Jhong Hilario grieves the loss of his dog, Paris. Screenshot from Jhong Hilario’s Instagram page
“It’s Showtime” host Jhong Hilario took to social media to announce the death of his dog of 15 years, Paris, as he expressed his love and gratitude for his fur baby in an emotional message.
In his Instagram post on Wednesday, July 12, the actor-dancer honored Paris’ loyalty to him and his family, uploading pictures of them cuddling, and writing a heartfelt dedication to his late pet dog.
“Maraming salamat sa pagmamahal at pagsama sa’min nang 15 years, Paris (Thank you very much for loving us and being with us for 15 years, Paris),” said Hilario who acknowledged that his fur baby is no longer in a difficult situation.
“No more pain… We will miss you my baby… Run free… I love you so much… #ParistheAspin,” Hilario wrote as he capped off his post.
Equally devastated by the loss is Hilario’s longtime partner, Maia Azores, who also penned a touching letter to her “sweet Ate Paris” on Instagram. She also uploaded multiple snaps of Paris including a photo of her, holding her daughter Sarina, and Paris on the couch.
In the letter she posted, Azores told Paris that their fur baby has never let her down in the 12 years that they’ve spent together until “you had to say goodbye.”
“My sweet Ate Paris.. [broken heart emoji] You have never failed me all these years until yesterday, when you had to say goodbye. [broken heart emoji],” wrote Azores who expressed her appreciation for everything Paris had done for her and her family.
“Thank you for 12 wonderful years with you. You have been with us through so many moments in our lives.. Thank you for all the days [when] it was just the two of us [at] home alone. You kept me company and slept beside me,” she told Paris.
Azores recalled almost losing Paris “to a ruptured spleen” in 2021, when the couple was about to welcome their daughter.
“[Two] years ago, when we almost lost you to a ruptured spleen, I begged you to stay. I was 2 weeks away from giving birth and I just couldn’t imagine going through this new chapter in our lives without you beside us,” she expressed, adding how Sarina will surely miss her “Ate” or older sister.
“Thank you for being the most accepting, loving, understanding and most patient ‘Ate’ to Sarina. She will surely miss having an Ate to make kulit (annoy) [emojis],” wrote Azores who wished for Paris to “have all the steak you want and a lot of sunshine up there!”
“No one can ever replace you in our hearts.. You will be missed sorely. We love you so much,” said Azores, who, like Hilario, did not disclose any reason for their dog’s death.
Pictures of Paris seemingly looking after a baby Sarina were also uploaded in the two-year-old’s Instagram post. “My one and only Ate Paris.. Thank you for always looking out for me and giving me the chance to spend time with you. I will miss you so much. [emojis],” read the caption of Sarina’s post.
Friends from the entertainment industry sent their sympathies and love to the grieving family, including “Magandang Buhay” hosts Jolina Magdangal and Melai Cantiveros, as well as Hilario’s “It’s Showtime” co-hosts Ogie Alcasid, Vhong Navarro, and Karylle.
Screenshots from Jhong Hilario’s Instagram page
Echoing Hilario’s message, actress Bela Padilla, in the comments section, wrote, “Run free, Paris [heart emoji] say hi to Sputnik at the rainbow bridge for me [teary-eyed face emoji],” referring to her pet cat of 14 years who died last month.
Screenshot from Jhong Hilario’s Instagram page
Weeks before the pilot episode of “It’s Showtime” on GTV, Hilario earned a degree in Political Science — with magna cum laude distinction — from Arellano University. EDV