Denise Laurel (left) and her grandmother, stage icon Celia Diaz Laurel (Images: Instagram/@d_laurel, Philippine Daily Inquirer/contributed photo)
Denise Laurel extended her gratitude to the public for their well-wishes and support following the death of her grandmother, stage icon Celia Diaz Laurel.
“To everyone that’s messaged me, sent their love, condolences and prayers, [thank you] so much,” Laurel told followers on Instagram yesterday, July 15.
“Sorry I’ve been m.i.a. (missing in action) It’s been a hectic few days but please know I am extremely grateful… I just haven’t found the words to express myself yet but I appreciate [you] guys so much,” she added.
Celia died at age 93 last July 12 due to complications from a stroke. She was a known Philippine stage veteran and patroness of the arts. She honed her artistic craft under playwright Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, painter Fernando Amorsolo and sculptor Guillermo Tolentino, who all became National Artists.
Other than acting, she also directed, designed sets and costumes for over 70 plays under Repertory Philippines.
Aside from her work in Philippine theater, Celia also dabbled in painting and wrote several books. Her 10th and last book, titled “My Lives Behind the Proscenium,” was launched online last May 29.
“My grandmother was a woman who was beyond amazing like literally a fantastic human being [I] know for sure she went straight up to heaven that [I] feel like my words [won’t] do her justice,” Laurel emphasized.
“[For] now [I] just wanted to stop by and say [thank you],” the doting granddaughter added.
Celia was also the widow of the former senator and Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel. She is survived by her children Suzie, Lynnie, Cocoy, David, Larry and Iwi. /ra
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