Tears flow for young actor

"Baby ko, you have done so well. You have exceeded my worldly standards. I’m so very proud of you," actress and radio commentator Ali Sotto said in her eulogy, while trying to hold back tears as she said goodbye to her son, Miko, yesterday morning.

But tears flowed freely from the estimated 300 people — family, friends, and fans – who paid their last respects to the young actor at a chapel of the Sanctuario de San Antonio Church in Forbes Park, Makati City.

Ali, who is estranged from Miko’s father, Maru, asked people not to forget her son and his "gift of laughter."

She also said that the family has "taken so much comfort" from the outpouring of love and support from those who condoled with them.

Ali recalled that on their last TV guesting just two weeks ago, her son promised to take care of her.

Miko was the younger of the two sons of Ali and Maru Sotto, the brother of Sen. Vicente "Tito" Sotto and comedians, Vic and Val Sotto.

Ali had just arrived from a three-year stay in Mexico with her diplomat husband and resumed her radio show on dzBB when a freak accident claimed the life of her son.

Miko, whose full name was Marcelino Antonio Sotto III, died in a fall from the ninth floor of a Mandaluyong City condominium last Dec. 29. He was 21.

The Mandaluyong police had ruled out foul play in the incident.

Miko’s remain lay in state for a week at the Capilla del Señor and Capilla de la Virgen at the Sanctuario de San Antonio Church.

Miko’s relatives and friends from showbusiness wore white as they bid him farewell. Some, like his uncles, had black armbands.

His fans flocked to the chapel, hoping to get a final glimpse of the actor.

Tasing, a 34-year-old housemaid, told The STAR she asked permission from her Korean employer to attend the funeral mass for the actor at the chapel.

She said she never failed to catch Miko on Click, GMA 7’s youth-oriented weekly show. The actor was among the show’s original cast members.

She said she wanted to see Miko’s remains, but was not sure if fans were allowed inside the chapel.

A busload of members of the D’Original Fans Club of Miko Sotto also went to the Makati church.