MANILA, Philippines — “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta wrote a very emotional tribute for one of her best friends, “a most important part” of her life, godmother of her daughter Simone, and “true screen partner” Cherie Gil.
According to Cuneta, she flew to New York early yesterday, hoping that Cherie could still make it.
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“I flew to New York early yesterday with a heavy heart, still forcing it to hang on to that sliver of hope of God performing a miracle & allowing you to pull through this,” she said on Instagram early today.
She recalled how they became best friends ever since they starred in 1985 cult movie “Bituing Walang Ningning,” which paved way for them to pair up in another hit maker the following year, “Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas.”
Although Cherie was her antagonist in those movies, with their scene marked by Cherie’s “You’re nothing but a second rate, trying hard copycat” as among the most memorable in Philippine cinema, the two’s relationship was far from negative in real life. Even through different movies and with different partners in real and reel life, the two were each other's constants.
“I am eternally grateful to Him for giving us the few hours we spent together… the love & words yet again exchanged in person… the knowledge that the friendship forged when we were very young was stronger & would only keep getting so…”
Related: WATCH: Sharon Cuneta, Cherie Gil reenact 'Bituing Walang Ningning' 'copycat' scene
Sharon hinted that Cherie has been prepared to see Lord, as she even grew a “tree to heaven” that she wanted the Megastar to see.
“You told me about your tree to heaven outside of your apartment window which I didn’t get to see.”
Sharon cannot believe that Cherie already died since hours before she left, she was even strong enough to give her two thumbs up.
“We said ‘I love you’ & I said I’d see you again today… & you raised both arms and gave me the thumbs up with both hands. Then barely eleven hours after I left you, I was awakened by his call saying you had passed… I leave New York now with a much heavier heart than ever before… because now I am leaving YOU with the knowledge that I will NEVER see you again… I cannot process it. It seems so unfair.”
Sharon mourns not only Cherie’s passing, but also because Philippine cinema has lost another legend.