Colleagues pay tribute to Isabel Granada

Isabel Granada and ex-husband Geryk Genasky Aguas in “Xenoa.” Photo courtesy of Sean Lim

Some colleagues of singer-actress Isabel Granada expressed sadness over her passing on Saturday night. Granada, who had been in a coma for the past week after suffering an aneurysm, died at a hospital in Qatar. She was only 41.

Filmmaker Lav Diaz, who directed Granada in the 1999 film “Hubad sa Ilalim ng Buwan,” told the Inquirer: “She gave a memorable performance in that movie. She was humble and simple.”

Diaz’s kind words were echoed by other directors — veterans and newcomers alike.

Carlos Siguion-Reyna, who guided Granada in her award-winning performance in “Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin,” recalled: “At a very young age, she was such a pro. She truly enjoyed performing and it came across so easily.”

Granada won a Famas best supporting actress trophy for “Ligaya” in 1998.

Sweet, gentle girl

Lore Reyes, who directed her in “Isang Araw, Walang Diyos” (1989) and “Shake, Rattle & Roll 2” (1990),” described her as a “sweet, gentle girl.”

Young director Sean Lim, who had worked with Granada in the sci-fi flicks “Xenoa” (2007) and “Xenoa 2” (2008), related that they felt an instant bond during their first meeting.

Isabel Granada (third from left) with director Sean Lim (left) and the cast of “Xenoa,” led by Paolo Ballesteros (third from right). Photo courtesy of Sean Lim

“We were planning to work on another project this year. I can’t stop crying. She was a very good friend,” he said.

Indie director Borgy Torre collaborated with Granada in one of her last screen appearances, “Tisay,”an entry in last year’s Cinema One Originals film festival.

“We only worked on two scenes, but I quickly got starstruck,” Torre recounted. According to him, she delivered a strong performance, exactly as he had envisioned it in the script.

Isabel Granada. Photo by Sean Lim

Sen. Tito Sotto portrayed Granada’s father in the old IBC 13 sitcom “Hapi House” in 1987.

“My wife Helen (Gamboa) and I are grieving,” Sotto told the Inquirer. “She was like a daughter to me. Years later, Helen and I would still call her Bimbim, the name of her character in the show.”

Singer-actress Lea Salonga, who was Granada’s fellow alumna in the 1980s youth show, said she was “level-headed and sweet.”

The actress’ remains are expected to arrive in Manila on Thursday.