IN PHOTOS: Wenn Deramas remembered with laughter at ABS-CBN tribute

MANILA, Philippines - Until his last breath, director Wenn Deramas would like to leave people with a smile.

The director, popular for his blockbuster comedy films, said to his closest friends before he passed away that he would like to be remembered with laughter.

On Saturday, the showbiz industry gave homage to the comedy director at the tribute organized by ABS-CBN, his home network for many years. 

The tribute began with a mass preceded by Fr. Ver Alapaz, Deramas' batchmate in Teatro Tomasino, a theater group in his alma mater University of Santo Tomas.

The mass was followed by a necrological service, which was hosted by comedians John "Sweet" Lapuz, Candy Pangilinan, Don Cuaresma, Andoy Ranay, Eagle Riggs and Atak.

Wenn was described by some of his friends as "selfless, mapagmahal, funny, and generous."

Vice Ganda sang the David Guetta song “Without You” for Wenn, who directed all of his hit movies since 2010.

Vice Ganda remembered Wenn Deramas through the song “Without You” by David Gueta. Philstar.com/ Efigenio Toledo IV

READ: WATCH: Vice Ganda sings 'Without You' for Wenn Deramas

Wenn's bestfriend Arianne Manalo also recalled some of her fondest moments with the director. 

“Thirty seven years of friendship, thirty seven years ago, totoy pa ako at dalaginding pa siya,” she quipped.

Arianne recalled Wenn's 40th birthday, the time when she realized how much the director valued him as a friend. Wenn got mad at her when she told him she couldn’t come to the celebration, but he cried when she surprised her on the venue.

“Lumabas ako sa stage, hagulgol siya. Doon ko nalaman kung gaano ako kahalaga sa kanya,” she said.

Upon her bestfriend’s death, Ariannce promised Wenn that “Wala ka ng aalalahanin pa. Kung nasaan ka man ngayon, ‘wag mo na kaming intindihin, kami na ang bahala sa iyong mga anak, si Gab at si Raffy. Maraming nagmamahal, kami na ang bahala.”

“My dear Pakner, may you rest in peace. Mahal na mahal kita,” she concluded.

Gary Valenciano was also part of the event as he performed the song “Home” for the director. Singer Jude Michael also offered a performance for the director, the songs "Mula sa Puso" and "Kapag Ako'y Nagmahal” theme songs to two of Wenn’s TV series.

Other celebrities who paid respects to the director that night are Sunshine Cruz, Nikki Valdez, Piolo Pascual, and Desiree del Valle.

View the slideshow below to see some of the highlights of the event and some of the celebrities present at the tribute.

Deramas’ remains will be laid at Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park in Quezon City today.