Image: Instagram/@itsmecharleneg
Beauty queen Charlene Gonzalez paid tribute to her stepfather, Pepito Vera-Perez, on Friday.
The 1994 Binibining Pilipinas Universe turned actress fondly remembered her stepfather on Instagram. Vera-Perez, who is a member of the family that founded Sampaguita Pictures, died on May 23 at age 74.
Calling Vera-Perez “Uncle Pete,” Gonzalez said that he was more than a stepfather to her. She said: “He was the father figure in my life and a great inspiration.”
“I will always be truly grateful to the Vera Perez family..,” she expressed. “One of the families I knew growing up & continues to have a great influence in my life.”
She also thanked him for helping her mom, Elvira Gonzalez, guide her, loving her and her brother Richard Bonnin through the years.
Gonzalez also recalled the time Vera-Perez suffered a stroke eight years ago. “It still hurts today, to physically lose him forever in our lives,” she said.
“Thank you for being a father to me & my brother!” she expressed her gratitude. “You will forever be in our hearts.. We love you very very very much!”
Vera-Perez’s remains lie at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City. He is set to be cremated today, the Philippine Entertainment Portal reported. /ra
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