What did Cherie Gil say to niece Max Eigenmann after her cancer diagnosis?

When Cherie Gil passed away earlier this month due to a rare form of endometrial cancer, it came as a huge shock because her condition had not been made public.

In an episode of GMA News and Public Affairs’ showbiz podcast “Updated with Nelson Canlas,” Max Eigenmann said Cherie wanted to keep her battle with cancer private.

“The whole family [knew about her condition]. It was her wishes that we kept it secret, so we respected that. But yes, we all know about it since she got diagnosed last October,” she said.

The actress added that before she learned of the news, she spent time with Cherie in her condo because Cherie was leaving for New York.

“She was gonna turnover na her condo," Max said. "So we decided to celebrate — not naman celebrate but hang out one last time in the condo. And because I was leaving for London, and I was gonna see her na, I went to see her before I left."

“So, ayun that was Sunday when I saw her. I left for London that following Friday and then a week later she called me to tell me,” she added.

Asked how she took the news, Max said that she cried.

And what did Cherie say to her in response?

"She told me, ‘Stop being a drama queen and get back to work.’”

Max also described her late aunt as someone who is “really, really sweet as in. Super duper loving, super kind. Very super sassy.”

Veteran actress Cherie Gil was known for her long and multi-awarded acting career and memorable characters in over 100 films, television shows, and theater plays.

After her passing, numerous tributes for Cherie poured in from fans, family, friends, and colleagues including Sharon Cuneta, and Cherie's son Raphael. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA News