Celebrities attend wake of Ronaldo Valdez
Cast of ‘2 Good 2 Be True’ at Ronaldo Valdez’s wake. Combined images from Jamela Santos
Celebrities continue to mourn the tragic death of veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez as they show up on the first night of his wake at the Loyola Memorial Chapels in Guadalupe, Makati City.
No details regarding the date and place of the inurnment have been disclosed, and if the wake would be open to the public.
The cast members of Valdez’s last project, “2 Good, 2 Be True,” Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Alyssa Muhlach, Bianca de Vera, Gelli de Belen, and director Mae Cruz-Alviar, among others, attended the first night of the funeral, as seen in an Instagram post of the actor’s talent manager, Jamela Santos.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Holding on to these people closest to Pepe’s ❤️ while I still can,” she wrote.
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Among those seen at the wake were actors Gelli de Belen and Andrew Gan.
On Dec. 17, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced the death of the renowned actor at the age of 77, while his son Janno Gibs confirmed his father’s passing the following day via an Instagram post.
Aside from the wake, the German Moreno Walk of Fame Foundation paid tribute to the veteran actor. “In loving memory of a legendary icon that will be forever in our screens and hearts, Mr. Ronaldo Valdez. Thank you for the decades of cinematic magic,” they wrote.
Given Valdez’s notable contribution to Philippine cinema and television, the sympathies and sadness of the members of the local entertainment industry are consistently pouring in, as they all penned a heartwarming message to the late actor.
Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos extended her condolences to Valdez’s family through Instagram. “Our condolences and prayers. You will be missed. Rest In Peace, my friend!” she said on December 18.
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Actress-politician Aiko Melendez recalled her movie with Valdez in the 1993 film “May Minamahal,” where they played father and daughter.
“Tito Ronaldo Rest in Peace. Your memories will live on and on… This picture was taken during the filming of one of our iconic movie together “May Minamahal.” He played my father. I’m blessed to experience his generosity as an actor and a friend. You will be missed,” said Melendez.
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Veteran actress Chanda Romero likewise said she will miss her one of her favorite leading men.
“Ron, one of my favorite leading men, is a real treasure in the Philippine movie industry. He is a perfect gentleman with a sweet and happy disposition and a wicked wit. Rest well, my dear friend. You will be missed. Sorely missed,” wrote the award-winning actress.
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Rosanna Roces, who was Valdez’s co-star in the TV series “Los Bastardos,” also mourned his death. “Tito Ron (crying emojis) Rest in peace. Salamat sa magagandang Alaala,” she said on Instagram.
The national film agency, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), also paid tribute to the legendary actor.
“Lubos na nakikiramay ang Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) sa pamilya at mahal sa buhay ni Mr. Ronaldo Valdez, Beteranong Aktor. (1947–2023) Ang iyong kontribusyon sa industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay mananatili nakatatak sa aming puso,” they wrote.
