Marra Lanot, award-winning Filipina author, dies

Manila, Philippines, Award-winning Filipina author Marra PL. Lanot has died at the age of 82 following a prolonged hospital stay. Her passing was announced on Sunday, August 16, though the exact cause of death was not disclosed. Lanot's family shared their grief through a statement, expressing deep sorrow over her loss and noting her enduring legacy. Born and raised in the Philippines, Lanot was a multilingual writer known for her work in Filipino, English, and Spanish. Her literary journey began with the publication of Sheaves of Things Burning, which earned her second prize in poetry at the prestigious 1967 Palanca Awards. Over the course of her career, she continued to gain recognition, winning first prize in the essay category with Deja Vu In America: Or, One of the Songs in 1980. Her accolades extended beyond these early successes, including a Catholic Mass Media Award and the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas in 2020, awarded for her contributions to English poetry and essay. Throughout her professional life, Lanot authored numerous collections of poetry and essays. Among her notable works were Riding the Full Moon and Other Poems in Filipino and Spanish (2008), Passion and Compassion: Mga Tula sa Ingles at Pilipino (1981), and Cadena de Amor: New and Selected Poems in English, Filipino, and Spanish (2017). These publications reflect her versatility and commitment to exploring themes of love, identity, and cultural heritage across multiple linguistic traditions. In addition to her writing, Lanot had a distinguished academic career. She graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman and went on to teach literature, creative writing, and film at her alma mater. She also held key roles at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Movie and Television Rating and Classification Board. Her expertise and dedication led to her being appointed to the Palanca Awards' panel of judges, further cementing her influence within Philippine literary circles. Lanot's personal life was marked by warmth and devotion. She was married to award-winning screenwriter and journalist Jose “Pete” Lacaba, with whom she shared a long and loving partnership. Together, they raised their son, Kris, and Lanot remained a cherished presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her family described her as a woman of profound kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for life. They noted that her affection was unmistakable, she did not conceal her feelings, and those she cared for knew it deeply. Lanot is survived by her husband, son, three grandchildren, and two siblings, Pfootsy and Xyrus. The family has requested prayers for her soul, underscoring the spiritual significance of her passing. As the literary community mourns her loss, her body of work continues to inspire readers and writers alike, offering a lasting testament to her creativity and resilience.