MANILA, Philippines — Apart from a year full of breakups, the Philippines saw some beloved individuals pass on in 2024.
Filipinos mourned the deaths of several local celebrities, who have touched the hearts of their legions of fans and supporters.
Jaclyn Jose
Several media outlets reported the passing of Cannes-winning actress Jaclyn Jose in the late hours of March 2.
Jose's talent agency, PPL Entertainment Inc., released a statement shortly after the news broke out.
"It saddens us to inform everyone of the untimely passing of Miss Jaclyn Jose (real name Mary Jane Guck). More details will be shared as soon as they are available.
"The Guck and Eigenmann families are requesting for everyone to please pray for the eternal repose of Miss Jaclyn Jose and for them to be allowed the respect and privacy to mourn her passing, and navigate these difficult times," the statement ended.
Carlo J. Caparas
Comic strip writer and director Carlo J. Caparas died on May 25, 2024 at the age of 80.
His daughter, Peach Caparas, confirmed her father's demise and wrote an ode to the director on Facebook.
Titled "Sa Bawat Tipa ng Makinilya," Caparas' daughter looked back on her father's achievements as a writer who had created some of the most memorable characters on comic strips and films.
"Sa kanyang taglay na brilyo mga obra maestrang nobela kanyang nabuo. 'Panday', 'Pieta', 'Elias Paniki', 'Bakekang', 'Totoy Bato' ang ilan lamang sa mga ito," the younger Caparas wrote.
"'Pack up na Direk.' Oras na ng uwian. Hayaang kasaysayan ang humusga sa iyong mga obra. Salamat Direk Carlo J. sa mga dibuho at istorya. Mga istoryang nabuo sa bawat tipa ng iyong makinilya…" she added.
Chino Trinidad
Veteran sports reporter and broadcaster Chino Trinidad passed away on July 13, 2024, his daughter confirmed. He was 56.
Trinidad’s daughter Floresse confirmed the sports analyst’s death to GMA News Online.
Trinidad was a fixture in sports, with his iconic voice traversing the airwaves the past years.
Lily Monteverde
Regal Entertainment matriarch Lily Monteverde has passed away days after her husband, Remy, died last August 4, 2024. She was 85.
Her son, University of the Philippines men's basketball coach Goldwin Monteverde, confirmed her passing to GMA News Online via text message.
Monteverde's husband, Leonardo "Remy" Monteverde, died on July 29 due to pneumonia. He was 86.
Monteverde, lovingly called by showbiz insiders and fans as Mother Lily, was known as the producer of some of the biggest film franchises in the Philippines. These include the movie franchises for the Filipino-Chinese family drama "Mano Po" and the horror series "Shake, Rattle & Roll."
Deo Endrinal
ABS-CBN's Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal died on February 3, 2024. He was 60.
His son, PJ, confirmed his passing in a social media post.
"This has to be the hardest caption that I will ever post. Thank you daddy for everything, you have been the best father not just to me but to everyone that has known you. We will always remember how fortunate we are that you were in our lives," PJ wrote in his Instagram post.
"This will definitely be a hole in my heart and will leave a scar; but I know that you’re finally free from pain and now happily dancing in heaven cause you’ll definitely be the life of the party up there," he added.
Tikoy Aguiluz
Renowned filmmaker Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz VI passed away at the age of 72 on February 18, 2024.
The Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI) announced the passing of Aguiluz in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Our hearts are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our esteemed peer, Direk Tikoy, founder of the Cinemanila International Film Festival and direcrtor of Boatman, Manila Kingpin and Segurista," DGPI announced.
"Direk Tikoy is a visionary, a maverick and a true champion of Philippine Cinema. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace," it added.
Mercy Sunot
Aegis vocalist Mercy Sunot passed away following a battle with cancer last November 18, 2024. She was 48.
The news about Mercy's passing was announced by the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) band in a Facebook post on November 18.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Mercy, one of the beloved vocalists of Aegis Band. She bravely fought her battle with cancer but has now found peace and rest," the band wrote.
"Mercy’s voice wasn’t just a part of Aegis—it was a voice that brought comfort, joy, and strength to so many. She has touched countless lives, inspiring fans and lifting spirits with every song she sang. Her passion, warmth, and unforgettable presence on stage will forever be cherished in our hearts," it added.
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