Jaclyn Jose
Celebrities’ tributes began to pour in for Jaclyn Jose, most of them co-stars of the award-winning actress who praised her professionalism and kindheartedness.
Jose’s death was confirmed by her management label, PPL Entertainment after her body was discovered inside her home in Quezon City on Sunday, March 3, but some sources who requested not to be named said the showbiz veteran could have been dead since Saturday, March 2.
Her death led to an outpouring of tributes from fellow celebrities and filmmakers on social media, where many note her as a “true icon” in the Philippine entertainment industry.
Actor-TV and film producer Jo Macasa took to her Facebook page to share her final conversation with Jose, whose real name is Mary Jane Guck, who was supposed to go on a girls’ night out with her to catch a Hollywood movie in theaters.
“We had a good talk last Thursday and I was supposed to see you last night. I waited at the Cinema but you never came. And never will you return. Because the day that I was going to see you was the same day I lost you,” she said on Facebook Sunday.
“I will miss you so much, Tita Jane. Forever and ever my best actress, best ally, and best friend,” she added.
Meanwhile, on her Instagram, Dimples Romana thanked the screen veteran for all the “laughter and lessons” she learned from her when she was starting in showbiz.
“Lost another true icon. Tita Jane, I remember all the laughter and lessons you generously taught me as a young actor back when we were shooting ‘Minsan May Isang Puso’ in 2001 and for our ‘May Minamahal’ remake,” she wrote. “Mahal kita at laging yayakap ng mahigpit. You will never be forgotten.”
Kylie Padilla, who was with Jose in the series “Bolera,” shared a behind-the-scenes photo of herself wrapped affectionately in Jose’s arms, with the caption: “You will be missed.”
Kapuso hunk Alden Richards, who worked with Jose in the local adaptation of the Korean drama “Start-Up,” and also in the 2013 teleserye, “Mundo Mo’y Akin,” also grieved the actress’ passing.
“My heart aches like a son who lost his mom. You will be with me always. I love you my Tita Jane,” he said in the caption.
Meanwhile, Cedrick Juan said he remembered working with Jose in 2014 with fellow screen veteran Bembol Roco in an episode of “Wish Ko Lang,” as seen on his Instagram Story.
“Ito ata ‘yung pinakamalapit na pagkakataon na nakatrabaho kita Ms. Jaclyn Jose. 2014 pa ito. Maraming salamat po sa talento, kontribusyon, at pagiging ikaw para sa mundo ng pag-arte. Rest in paradise, Tita Jaclyn,” he wrote.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@cedrickgjuan
Gladys Reyes, meanwhile, said on Instagram that Jose’s death came as a shock to her, saying they’ve been through a lot together throughout their careers. She said Jose’s death is a loss to the entertainment industry as a whole.
“Salamat sa mga tips, pag-alaga mo sakin na parang ate kita talaga. Nabawasan na naman ng isang magaling at de-kalibreng aktor ang industriya. Mamimiss namin ang nag-iisang Jacklyn Jose,” she wrote.
Entertainment publicist Noel Ferrer vouched for Jose’s good character on his Intagram, as he noted her good relationship with Ricky Lee, Chito Roño, and Chanda Romero, who was in a number of projects with Jose.
“My favorite movies of yours are: ‘Itanong Mo sa Buwan,’ ‘Private Show,’ ‘Misis Mo Misis Ko,’ ‘Macho Dancer,’ ‘Hati Tayo Sa Magdamag,’ ‘Minsan May Isang Puso,’ ‘Mulanay,’ ‘May Nagmamahal Sa Yo,’ ‘Masahista,’ and Patay Na Si Hesus,’” he added.
Meanwhile, Jose’s children, particularly former actress Andi Eigenmann has yet to issue a statement on the death of her mother.