Professor Leonardo "Boy" Hidalgo, 78, a renowned Filipino artist, recently awarded the Centennial Award for the Arts by the Filipino American Association of Philadelphia, died Wednesday, January 16, 2013 of a heart attack at his home in Prospect Park, PA.

He was born in San Fernando, La Union on January 9, 1935 to Leon and Matilde Hidalgo. His art talent was discovered at an early age, and after completing his degree in Fine Arts at University of Santo Tomas, the Italian government granted him a scholarship to Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome, Italy. In Europe, he garnered many trophies for his artwork and even became a scenic artist assigned to paint the Sistine Chapel for the movie starring Charlton Heston, "The Agony and Ecstasy of Michelangelo."

After his studies, he became the department head and professor for the fine arts department at his alumni University of Santo Tomas. His work is sought after by art collectors and he has been commissioned by private and public organizations for murals, sculptural monuments and other forms of art here and abroad. One of his monuments, "Dominican Saints and Martyrs," are in front of the Central Library at UST, Asia's oldest university.

In 1992, Hidalgo moved to Philadelphia when their only child, Odranoele, earned a scholarship at the Rock School Of Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia, and went on to perform with several ballet companies. His surviving wife, Alba, pursued her career in psychotherapy.

Among some of the works he has done in Philadelphia are, the restoration of the 14 Station of the Cross Paintings at Old St. Augustine Church in Philadelphia, and also became a set designer for the Russian Philadelphia Ballet Theatre.

Most recently, he was awarded a special "once every 100 years" Centennial Award for Culture and Arts by the Filipino American Association of Philadelphia. Noted attendees were His Excellency, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., Philippine Ambassador, and Councilman at Large for the Philadelphia Government, Councilman David Oh.

Professor Hidalgo is survived by his wife, Alba Manalastas Hidalgo, his daughter Odranoele Hidalgo Anderson (John), his grandchildren Isabella Diaz-Anderson and Liam Anderson as well as brothers and sisters.

His Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, January 21, 2013 at Old St. Augustine Church, 234 N Lawrence Street, Philadelphia, PA, where friends may call 9:30 AM -10:15 AM. The burial is scheduled at a later date in his hometown in the Philippines.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Filipino-American Association of Philadelphia, Inc. (FAAPI) or the Philippine Folk Art Society, Inc. (PFASI) 2084 N. Ridley Creek Rd., Media, PA 19063