Karylle mourns death of dad Modesto Tatlonghari: ‘He was a beloved man’

Karylle was heartbroken as she bid farewell to her father, and her mother Zsa Zsa Padilla’s estranged ex-husband, Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari, who recently died.

The singer-actress announced her father’s death on her Instagram account on Sunday, August 11 while sharing glimpses of his funeral. Karylle didn’t disclose when and how old Dr. Modesto was at his death.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my dad, Papa M, Doc, Dr. ‘M,’ Moy, Tito M… He was a beloved man who lived life fully. Always a presence in a room, while also making sure everyone felt seen and heard. He, too, was always seen and heard with his handsome ‘cute’ face, youthful porma, and booming voice,” she said.

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Karylle described her father as someone who “brightened up people’s days,” while sharing he was “always in for the fun” and was “truly present” in moments of her life. “He was a great guy, always brightening up people’s days. A Baguio boy (and Laguna lad!) at heart and topnotcher at the dental board, he loved basketball and his no-look shot.”

“His philosophy in life was that if your white rubber shoes (or sneakers) weren’t dirty enough, it meant you didn’t play or have enough fun. Fun! He was always in for the fun,” she continued. “High attendance and truly present in school events, Tito M was everyone’s dream dad. I was always lucky coz he was my dad.”

Despite his busy schedule as a doctor, Karylle said she is grateful to her father for watching the Manila run of “Little Shop of Horrors” four times, saying it was their “favorite movie.”

The singer-actress starred as Audrey in the Manila run of the play, which was alternated with Sue Ramirez. It ended its run at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater earlier this month.

“It means so much to me that he saw my play 4 times (four!). ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was our favorite movie and, like him, a happy part of my childhood. It breaks my heart that I couldn’t have spent more time with him lately. But as my best friend, Diane, told me, our last moments together don’t define the lifetime that I’ve loved him. I will always love him and miss him. Thank you Lord for Papa M,” she continued.

Karylle received supportive messages from fellow celebrities and theater actors in the comments, including Lea Salonga, Amy Perez, Mo Twister, Jonalyn Viray, Nikki Valdez, Joanna Ampil, Pops Fernandez, and Carla Abellana.

Karylle is the only child of Tatlonghari and Zsa Zsa Padilla. Her parents split when she was only six. Their annulment was granted in 2011.

Padilla is now in a relationship with architect Conrad Onglao, but prior to that, she was a life partner of Comedy King Dolphy, who died in July 2012.