Stage, TV and film actor Aaron Ching dies at 23

Actor Aaron Ching, who was part of theater productions including "Katy" and "Maxie the Musical," passed away Monday. He was 23 years old.

According to a blog post by photographer Jude Thaddeus Bautista, Ching was rushed to the San Lazaro Hospital on Monday evening after he collapsed while watching the Virgin Labfest at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

The young theater actor, who "collapsed during rehearsals for an upcoming show" several nights before, died of gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, he said.

His remains lie at the St. Peter's Chapel in Quezon City.

Despite his young age, Ching's acting credentials included not only projects in theater such as "Katy" and "Zsa Zsa Zaturnah Ze Musical", but also in television and film.

Considered a "prodigy" in the local theater community, Ching worked with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Treehouse Theater Company, and school-based theater groups such as those of Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and Miriam College.

He was also tapped by PETA to be an acting coach, Bautista said in his post.

In a text message to GMA News Online on Wednesday, PETA said it is "still in shock with the passing" of Ching, who served as an acting coach for the group.

His death meant another loss of a "promising and talented performer and teacher," it said.

"We share the grief and pain many of his family, friends and colleagues [feel] over his untimely death," it said. "He will always be remembered as a vibrant spirit and a passionate artist who has given his life to many characters on stage."

Actors that Ching worked with, such as comedian Kakai Bautista, took to Twitter to bid the young talent goodbye:

Paalam Kapatid naming @Aaron_Ching Gawin mo ito sa Langit ha?http://t.co/BmnS9CF7Nx ???? #RIP

— Catherine Bautista (@kakaibautista) July 1, 2014
 

Naaalala ko ang samahan natin sa "Katy the musical,"pati na ang after-show kainan.Ang galing mo din sa "Maxie."Salamat, @Aaron_Ching .RIP.

— ASTARTE D. ABRAHAM (@AstarteAbraham) July 1, 2014
 

Aside from his work for theater, Ching also dabbled in television, including in GMA-7's "Kambal Sirena," "Daldalita," and "Captain Barbell".

He also appeared in films, including the critically acclaimed Eugene Domingo starrer "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank". — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/BM, GMA News