Carlos Celdran passes away

Cultural activist, performance artist, and tour guide Carlos Celdran has passed away.

His wife Tesa confirmed the news in a Facebook post, saying he passed away of natural causes. No further details were made available.

Celdran was popular for his tours of Intramuros that bordered on performance art.

An advocate for reproductive health, Celdran was critical of the Catholic Church's stance against legislation promoting the use of contraceptives in the country.

In 2010, he gained notoriety for protesting at Manila Cathedral with a placard that read "Damaso" during a service attended by the local leaders of the Church.

In 2013, he was found guilty of "offending religious feelings" under Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code by the Manila Metropolitan Trial Court. He was sentenced to spend between two months and one year in jail.

In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the decision against Celdran.

Celdran recently made waves for his one-man play "Livin' La Vida Imelda," which he last performed in Manila in January.

Last year, he spearheaded Manila Biennale, a month-long art exhibit all through Intramuros, requiring visitors to experience the old Walled City.  —JST/LA, GMA News