Bobby Garcia honored by Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, and colleagues. Images: Instagram/@msleasalonga, @dollydeleon
The death of theater director and producer Bobby Garcia was met with messages of love and honor from his colleagues, with many thanking him for molding them into the best version of themselves throughout his career.
Garcia, 55, was confirmed dead by his family through his friend, Boy Abunda, on the December 18 broadcast of the latter’s afternoon program “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” No cause of death was revealed.
On her Instagram account, Lea Salonga shared a photo of herself with Garcia, which she captioned with a heart emoji. A close friend of the theater director-producer, they recently worked together in the silent play “Request Sa Radyo” which had Dolly de Leon as her alternate lead.
Salonga’s post earned tributes from Martin Nievera and Pinky Amador in the comments.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@msleasalonga
Meanwhile, de Leon shared a photo of the theater director-producer on what seemed to be a car ride in the city on her Instagram page.
“We will always have nyc. I love you,” she wrote.
The actress’ post also received comments from broadcast journalist Karen Davila and theater actress Kakki Teodoro.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@dollyedeleon
Describing Garcia as the “consummate theater man,” the social media platforms of “Request Sa Radyo” celebrated Garcia’s legacy and his dedication to uplifting Filipino talent.
“His heart belonged to the craft and his soul beckoned on the magic the theatrical arts bring. In Bobby, we found a formidable champion of Filipino artistry, always pushing the dream of creating world-class theater that exalt Filipino talent,” it said.
“We honor his legacy by continuing to realize our shared vision of celebrating our culture through world-class performances. This is how Bobby would’ve wanted it,” it continued.
Carla Guevera Laforteza recalled on her Facebook page that despite how Garcia “pushed [her] to [her] limits” and “drove [her] crazy,” he had always believed in her.
“Ours was a complicated one. You pushed me to my limits, made me cry, made me frustrated, and boy oh boy, did you drive me crazy. But most of all, you loved me, believed in me, and made sure I was prepared for every role you gave me,” she wrote. “Thank you for everything Direk. Have [a] great time up there with Tita Liza, Raymund, and Cherie! Love and Light. Your Carlitta.”
Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman and CEO Joey Reyes paid tribute to Garcia in a brief message on his Facebook page.
“A great loss for Philippine theater. Take your bow, Bobby, for a life well lived,” he wrote.
Vina Morales took to her Facebook page on Thursday, December 19, to express her heartbreak over Garcia’s death, saying the latter was “among the first” to introduce her to the theater.
“You gave me the opportunity to play Sherrie in Rock of Ages and made me fulfill a lifelong dream of performing on Broadway New York with ‘Here Lies Love.’ It was a dream come true,” she said. “I am so blessed to have known you, not just as my director but as a dear friend. You were such a brilliant artist and an even more incredible person. I love you, Direk. Rest in peace.”
Theater actor Reb Atadero looked back at a past interaction with Garcia on Facebook while sharing that the director-producer launched “many careers” in the industry due to his “passion and intellect.”
“His generosity would be the lasting memory. Thank you, Direk Bobby. You launched many careers and shaped the industry with your passion and intellect. Thank you for the professionalism you instilled in the people who walked through Atlantis’ doors. Thank you for the light you brought, and now, sadly, the light you left. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure to take care of it. Rest well,” he said.
Among Garcia’s final projects include “Request Concert” for Theatre Group Asia, and the silent play “Request Sa Radyo.” He is also known for working on the 2000 and 2001 staging of “Miss Saigon,” and also served as one of Cameron Mackintosh’s casting representatives for its revival and UK Tour.