Mother Lily's husband Remy Monteverde passed away at 86
Regal Entertainment founder Lily Monteverde, known in showbiz as Mother Lily, expresses grief on social media as her dearest husband, Leonardo "Remy" Monteverde, passed away at the age of 86.
Mother Lily confirmed Remy's passing to her followers and friends through an obituary card she posted on Instagram today, July 30. It was revealed that Remy died on July 29. Her husband's wake is held at Valencia Events Place in Quezon City until August 2.
Friends and followers of the couple, including celebrities like Jackie Lou Blanco and Kapuso star Pancho Magno sent their deepest condolences and prayers in the comment section.
Meanwhile, Director Erik Matti reposted the obituary card on his Instagram account with an emotional message to Remy's family. In the captions, he began his message with condolences to the family.
"To the Monteverde family, Lily Monteverde, Roselle, Dondon, Richard (children), our deepest sympathies for the passing of Father Remy Monteverde."
He added, "His legacy and contribution to Philippine cinema through Regal Films will always be remembered and recognized. He has championed Filipino Action movies and defined it for so many decades with such icons Lito Lapid and Ace Vergel headlining the marquee. Rest in peace, Father."
Chairman of Film Development Council of the Philippines, Joey Reyes also shared a tribute post for his dear friend on his Facebook page.
He mentioned, " He has always been a 'Father' to all of us who grew up in Regal. (And) he has always been the strong silent figure beside the gregarious Mother Lily.
Joey also expressed his sadness, knowing how they'll miss and continue to love Remy.
"Now he has gine home to the waiting arms of our Big Father.(And) he will be missed as much as he was and will always be loved. Rest in eternal peace, Father Remy Monteverde," he ended.
Remy was a former basketball player and was also called as "Father Remy" within the Philippine movie industry. His relationship with Mother Lily was known as one of the sweetest in the industry because of their interactions and the love they displayed.
Meanwhile, here are some of the celebrities who remembered their loved ones who passed away:
Andrei Sison
The whole GMA Network family was lost for words after the shocking news of the death of Sparkle teen star Andrei Sison. The 17-year-old promising talent is the son of former 'That's Entertainment' star Alain Marco Salvador and the grandson of seasoned balladeer Marco Sison.
Ricky Rivero
Actor-director Ricky Rivero was absolutely heartbroken to see his half-brother Alain suffering from the death of his son Andrei. Direk Ricky shared his most memorable photos with his nephew, Andrei, on Facebook and wrote in the captions, “Gone too soon. I love you my pamangkin Andrei Sison.”
Meanwhile on July 16, 2023, the news broke out that Ricky had also passed away at the age of 51. Ricky, a former teen star, suffered a stroke last May.
Isagani Bengson Dizon
The month of March will forever be etched in the memory of 'Mga Lihim ni Urduja' actress Sunshine Dizon. In her Instagram post, the home-grown Kapuso talent confirmed the death of her father Isagani Bengson Dizon Jr., who died “peacefully in his sleep” on March 20, 2023.
Sunshine mourns
After confirming her father's death on Instagram, Sunshine admitted that she will terribly miss him saying, “About to board the most painful flight I will ever take. No more Papa's big smile and warm hug to welcome me.”
In another post she wrote, “I love you Papa. I never knew this kind of pain and longing. I will always be a Papa's girl.”
Mabel Sotto
March was also a challenging month for the Sotto clan after they confirmed the death of their dearest Mabel Sotto.
Mabel is the wife of Maru Sotto, the brother of Bossing Vic Sotto and former Senate President Tito Sotto.
Vic's wife Pauleen Luna was full of sadness when she paid tribute to her sister-in-law. On her Instagram, she shared her best memories with Mabel and posted this love letter saying, “I still find it hard to look forward cos looking back seems like the easier thing to do. I love you, my Ate. I pray that the Lord will turn this pain into peace because I know that you are with Him. I promise to take care of your family… Please do not worry anymore. Rest easy, my sister. Please watch over us.”
Mara Sotto
Mabel's daughter Mara Sotto-Fortuna touched the hearts of her followers online after sharing that her wonderful mom left her letters for her to read.
According to her, “Hi, mama. Thank you for the sweet love letters that you left for me to find on my own. Thank you because I have 10,000 photos with you.”
“My heart hurts so much and I can't really describe the pain, ma. It's just there and I don't think it will ever go away.”
Mystica's son
Las Vegas-based Filipino singer and actress Mystica is still grappling with the death of her son Stanley Villanueva, who died due to cardiomyopathy, liver cirrhosis, and pneumonia on March 19.
Stanley Villanueva
Mystica or Ruby Rose Villanueva posted a video on Facebook saying goodbye to Stanley. She said, "As much as I want to say goodbye to you anak, I hate to let you go," she began.
"Gabayan mo ako atak, na sana ang mga ito ay pagsubok lang. Sana lilipas din. Wag mo akong pabayaan."
