IN MEMORIAM- DEO FORTUNATO CRUZ (December 24, 1973- August 21, 2020)

Deogracias Fortunato de Guzman Cruz (December 24, 1973 - August 21, 2020) Deo, as he was commonly called, was a gifted singer, arranger, conductor and musical director of some of the best choirs and popular acapella groups in the country. In 1992, Deo joined the highly esteemed Ateneo College Glee Club under the baton of Dr. Joel Navarro. He would then go on to become a member and soloist of other elite choral groups such the UP Concert Chorus, under Prof. Reynaldo T. Paguio, the UP Madrigal Singers, under Prof. Andrea Veneracion, the San Miguel Master Chorale, under Mr Jonathan Velasco, Prof. Eudenice Palaruan, and National Artist for music Ryan Cayabyab, and the Ateneo Chamber Singers, also under Mr. Jonathan Velasco. Deo was part of other musical ensembles such the Philippine Vocal ensemble, Anima Choir and Strings, Almost 6, and 92AD, which he founded along with his ACGC batchmates. He was also the musical director and resident arranger of the acapella groups, Akafellas, and 10,000. He has conducted a number of corporate, community, and church choirs - JP Morgan Chase Chorale and the Dasmariñas Chamber Singers, among many others. Known for his soothing and gentle tenor voice, Deo has been recognized as one of the go-to soloists for ballads written for tenors. He was the original soloist for a number of modern classics like Ryan Cayabyab’s Tunay na Ligaya and Isang Taong Lumipas; Trina Belamide’s To Have and to Hold; and Von de Guzman’s Matibay, to name a few. Deo, may the choirs of angels come to greet you. May they lead you to paradise. May the Lord enfold you in His mercy. May you find eternal life. Amen.