MANILA, Philippines — Singer and songwriter Susan Fernandez-Magno succumbed to ovarian cancer yesterday. She would have turned 53 on Aug. 3. She died at 1:50 p.m. at the Medical City.

Fernandez-Magno was a professor at the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University, and was a frequent lecturer at St. Scholastica’s College where she took up her psychology major.

A feminist and nationalist, Fernandez-Magno fired up rallies and demonstrations with her protest songs and provided a stirring platform on women’s issues. Among her songs was “Babae Ka.”

She is survived by her husband Alexander Magno, sons Kalayaan and Sandino, and grandson Kio.

“She lived a luminous life and leaves us all with much grace. She will be sorely missed,” her husband said of her.

Fernandez-Magno’s remains have been cremated and her ashes brought to the Christ the King Church in Greenmeadows, Pasig City, where they will lie until noon of Sunday.

Burial plans will be announced later.