MANILA, Philippines – The father of the Asia’s Songbird has passed away.
Gerardo “Mang Gerry†Velasquez, the father of singer-actress Regine Velasquez, died due to heart failure on Monday, February 3, entertainment news website Philippine Entertainment Portal reports.
Mang Gerry was 76 years old.
Netizens, including celebrities, took to social media to send their condolences to the Asia’s Songbird. “Mang Gerry†even trended on social networking site Twitter following the news of the passing of Regine’s father.
Mang Gerry Velasquez we will miss u. To @cacaimitra @reginevalcasid we will pray for your family. Our deepest condolences.He will be missed.
— Angeli Pangilinan V (@AngeliPV) February 3, 2014 Rest in peace, Mang Gerry. My condolences to @reginevalcasid and her entire family. My prayers to all of you.
— Jed Madela (@jedmadela) February 3, 2014 RIP Mang Gerry Velasquez. The Man Who Taught The Songbird How To Sing. Deepest condolences to Ate @reginevalcasid
— Archie Del Mundo (@archiedelmundo) February 3, 2014 It was reported that Mang Gerry went ill late last year and was even hospitalized for over a month.