Filipinos mourned the deaths of several local celebrities, who have touched the hearts of their legions of fans and supporters.
Philstar.com / Anj Andaya
MANILA, Philippines — They were the icons and legends of Philippine showbiz. Some were trailblazers in their fields, while a few were promising yet gone too soon.
Filipinos mourned the deaths of several local celebrities, who have touched the hearts of their legions of fans and supporters.
Gloria Romero
Movie and TV icon Gloria Romero died peacefully on January 25. She was 91.
Her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, confirmed her death to ABS-CBN News.
"In this time of loss, our family deeply appreciates the support, prayers, sympathy, all the lovely messages and heartfelt condolences that we've received. She will surely be missed dearly," Gutierrez said on social media.
Romero starred in several movies spanning seven decades since the 1960s. These include "Tanging Yaman," "Magnifico," and "Rainbow's Sunset."
Margarita Fores
The death of celebrated chef Margarita Fores shocked the culinary world. Fores died on February 11 in Hong Kong.
Known affectionately as "Gaita," Forés through her restaurants such as Lusso Manila, transformed and elevated the Philippine culinary landscape to the world stage.
She was known for her innovative fusion of Italian and Filipino cuisines, starting her journey in 1986 when she traveled to Italy for intensive culinary training, studying under renowned chefs in Florence, Rome and Milan.
In 1997, she founded the successful restaurant chain CIBO, which introduced authentic Italian cuisine to Filipino diners. Her culinary empire expanded to include Grace Park, Lusso, Alta, and numerous other establishments.
Forés also receivd the Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) in 2018.
In 2019, she named Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism in 2019 by the United Nations.
Matutina
Matutina was among the country's beloved comedian, who is best known as part of the show "John En Marsha," starring Dolphy and Nida Blanca.
Born Evelyn Bontogon-Guerrero, Matutina has passed away on February 14. She was 78.
Matutina's daughter, Shiela Guerrero, confirmed the passing of her mother to GMA News.
According to Shiela, Matutina's certificate identified Acute Respiratory Failure due to Volume Fluid Overload as her immediate cause of death.
She also had Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease due to Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis.
Delia Razon
Delia Razon was among the beautiful faces that graced Philippine TV, a trait she passed on to her granddaughter, actress Carla Abellana.
The LVN star died on March 15 at the age of 94.
Born Lucy May Gertz on August 8, 1930, Delia was discovered by LVN Pictures’ matriarch, Dona Narcisa de Leon.
Pilita Corrales
Another legendary beauty, Asia's Queen of Song Pilita Corrales, passed on last summer.
Pilita, known for her signature backbending while singing, died on April 12 at the age of 87.
Pilita Garrido Corrales was born on August 22, 1939 to parents Jose Corrales and Maria Garrido in Lahug, Cebu City.
The young Pilita grew up in a conservative and affluent home. She was sent to study in a finishing school in Spain as it was the custom of well-off Spanish families.
Nora Aunor
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor's death was mourned by her fans, who trooped to the Heritage Park in Taguig even on a Holy Week.
Nora died on April 16. She was 71.
Her son, actor Ian de Leon, confirmed his mother's passing on his personal Facebook page.
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953 in Iriga, Camarines Sur, Nora was conferred the National Artist title in 2022.
Fondly called "Superstar" by her fans, Nora's career spanned decades, with appearances in radio, television and film. From a simple lass from Iriga, Nora rose to fame through her winning the grand champion title in the 1960s show "Tawag ng Tanghalan."
Nora achieved fame not just in singing but also acting. Her phenomenal rise to stardom made her an acting thespian who eventually appeared in dozens of films, including "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyon," "Bona," "The Flor Contemplacion Story," and "Himala."
"Himala" won the Viewer's Choice Award for Best Film of All Time from the Asia-Pacific Region in the 2008 CNN Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
Nora was once married to her "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" leading man Christopher de Leon. Their marriage was annulled in 1996. They have a biological son, Ian, and four adopted children, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth.
Hajji Alejandro
Original Pilipino Music (OPM) veteran singer Hajji Alejandro passed away on April 21 at the age of 70.
Known as the "Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala," Hajji died due to complications of Stage 4 colon cancer.
He left behind children, including stage and TV actress Rachel Alejandro.
Jiggly Caliente
Jiggly Caliente was one of the beloved Filipino drag artists until the day she passed away on April 27 in New York, United States.
Born Bianca Castro-Arabejo on November 29, 1980, Jiggly became known for her drag performances. She joined the 2011 edition of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and returned as part of its all-star edition in 2021.
The following year in 2022, she became the resident judge of “Drag Race Philippines.”
Cocoy Laurel
Cocoy Laurel comes from the esteemed Laurel family.