"I know it's hard to start over again, pero sisikapin ko. Na kahit wala ka na, I am sure kakayanin ko pa rin. Tatayo pa rin ako dahil sabi mo hindi mo ko iiwan,"
Roberto Ongpin
The whole business community in the Philippines woke up one day last February with the big news of the death of tycoon Roberto 'Bobby' Ongpin. Based on the official statement from the Ongpin family, Bobby died in his sleep on Balesin island.
Escudero couple
Mr. Ongpin is a close friend of international fashion icon Heart Evangelista and her husband Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero because the former was their principal sponsor in their wedding in February 2015.
Senator Chiz remembered his ninong, whom he considers a “friend” saying, “My sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin or simply “RVO” to many. Rest in Peace my friend. You will be missed.”
Kyle Echarri
The Holy Week break this 2023 is a sorrowful one for the family of Kapamilya actor Kyle Echarri after he confirmed the death of her young sister Isabella. It was previously reported that Isabelle was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year.
Kyle's tribute
In a lengthy post on Instagram, Kyle remembered his late sister and although it is painful to lose her, he knows that he got a new angel up in heaven.
He wrote, “ I love you more than you will ever know ta. You are the most amazing sister anyone could ever ask for. I already miss your hugs/kisses for Manong whenever he was sad and your cheers for whenever I was on stage. Now more than anything I'm happy to know that you're done with the year of fighting something you never deserved… you can finally smile,sing,dance,swim, and EAT again. And don't worry I know I didn't lose my sister… I just got a new angel.”
Ogie Diaz's mother
The family of talent manager and vlogger Ogie Diaz received an outpouring of support from his colleagues in show business, after he confirmed on April 23 that his mother, Mameng, passed away at the age of 87.
Ogie's tribute
Ogie, a veteran showbiz columnist paid tribute to his dear Aling Mameng, whom he described as “selfless”.
He posted on Facebook , “At least, naipikit niya ang kanyang mga mata na kumpleto ang kanyang mga anak.
“Higit sa lahat, I'm proud to say na naibigay ko naman sa nanay ko ang lahat ng pangarap niya sa buhay.
“Salamat sa lahat ng sakripisyo at pagiging selfless, Nay! Mahal kita. Magkasama na kayo ngayon ni tatay.”
Martin Diño
Former DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño died at the age of 66 on August 8, 2023. He suffered from acute respiratory failure and has been battling with stage IV lung cancer for more than a year.
Liza Diño
Former FDCP Chair Liza Diño paid tribute to her late father on Instagram. Liza stated, “ You fought until the end; we all did. And you were surrounded by prayers of countless people whose lives you've touched. Only God knows why, despite all the outpour of love and support, things have to come to an end--but for now, at least no more pain na papa ko. I love you so much. You're always in my heart.”
Renato Aquino Santos
Kapamilya singer Erik Santos confirmed the devastating news that his Daddy, Nats (Renato Aquino Santos), passed away at the age of 70 last August 10.
On Instagram, Erik paid tribute to his father saying, “Our beloved Tatay has now joined our Creator. Mahal na mahal kita, Tay.”
Erik's family
The death of Tay Nats came just months after Erik's mom, Angelita, died in November 2022.
Jay R's message
Jay R posted a short but heartfelt message dedicated to his Daddy Jun on Instagram. The singer said, “Love you dad. See you again on the other side.”
JM Canlas
The Philippine Entertainment industry is mourning the loss of another promising child actor after the family of Jamile Matthew Madiclum Canlas, or more popularly known as JM Canlas, confirmed to the public that he died last August 3 at the age of 17.
Elijah Canlas
BL actor Elijah Canlas wrote a lengthy message for his late brother JM. Part of the letter reads, “We have an infinite amount of memories to remember you by. Babawi kami, JM. We'll continue all your dreams and goals for us and this country. We'll carry on your amazing legacy. We'll continue being kind and being there for whoever's in need.”
Bianca Lapus's dad
Bianca Lapus is going through rough times with two devastating news that happened last September. In her social media post, the husband of Vhong Navarro revealed that on the same day her father, Zoilo Mangalino Lapus died, she unfortunately also lost her baby, too.
She posted on Facebook, “Hi Dadiyo, I still can't believe you're gone. I am forever grateful to God that He blessed me with a dad like you. Rest in Peace with our creator together with my unborn baby Z. I love you both, still lost for words.”
Janna Dominguez
'Pepito Manaloto' actress Janna Dominguez poured her heart out during the eulogy of her stepdaughter Yzabel Ablan in October 2023. Yzabel died due to heart failure and lung infection at the age of 20.
Janna stated that she learned to become a mother because of Yzabel. “Lagi kong sinasabi sa lahat and very proud ako to say na si Yza ang first born child ko. Kahit hindi siya nanggaling sa sinapupunan ko, lagi ko sinasabi and ina-affirm siya na, 'Ikaw ang anak ko. Ikaw ang una kong panganay.' Kasi siya 'yung nagturo sa akin kung paano maging nanay.”