Manila, Philippines – CJ de Silva-Ong, most recently the executive creative director of TBWA\SMP has passed away at the age of 36, as announced by her husband Wincy Ong. In a Facebook post, Wincy stated that CJ had suffered two strokes while in ICU before she passed away.
“She was a passionate executive creative director in the industry she loved so much–advertising. She used her talents in illustration and painting in championing causes close to heart,” Wincy said in his post.
CJ has been with TBWA\SMP for over 16 years where she began as an art director in 2008 before being promoted to creative director roles since 2014. She was named the agency’s executive creative director in July 2022.
In an online statement, TBWA\SMP reflected on her illustrious career on aiding in conceptualising the agency’s various creative works for over a decade as an artist and creative director.
“One could say that Cj de Silva-Ong was one of the most passionate advocates for advertising, an industry and career that she cherished. She was a gifted creative director, illustrator, and podcaster, who helmed iconic ads and award-winning campaigns for TBWA\SMP for 16 years. But she was also a dedicated colleague, a compassionate leader, and a true friend. We are grateful to have had 16 wonderful years with her,” the agency stated.
Outside of the advertising industry, CJ is also a known artist, painter, graphic designer and illustrator and had staged three major solo-artist exhibitions. She was also known as was known as a “Gifted Child” and a “Promil Kid”, being featured in an infant formula ad in 1998.
Her wake will be held from June 20 to June 22 at The Heritage Park in Taguig City, followed by a cremation service on June 23.