The stage and film actor died on June 14 at the age of 72.
Cocoy was born on March 2, 1953 to Celia Diaz Laurel and former Vice President Salvador "Doy" Laurel.
Cocoy was officially discovered when he joined a contest sponsored by Paramount Pictures in the search for the Romeo and Juliet of the Philippines.
He appeared in films, notably with the late National Artist for Film, Nora Aunor. Together, they appeared in the films “Lollipops and Roses,” “Lollipops and Roses at Burong Talangka,” and “Impossible Dream.”
Cocoy studied at prestigious conservatory schools like the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) and Juilliard School in New York and The Facultad de Bellas Artes in Madrid. On stage, he played the Engineer for the Australian production of "Miss Saigon."
Ricky Davao
Film and TV actor-director Ricky Davao succumbed to cancer at the age of 63 on May 1.
Ricky starred in over a hundred movies, including "Oki Doki Doc: The Movie," "Ang Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya," "Bayaning 3rd World," and "Hibla," to name a few.
He also won several Best Actor trophies for the 1998 movie "Saranggola" in Gawad Urian, Cinemanila Internatilnal Film Festival, and Star Awards for Movies.
Ricky's legacy lives on with his last works schedulded for released after his passing. These include his appearance in the ongoing fantasy show "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre" and his last film "58th," an animated film on the Maguindanao Massacre, which will be shown at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands in 2026.
Amay Bisaya
Veteran actor Amay Bisaya passed away due to complications from diabetes on May 8. He was 67.
Born Roberto Reyes, Amay Bisaya is known for his character roles in the 1990s.
His film credits include "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (2011), "Tondo: Libingan ng mga Siga" (1992), and "Pepeng Kuryente" (1988).
Freddie Aguilar
Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Freddie Aguilar left an indelible mark on Pinoy rock.
The "Anak" hitmaker died due to multiple organ failure on May 27. He was 72.
Aguilar is best known as the composer and folk singer behind hits such as “Anak,” “Magdalena,” "Estudyante Blues," "Ipaglalaban Ko” and "Pasko ang Damdamin.”
He was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte as Presidential Adviser on Culture and the Arts in 2018.
Red Sternberg
Beloved for his sunny personality in the '90s youth-oriented show "TGIS," Red Sternberg's death shocked a generation of fans and his fellow co-stars.
The actor died on May 27, three days before he would have turned 51.
Red was born Rodwick Sternberg on May 30, 1974. He became part of the hugely popular "TGIS" show and went on to star in several films associated with the popular youth-oriented show.
Lolit Solis
Veteran columnist and talent manager Lolit Solis died on July 3 at the age of 78.
Solis started as a reporter in the 1970s covering the police beat. She later crossed over to entertainment reporting at The Philippine STAR and Pilipino STAR Ngayon.
In 2022, Solis underwent a dialysis after being hospitalized.
She became a household name as a host in showbiz talk show "Startalk," which aired on GMA Network from 1995 to 2015.
Fritz Ynfante
Veteran theater and film director Fritz Ynfante passed away on July 21. He was 84.
Ynfante is known for directing the late night show "Penthouse Live," hosted by ex-couple Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez. It was aired in the 1980s and lasted for 13 years on GMA-7.
Bayani Casimiro Jr.
Comedian and “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!” star Bayani Casimiro Jr. has passed away due to cardiac arrest on July 25 at the age of 57.
The comedian was born Arnulfo “Jude” Casimiro and was the son and namesake of Bayani Casimiro, a vaudeville star and tap dancer who later transitioned to comedy.
The elder Casimiro portrayed Vicente "Edad" Kabisote Sr., the father of Vic Sotto’s character Vicente "Enteng" Kabisote Jr., in the "Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!" franchise. He played the role on television until his death in 1989, just two years into the original show's run.
The younger Casimiro later joined the franchise as Prinsipe ng Kahilingan or "Prinsipe K," honoring his father by briefly tap dancing each time he entered and exited.
Mike De Leon
Renowned filmmaker Mike De Leon, known for his thought-provoking and socially relevant films, died on August 28. He was 78.
De Leon was born on March 24, 1947 in Manila. He is the grandson of LVN Studios matriarch Narcisa “Sisa” de Leon. He went to Ateneo de Manila University for his bachelor’s degree before going to the University of Heidelberg in Germany.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines awarded De Leon the Centennial Honors for the Arts.
Lollie Mara
Lollie Mara passed away on October 19. She was 86.
Born Gloria Mara, the actress is known for playing character roles on TV and films. Her film credits include “Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching,” “Stella Magtanggol,” "Be Careful With My Heart," and “Praybeyt Benjamin.”
