Vicki Belo and Christine Bersola-Babao with celebrity makeup artist Marife Mordido. Image: Instagram/@victoria_belo, @christinebbabao
Several celebrities including Vicki Belo and Christine Bersola-Babao expressed grief amid the holiday season with the passing of their close friend and celebrity makeup artist Marife Mordido.
Mordido’s death was confirmed by her family through a statement released on her Facebook page last Saturday, Dec. 21.
“Dear family and friends, we would like to share with you that our dearest mother, Marife Mordido, is now with the Lord,” it read. “Her body will be at Cosmopolitan-SF Memorial Chapels in Pasig for viewing until December 24, 2024.”
“We kindly ask for your sincerity, respect, and understanding during your visit. Please wear white as a symbol of togetherness with the Lord,” it added. “Thank you for your love and support.”
Mordido’s family noted that on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, the viewing will be exclusively for family and close friends.
Belo paid tribute to Mardido while sharing photos from their 28 years of friendship through her Instagram page.
“[Twenty-eight] years of togetherness Marife Mordido. My good vibes girl , my protector and one of my closest friends,” the celebrity doctor wrote. “I love you so much.”
International TV personality Yolanda Hadid, the mother of fashion models Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, also left a comment on Belo’s tribute post.
“Rest in peace and fly with the angels, Marife,” Yolanda said.
Image: Instagram/@victoria_belo
Bersola-Babao, for her part, dedicated a lengthy message to her “ever dearest Marife,” recalling how their friendship began 32 years ago. The TV personality also disclosed how Mordido suffered and fought against cancer.
“Nitong [September] lang I surprised you with a [birthday] lunch at Cabalen. You looked so healthy,” Bersola-Babao stated. “Imagine our shock and worry when you relapsed the following month.”
“You were a such a fighter. You wanted to live longer and survive this…the BigC. But for us, the C for Christ is bigger than that other Big C,” she continued. “But Christ has other plans for you. God needs you na in heaven.”
Other celebrities also extended their prayers and condolences for Mordido.
Image: Instagram/@victoria_belo
Mordido worked with several more artists and broadcasters including Karen Davila, Iza Calzado, Julia Barretto, Andrea Brillantes, Phoemela Baranda and Cristalle Belo.