Pumanaw na ang dating TV director na si Hermenegildo "Gil" Soriano sa edad na 81.
Si Gil ang direktor ng Anna Liza, ang soap opera na pinagbidahan ng yumao na ring child actress na si Julie Vega. Umere ang programa mula 1980 hanggang 1985 sa GMA-7.
Siya rin ang nagdirek ng short-lived noontime variety show na Chibugan Na (1994-1996) sa RPN-9. Ang mga host nito ay sina Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Arnell Ignacio, Michelle Aldana, at Marjorie Barretto.
Kinumpirma ng anak ni Gil na si Gia Allana Soriano, sa pamamagitan ng social media posts, ang pagpanaw ng kanyang ama.
Bahagi ng post ni Gia noong December 6, 2023: "Hello, it took me a while to write about this. But, my father—Director Hermenegildo "Gil" Soriano—passed away.
"He wasn't doing well already back in September, and was in critical condition around October - November. Still, we hope to make his last moments a time for him to be remembered for his contributions in the entertainment industry."
Dahil hindi raw nakilala ni Gia ang mga nakasama noon ng kanyang ama sa showbiz, hindi niya alam kung paano ipagbibigay-alam sa mga ito ang pagkamatay ng Anna Liza director.
Saad niya, "As I never got to meet any of his showbiz contacts and colleagues (he was already inactive when I was born), I'm a bit unsure who and how to reach out. If anyone could let people who worked on the dramas and the noontime show he directed before, would appreciate it if we could get in touch with them, as his wake will be held this Friday to Sunday. (They may message for more details regarding the venue.)
"My father directed and co-wrote the original "Annaliza" (starring Julie Vega) in 1980 to 1985—back in his prime years. The series had a remake back in 2013 (starring Andrea Brillantes and Kyline Alcantara). He also directed "Anna Luna" and "Chibugan Na."
"Would appreciate any leads, and if you know my father personally, even outside work, please message me to coordinate regarding possible visits at his wake."
Nakipag-ugnayan din ang Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) kay Gia upang alamin ang detalye ng burol at libing ng kanyang ama.
Tugon niya, "For the funeral, will most likely be held this Monday [Dcember 11]. If ever, for details, if his friends and colleagues would like to visit, they may message me po."
Si Gia, na dating staff writer ng PEP.ph, ay maaaring kontakin sa kanyang Facebook page at Instagram account.