National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera passed away today, Sept. 28. He was 89.
The news was confirmed by his daughter, Tala, via a Facebook post.
It was then re-posted by talent manager Noel Ferrer, who thanked Tatay Bien.
"Pumanaw na ang ating Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining sa Panitikan BIENVENIDO LUMBERA kaninang 9:14 ng umaga dahil sa 'complications of stroke,'" Ferrer wrote.
According to Ferrer, there will be novena masses and memorial services every 8 p.m. starting today until Oct. 6.
The National Artist Award for Literature was bestowed to Bienvenido in 2006.