tuesday, her husband announced on social media. De Silva-Ong was just 36 years old.
Wincy, her husband, revealed on Facebook on Wednesday that his wife experienced two strokes while in the critical care unit and died around 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday.
“Most of you would remember her as a 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,” wrote Wincy. “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.”
De Silva-Ong was the executive creative director of the advertising firm TBWASantiago Mangada Puno at the time of her passing.
Having drank the milk brand from 1987 to 1989, she made an appearance in a commercial in 1996, portraying herself as a “Gifted Child.”
From Thursday, June 20 to Saturday, June 22, De Silva-Ong’s remains will be on display in Taguig’s The Heritage Park. On June 23, a Sunday, she will be cremated.
