Dina Bonnevie celebrates first birthday without husband DV Savellano
Actress Dina Bonnevie mourns the loss of her husband, Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, who recently passed away due to abdominal aneurysm.
The heartbreaking news was first shared by the National Tobacco Association and later confirmed by the King of Talk, Boy Abunda.
What made the loss even more difficult for Dina was the timing as her birthday soon followed her husband's passing. For the first time, she marked the occasion without DV by her side. Dina took to Instagram to reflect on her grief and her husband's death.
In a short Instagram reel, Dina shared a glimpse of her simple birthday celebration with her close family. Surrounded by loved ones at home, she had a quiet moment to blow out the candles, enjoy a meal, and bask in the warmth of her family's presence.
In her caption, Dina opened up about the pain of losing her husband and expressed her feelings and thoughts on the situation.
"Yesterday I turned 63. A follower of Christ, a loving wife to my husband, a step mother to five kids, a mother of 2, a grandmother to 9, and now a WIDOW," she began. "I pondered upon the recent events in my life… starting the year with the death of my husband which was not only the most painful experience in my life, but the most traumatic!"
Dina shared how the tragedy led her to question her faith. She described the fear she felt as she watched her husband struggle and pass away. "Watching my husband struggle for dear life and helplessly die in front of me, is one thing I wish no one would ever experience," she wrote. "I wondered why him and not me. My husband was a good person who lived a Christ centered life, was generous, was a true and devoted public servant and a visionary who created projects to alleviate the lives of the poor, the aged, the farmers, the fishermen and the artisans."
As she listened to stories from visitors at his wake, Dina came to realize how deeply devoted DV was to serving others. "It was far beyond the number of people I have probably touched in my life!" she reflected. "I would like to thank all the people who gave their last respects to my dear husband and condoled with us."
Dina expressed how the grief continued to overwhelm her, especially on her birthday. She felt a deep sadness at the absence of DV's usual sweet gestures such as flowers and a shared lunch on her special day.
However, as her birthday unfolded, Dina found comfort in the love and support of her family and friends. "I was missing my husband looking over my shoulder when I usually cooked lunch for my birthday and thought this was going to be a first without him; but God provided joy when I spent lunch with my son's family and my sister's family and we ate delicious fresh seafood," she recalled. "Then finally my grandchildren gave me letters just when I was about to retire. Reading those comforting and assuring letters of love brought not only tears to my eyes, but a realization of how ungrateful I was to question God and focus on my loss and not notice the many little miracles and provisions He provided along the way."
In closing, Dina expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and the Lord for the comfort she had received during this difficult time. She ended by saying it was time to let go and try to heal from the heartbreak.
Followers flooded the comments section with supportive messages. Celebrities like Rufa Mae Quinto, Danica Sotto-Pingris, Jackie Lou Blanco, Dianne Medina, and Alice Dixson also sent their love and heartfelt condolences to their dear friend.
Following DV Savellano's passing, a public viewing was held at the Aeternitas Chapels & Columbarium--Chapel of Hera in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, from January 8 to 11. This was followed by a wake at the Savellano residence in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, from January 12 to 16. DV was laid to rest at Cabugao Cemetery on January 17.
MEANWHILE, TAKE A LOOK AT HOW CELEBRITIES REMEMBERED THEIR LATE LOVED ONES IN THIS GALLERY: