Celia Diaz Laurel: Woman of and For Peace

Last July 12, 2021, Celia Diaz Laurel peacefully joined her Creator at the age of 93. This unfortunate event, however, did not put to rest her remarkable accomplishments that we wish to highlight here once more. In particular, we refer to her esteemed “Woman for Peace” award whose 30th year of bestowment falls on November 29. 

The year was 1991 – at the tail end of an administration which her husband Vice-President Doy Laurel had earlier cut ties with. But even sans the government’s support and local media mileage (and those being a non –issue), Mrs. Laurel with much pride for the Philippines, flew to Madrid, Spain to receive this highly prestigious international award. 

My Lives Behind The Proscenium By Celia Diaz Laurel Book Launch Set On May 29

How does one celebrate her 93rd birthday in this time of pandemic?

CELIA DIAZ LAUREL - Mother, wife, philanthropist, writer, painter, thespian, theater production and costume designer is all set  to launch her latest coffee table book  aptly titled ‘MY LIVES BEHIND THE PROSCENIUM’ on May 29 via Facebook Live.

The book is dedicated to the  following women and men whose encouragement and confidence helped her become an actress namely: Mother IMMACULADA  (Assumption Convent);  WILFRIDO MA. GUERRERO  (UP Dramatic Club, University of the Philippines);  SONIA RIFKIN and DOÑA TRINING LEGARDA (Manila Community Players); JAMES B. REUTER S.J.  (Ave Maria Players and The Cathedral Players);  CONSTANCE WELCH (Drama Department, Yale University); BEHN CERVANTES (who persisted in urging her to write this book  about her life in the theatre);  and husband SALVADOR ‘DOY’ LAUREL, who understood her calling and allowed her to grow not only as an actress but as a person.

'The Colors Of My Life Celia Diaz Laurel - Painter' Coffee Table Book To Be Launched June 18

Celia Diaz Laurel is a name synonymous to world of arts.

By virtue of imagination, talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value, especially in the field of fine arts, Celia Diaz Laurel has gained the reputation for being a prolific stage actress, painter, writer, poetess, set and costume designer for more than six decades.

Now at 86 years of age, Celia Diaz Laurel has a record feat of chalking up hundreds of stage plays and musicals, painting a treasure trove of artworks on different subjects, and writing / publishing books.

And yet, Celia Diaz-Laurel is still up and about to launch her latest project which is a coffee table book aptly titled ‘The Colors of My Life Celia Diaz Laurel – Painter’ on June 18 – Wednesday 4 p.m. at the Executive House located at Maramag St. corner Tavera St., Area 14, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.