MANILA, Philippines – Friends, relatives and celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to dear friend and showbiz icon Cherie Gil, who died on Friday, August 5, at the age of 59.
The veteran Filipino actress, who played Lavinia Arguelles in 1985’s Bituing Walang Ninging, is known for the iconic phrase, “You’re nothing but a second-rate, die-hard imitator!” – widely regarded as a true friend, the sweetest person, and a unique icon in remembered by the industry.
Sharon Cuneta
In a lengthy Instagram post, Sharon Cuneta shared a photo of her at Cherie’s hospital bed in her final moments. Sharon, who flew to New York, said she was clinging to a “glimmer of hope” that God would work a miracle and allow Cherie to come through. She said she was “eternally grateful to him for giving [them] the few hours [they] spent together” and the love and words exchanged personally. Sharon and Cherie both starred in Bituing Walang Ningning.
Sharon expressed her sadness that she knew she would never see her friend again, that she still couldn’t deal with it and that it seemed so unfair. “I will never be the same without you. I told you that you have to fight please because you couldn’t leave me and that you were my partner that there is no one like you…. you said yes But God brought you home; took away all your pain,” Sharon said.
“My heart has been torn into pieces again and now I don’t know how to put it back together – because among the many loved ones I’ve lost over the past few years, you were and always will be one of my most loved ones… one.” very important its part of my life and my story. From my heart. I love you so much. It’s the end of an era now that you’ve left us… What am I going to do without you now, darling?” Sharon added.
Gabby Eigenmann
Actor Gabby Eigenmann, Cherie’s nephew, has posted a series of vivid throwback photos of his beloved Tita, which he says has been difficult.
“You’re back together. I love you with all my heart. Thank you Lord for sharing them with us. Love you TITA,” wrote Gabby, son of Cherie’s late brother, actor Mark Gil.
sunshine cruz
Actress Sunshine Cruz posted a series of photos with Cherie on Facebook. She said it was “an honor” to work with her on the 2016 series Dolce Amore.
“A really sad day for the industry. RIP Mrs. Cherie Gil. I send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Eigenmann family,” Sunshine said.
Sid Lucaro
Sid Lucero, who confirmed the news of his aunt’s death, posted a photo of her on Instagram with the caption, “I love you. Big hug. #Bugluv.”
Dennis Trillo
Actor Dennis Trillo, Cherie’s co-star on GMA-7’s Legal Wives, also paid tribute to his good friend who played Zaina Macadato on the show.
“Paalam Inakolay…” he captioned an Instagram photo of one of their scenes together.
Zsa Zsa Padilla
Actress and Ika-13 Kapitulo co-star Zsa Zsa Padilla reminisced about the times she worked with her dear friend Cherie and the last time they saw each other in Antonio’s Tagaytay. She recalled how “beautiful and vivacious” Cherie was on her golden birthday and how “wonderful it was to be there.” [her] Company.”
“You danced tango and I remember thinking this woman can do anything her heart desires! You were always so passionate and full of life! This is how I will always remember you, Cherie, my twin sister! I miss you my beautiful friend. Until we meet again,” wrote Zsa Zsa.
Gabbi Garcia
Cherie’s Magpakailanman co-star Gabbi Garcia hailed her as one of the best actresses she’s worked with, calling Friday, August 5 such a “sad, sad day for the industry.”
2015. Ms. Cherie Gil, one of the best actresses I have ever worked with. I will cherish that forever. Truly an honor 😔🙏🏼 https://t.co/6KxskVLpMm
— Gabbi Garcia ♡ (@gabbi) August 5, 2022
“I’ll cherish that forever. Truly an honor. So heartbreaking. I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to work with a legend. Rest in force,” she wrote.
Pops Fernández
Singer and friend Pops Fernandez posted throwback photos of her, Cherie and Jim Paredes in various goofy costumes.
Aljihon Lucas
Jon Lucas, who starred opposite Cherie in Tadhana, paid tribute to the “one of a kind” Cherie.
“She was something, not second rate, not trying, never a copycat,” he wrote, sending his condolences to the entire family.
Cherie also starred in Filipino classics such as Manila by Night in 1980 and Oro, Plata, Mata in 1982.
After Cherie took an 11-year break from showbiz to focus on her family in 1994, Cherie made her comeback in the film Sugatang Puso, which won her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Metro Manila Film Festival. In 2018, she made a brief appearance in the film Citizen Jake, for which she received her first Gawad Urian Award.
During the pandemic, she became an acting mentor, giving online masterclasses to both aspiring and veteran actors. In February 2022, she announced that she had left the Philippines to move to New York and be with her children.
Cherie was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. – Rappler.com
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