Who was CJ De Silva Ong? Promil Commercial star and visual artist dies aged 36

On June 18, 2024, well-known artist CJ De Silva, 36, unexpectedly passed away. Her husband and actor Wincy Aquino Org shared a statement through Facebook the following day, writing that she was taken to the ICU after suffering two strokes.

De Silva gained recognition over the years for being involved with many advertising projects. She additionally became popular for her flawless work as a painter and illustrator and was the co-host of a podcast alongside Wincy, titled Telebabad Tapes.

Wincy recalled his wife's contributions in the social media post, stating that she loved advertising and was a "passionate Executive Creative Director."

The post stated that CJ De Silva's wake would be held at The Heritage Park in Taguig from June 20 to 22. This will be followed by the cremation on June 23. Wincy also wrote:

"Most of you would remember her as a Promil 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."

The musician mentioned that De Silva was a "sweet, caring girl," and she would always be remembered for her kindness. He continued:

"She always told me she'd wanted a funeral that was fun and not so serious. Let's celebrate her 36 amazing years here on this planet by filling it with things that made her happy – music, conversations, coffee, and good food."

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CJ De Silva's work in the world of art received a lot of praise over the years

Also known as Christiana Jade de Silva-org, her website says that her advertising work received positive feedback in many local and international industry shows. She was also a part of the judges' panel for award shows, including the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity and more.

Furthermore, CJ De Silva served as an illustrator for children's books, including Ang Ikaklit Sa Aming Hardin and Gumagapang, Lumulukso, and Lumilipad: Bugtong Sa Mga Kulisap. She additionally created the cover of a book titled Stupid Is Forever.

She went to Saint Gabriel Academy and later joined St. Scholastica's College. In 2008, she obtained her Fine Arts—Visual Communication degree from the University of the Philippines.

In an interview with GMA News Online in 2013, De Silva recalled her school days by saying that she was not "good in math." CJ De Silva also addressed the time when she was willing to leave painting since she found it boring and even approached her father about the same. She added:

"I have to paint a Mother and Child piece, every week, because he sells. I painted a woman with blue light, set in the night, she is dark. My daddy said, 'That won't sell, you're dead,' and then he didn't really sell. I was so frustrated."

She was cast in a commercial for the milk brand Promil's "The Gifted Child" during the 1990s, and her work as a painter also made her a popular face among the public. Her website also stated that she served as an Executive Creative Director at TBWA/Santiago Mangada Puno. CJ De Silva developed an interest in art due to her grandfather's profession as a painter.

While a lot of details about her personal life remain unknown, she and her husband, Wincy Aquino Org, were close friends for a long time, and they later tied the knot in 2013.