Floy Quintos, renowned stage director and playwright, passes away

Floy Quintos, acclaimed playwright, stage director, and winner of multiple Palanca awards, passed away on Saturday morning. He was 63 years old.

His niece, Celina Quintos, announced the news on Facebook on behalf of the family, and confirmed the news with GMA News Online.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I, on behalf of my family, announce that Floy Quintos, esteemed playwright and director, but more importantly beloved brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend, has returned to the arms of the Lord,” Celina said.

“He passed suddenly in the ER from a heart attack this morning,” she added. “Floy Quintos was a beacon of Philippine culture and the arts, but also shone so much firelight for the people closest to him. The country, the world, and our home are much darker with this light snuffed out too soon. We hope to share our light with each other through this time.”

The family is still making arrangements at the Arlington Memorial Chapels for the wake, with details to be announced as soon as possible.

“We ask for your prayers, love, and support as we navigate this tremendous loss,” Celina said.

Direk Floy, as he is called by industry colleagues, was the playwright of “The Kundiman Party,” “Angry Christ,” and “The Reconciliation Dinner.” He has worked in events that highlighted Filipino culture and memorably served as the creative director for the 2019 SEA Games Opening Ceremony.

An expert on pre-colonial artifacts and culture, Direk Floy also worked as a curator for museum exhibitions across the country that highlight traditional Philippine art and culture.

In an interview on “The Howie Severino Podcast,” he talked about the significance of old cultural objects, the stories and information behind traditional fabrics, and which tribal tattoos should not be worn or appropriated by people outside of the culture. —JCB, GMA Integrated News