Mark Gil, an icon gone too soon

In his movies and TV shows, Mark Gil inflicted pain and suffering to those who stood in his way.  He was the villain we all loved to hate. Who would think that a person of strength and character, would give in to a disease without even putting up a fight?
 
 

A born actor
 
 
 

Mark Gil or Ralph John Eigenmann in real life came from one of showbiz' biggest clans. He was the son of actors Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, and brother to Cherrie Gil and Michael de Mesa.
 

He started his showbiz career when he made his debut in 'Underage' and 'Miss X' in 1981.  He starred in other movies after this, but his best performance came from the critically-acclaimed 'Alpha Kappa Omega Batch '81'.
 
 

In the movie, he played the role of a student undergoing initiation rites be part of a fraternity. This project revealed his acting prowess and opened doors of opportunity for Mark—both for film and TV.
 

Best buddy
 
 

Because of Mark’s strong personality, it would be easy for someone to be intimidated and afraid. After all, he had played the hero’s antagonist for so long. But for his best friend Rez Cortez, Mark was not just a buddy from their 'Call it Guts' barkada, but also a brother.  Rez would even describe Mark as the 'comic relief' of their barkada.
 
 

"He's always been bubbly, he's always been a happy person at  palagi siyang nagloloko, palagi siyang nagpapatawa kasi sa grupo siya ang pinaka bata at medyo actually, palagi namin siyang pinapasakay dahil siya nga yung medyo parang sineseryoso niya yung mga bagay-bagay na kahit kami-kami alam namin na niloloko siya pero sinasakyan niya 'yun," Rez said.

 
 

A lover
 
 

Aside from his successful showbiz career, Mark also had a colorful lovelife. He had relationships with four women who came in and out of the limelight.
 
 

His past relationship with commercial model Irene Celebre gave him his eldest son Gabby and daughter Ira.  After that, he had a romance with actress Bing Pimentel, the mother of Sid Lucero and Maxene Eigenmann.  He also had a daughter with veteran actress Jaclyn Jose, Andi Eigenmann. His last relationship was with non-showbiz partner Maricar Jacinto, who bore his youngest daughter, Stephanie.
 
 

Others may say that he wasn't a perfect partner due to the failed relationships he had, but no one could ever question him as a father. Why would his children follow in his footsteps and proudly carry his name if he didn’t care for them?
 
 

A warrior
 
 

Mark Gil was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2012. Upon hearing the bad news, he decided not to undergo treatment. He just accepted his fate.
 
 

According to Rez: "Mas gusto kasi ni Mark na 'wag bigyan ng focus, 'wag bigyan ng attention 'yung kaniyang sakit…. Kahit yung paggamot sinabi niya na ayaw na niyang uminom ng gamot ayaw na niyang magpatingin sa kung kanino pa man. Basta tatanggapin na lang niya kung anong dumating."
 
 

Rez also revealed to Rhea Santos, host of Tunay na Buhay, that Mark was never into drugs or other vices but he loved alcohol, which through time may have caused his liver disease.
 
 

"Siyempre dumaan tayo sa ating kabataan na we're into vices…. Medyo napunta naman siya dun sa alcohol. 'Yun ang kaniyang weakness na ayaw na niya pero hindi niya rin mapigilan, ilang beses na rin siyang nagtry na tumigil sa pag inom pero bumabalik at bumabalik din," Rez said.
 
 

Despite his ordeal, he continued accepting acting stints on various TV series.
 
 

His last TV series with GMA Network was the groundbreaking 'My Husband's Lover,’ where he played the father of Carla Abellana's character Lally.
 
 

Unfinished business
 
 

Due to his sudden passing, Mark Gil has not only left everyone in shock but has also left an unsettled personal business—getting married to his current partner Maricar.
 
 

"Naaalala ko lang nung sinabi niya sa ‘kin na sana bago siya mawala ay kung pwede sana magpakasal silang dalawa ni Maricar, na ako naman baka naman may time pa so nagre-relax relax muna.  Pero ‘yun sana nangyari 'yung kanyang wish na 'yun," Rez said.
 
 

Mark Gil died at 8 AM on September 1, 2014 at the age of 52.
 
 

 

Someone said, nobody dies of a disease, of war nor of old age. A person only dies when he has been forgotten by the people he once knew and loved. And because of the wonderful memories  Mark Gil left his family and his fans, he will never pass away.
 
 

Tunay na Buhay is a profile magazine show that airs every Tuesday afternoon, 4PM on GMA7. Follow their official Twitter (@TunayNaBuhayGMA) and Facebook account (Tunay na Buhay) for stories of hope and triumph from your favorite celebrities.- Gerald Vista/NB, GMA News