Bert de Leon. Image: Instagram/@direkbert
[Updated: Nov. 24, 2021, 9:53 a.m.]
Veteran television director Bert de Leon passed away, his family confirmed today, Nov. 21.
The director’s niece, Jonna, announced de Leon’s death on her Facebook page. Her announcement was accompanied by photos of de Leon, posted by his brother Jun.
“Mahal na mahal kita, tito. Mahal na mahal ka namin dito,” she addressed de Leon. “Ang sakit sobra, napakalungkot ng paglisan mo pero [makakapag-pahinga ka na].” (I love you very much, uncle. We all love you very much here. It hurts so much, your death is so sad, but you can rest now.)
“I’m so sorry that you’ve been through a lot of pain bago ka umalis (before you left). You’ve had a great fight tito,” Jonna added. “Rest in Peace, tito.”
Jonna did not state the cause of the director’s death. Meanwhile, actors Michael V. and Ronnie Henares hosted a fundraiser for de Leon after he had COVID-19 last September. The event was organized by musicians Rodel Gonzales and Joey Benin, as well as the manager of the band Side A, Lito Fugoso. Prior to that, de Leon also suffered a heart attack last July and had to undergo an angioplasty.
Showbiz personalities mourned the death of the director on their social media accounts, including director Joey Reyes, actress Nadia Montenegro, singer Richard Reynoso and actor Kokoy De Santos, among others.
De Leon is the director of the weekend sitcom “Pepito Manaloto” and its prequel series “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento.” He also previously helmed numerous shows on GMA Network, including the noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga” and the gag show “Bubble Gang.” JB
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