In 2016, she tied with Elizabeth Oropesa for Best Supporting Actress in the Cinemalaya movie “Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching.”
Apart from acting, Mara also entered public service during the time of former President Fidel V. Ramos as head of Radio Television Malacanang.
Lollie was the sister of the late entertainment editor Manny Pichel and mother to actor Lorenzo Mara.
Emman Atienza
Television presenter Kim Atienza and his wife Felicia Hung-Atienza grieved the loss of their daughter, Emman, who died on October 22 at 19 years old.
Emman was studying in Los Angeles, United States at the time of her passing. Atienza revealed in an interview that his daughter was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder.
Emman was a content creator and mental health advocate.
"She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her," said Felicia. "Emman had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and she wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone."
Patrick Dela Rosa
Actor Patrick Dela Rosa died on October 27 in California, United States.
Patrick was a known actor in the 1980s and 1990s portraying villain roles in different action movies.
Some of his notable movies are "Kristo", "Suspek", Ping Lacson: Super Cop" and "Ex-Con" to name a few.
After his showbiz and political career, Patrick and his family migrated to California, in the United States, where he became a businessman.
Davey Langit
Singer-songwriter Davey Ryan Edward Langit died on October 31 at the age of 38.
Davey was diagnosed with rare spinal infection last August, affecting his back and function of his legs.
Davey rose to fame in the first season of "Pinoy Dream Academy" in 2026, along with eventual winner Yeng Constantino.
Apart from singing covers, Davey eventually wrote songs and released his own singles.
Rosa Rosal
Veteran actress and celebrated humanitarian Rosa Rosal died on November 15. She was 97 years old.
Rosal — born Florence Lansang Danon — debuted during the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, appearing in classic films like "Anak Dalita," "Badjao" and "Biyaya ng Lupa."
Later movies include "Sakada" and "Esperanza: The Movie" having appeared in the original series from 1998.
She also starred in television shows, such as "Saan Ka Man Naroroon," "Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw," "Narito Ang Puso Ko," and "Vietnam Rose," and hosted "Damayan" and "Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko."
In her later years, Rosal was active with the Philippine Red Cross, serving on its board of governors.
Dido dela Paz
Veteran actor Dido de la Paz has passed away at the age of 69 on November 22.
The cause of his death was not disclosed by his family. In 2022, the character actor opened up about his battle with cancer.
Dido's career started in 1976 as a theater actor.
His first TV exposure was in "Kahapon Lamang," starring Eddie Ilarde on 1978.
He won as Best Supporting Actor in Cinemalaya Film Festival 2017 for the film "Respeto," starring rapper Abra.
Dido also was part of the movies "Oda Sa Wala," "Birdshot," "Serbis," "Sukob," to name a few.
Bing Davao
Actor Bing Davao died in the same year as his brother, actor Ricky Davao. Bing died due to cardiac arrest on December 20. He was 65.
Born Charles Vincent Davao Jr., Bing is one of the children of the late actor Charlie Davao.
Bing appeared in several films in the 1990s and eventually starred in TV shows, some of which were episodes in the drama anthologies “Magpakailanman” and “Maalaala Mo Kaya”, and TV shows such as “Darna”, “Victor Magtanggol” and “Ang Probinsyano.”
Kuhol
Veteran comedian Kuhol, Doughlas Arthur Supnet in real life, died on December 22. He was 66.
According to reports, Kuhol died because of high-risk pneumonia and complications of hypothyroidism.
Kuhol rose to fame as a sidekick of Mr. Shooli, played by Jun Urbano in the TV show "Mongolian Barbeque" in the 1980s.
His movies were “Juan Tamad at Mr. Shooli: Mongolian Barbecue” (1991), “Juan & Ted: Wanted” (2000), “Matalino Man Ang Matsing Naiisahan Din” (2000), “Daddy O, Baby O” (2000), and “Walang Iwanan… Peksman!” (2002).
April Boy Jimmy
Singer Jimmy Regino, a member of the April Boys with two of his brothers, passed away as confirmed by his brother Vingo on December 27.
Jimmy and Vingo formed April Boys in 1993 but the former departed the group two years later to pursue a solo career.
Jimmy and Vingo carried on as a duo until 2004 before disbanding, then reunited with April Boy in 2020 before his passing.
In 2023, Jimmy and Vingo briefly joined April Boy's son JC, who also became a part of the group, to release new music.
Apart from "Ganyan Talaga Ang Pag-Ibig," the April Boys are known for the songs "Honey My Love (So Sweet)," "Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Mamahalin," "Sana Ay Mahalin Mo Rin Ako," "Tunay Na Pag-Ibig" and "Pag-Ibig Kong Litong-Lito."