Stars mourn & pay tribute to PNoy
A wave of tributes followed the passing of former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III on Thursday morning, June 24.
In the statement read by his sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada who was joined by the rest of the sisters — Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Viel Aquino-Dee and Kris Aquino, the only son of democracy icons former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and former President Corazon Aquino “died peacefully in his sleep” from a renal disease secondary to diabetes. He was 61.
As news of his death came as a shock to many, big names from the world of politics and beyond, including the entertainment industry, took to social media to pay their respects to the country’s former leader, also fondly called PNoy.
Dingdong Dantes, who was appointed commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission during the Aquino administration, hailed PNoy “as a champion of youth development.”
The Kapuso actor shared a photo of him with PNoy as part of the Philippine delegation in the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference, where they “presented the Filipinos’ pledge and call for urgent global climate solution as part of the youth-led #NowPH movement.”
“He selflessly dedicated his life to public service, and was a formidable beacon of uprightness and incorruptibility during his administration. But, I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to know him beyond work,” said Dingdong of PNoy who stood as “witness of honor” in his 2014 wedding to Marian Rivera.
“Because behind that seat of power was a simple man, who beams with humility, inspiration and hope for the country. I cannot thank him enough for the trust and confidence that he bestowed on me. And I am truly honored to have served the Filipino youth under his leadership,” he added.
Ogie Alcasid also posted on Instagram a photo of PNoy as a wedding godfather when he married Regine Velasquez in 2010, saying that the occasion was the start of their genuine friendship and many more gatherings that always ended up in singing as PNoy was a huge music lover.
“Kapag nabibisita namin siya ay laging nagpapatugtog ng mga paborito nyang CD. Sa mga nagdaang taon, walang patid ang kumustahan sa text lalo na tuwing may espesyal na okasyon,” he wrote.
Ogie recalled that PNoy was one of those who offered words of comfort when his father Herminio Alcasid Sr. died late last year. “Nitong mga huling araw ay tuloy pa rin ang aming komunikasyon. Labis na labis ang kalungkutan bumabalot sa akin sa iyong pagpanaw sir PNoy. Napakapalad ko sir PNoy na ako ay tinawag mong kaibigan. Pahinga na po kayo Sir. Mahal ka namin.”
Other musicians like Jim Paredes and Noel Cabangon looked back on memories shared with PNoy.
Jim said that PNoy’s presidential inauguration in 2010 was his group APO Hiking Society’s last public performance. “Even though we had already announced our retirement a few weeks before, we acceded to his request,” he said in a tweet.
In a separate tweet, Jim described PNoy’s death as “shattering,” saying, “I give you my fervent, respectful salute for all you have done.”
Noel, on the other hand, said that he was still in shock over PNoy’s passing as he shared on his Facebook page photos of Aquino jamming with him.
“Ayaw kong isipin na wala na kayo. Ilang linggo pa lang ang nakalilipas mula noong kinumusta ko kayo at malugod naman kayong sumagot. Ngunit yon na pala ang huli nating pag-uusap. Paalam mahal na Presidente at mahal na kaibigan,” the veteran singer said.
Meanwhile, former ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos expressed her gratitude to PNoy for his “sacrifices and serving the country.” Same with broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas who not only thanked him for his service to the country, but also their friendship.
“Sad day. Gone too soon. Many presidents have come and gone. But PNOY I knew. Thank you for your friendship. Most of all, gratitude for service to our country. Godspeed. Bon voyage. Be happy in eternity with your parents, your fellow Filipino heroes,” said Korina, who was once in a relationship with PNoy. The TV personality has since married former senator Mar Roxas, who was PNoy’s running-mate in the 2010 presidential elections.
Other personalities previously linked to PNoy, who remained a bachelor until his death — celebrity stylist Liz Uy and news anchor Bernadette Sembrano-Aguinaldo — also offered their deepest condolences. On her Teleradyo program, Bernadette recalled during their time together how simple PNoy was despite his background. “At that time po kasi, congressman pa lang siya noon sa Tarlac. Simpleng-simple lang. Meron siyang isang driver, isang bodyguard pero madalas siya ang nagmamaneho ng sasakyan,” she said.
On Instagram, she wrote, “Grateful that God gave you the opportunity to serve our people, too.”
Vice Ganda, whose show It’s Showtime observed a moment of silence on Thursday, also expressed his grief online.
“Today is a sad day as we are all shocked by the untimely death of former President Noynoy Aquino. I am one with every Filipino as we grieve and mourn his unexpected death. My heartfelt condolences to the Aquino Family. Godspeed PNoy and Rest In Peace,” tweeted the TV host/comedian whose career highlights included scoring an exclusive interview with the former chief executive.
Sharon Cuneta also extended her condolences to the bereaved Aquino family. “May God hold you all tightly in his arms as you go through this difficult time,” she wrote along with a photo urging the public to unite despite having different political colors.
Basketball star James Yap, the former husband of Kris, Noynoy’s youngest sister, also posted on Instagram: “Rest in peace, President Noynoy Aquino. Thank you for being nice to me. You will be missed.”
Also among the showbiz celebs who paid tribute were Angel Locsin, Liza Soberano and Bianca Gonzalez who thanked the former president for his “love and service to the country.”
According to Kris, PNoy’s remains were cremated Thursday night and would be laid to rest today beside their parents at the Manila Memorial Park.
“Mission accomplished ka, Noy. Be happy now with Dad and Mom. We love you and we are so blessed to have had the privilege to have had you as our brother. We will miss you forever, Noy,” the family ended their statement.
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