Veteran actress Mila del Sol dies at 97

Clarita Villarba Rivera, better known by her screen name Mila del Sol, has passed away. She was 97.

According to her grandchild former Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting, the veteran actress died early Tuesday morning, November 10, in the home of her eldest son Sonny.

"Though we mourn her passing, we are comforted in knowing that the one who called her from this life, our Lord, loves her more than we could ever love her. She has returned home," the family's statement read.

Mila del Sol starred in more than 40 feature films and is among the shining icons from the Golden Age of Philippine cinema.

She was blessed with six children, 17 grandchildren, and more than 30 great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Sonny Tambunting, former TV host Jeanne Young, Ancel Romero, and Leo Romero.

"Nakita niya ang limang henerasyon ng kanyang pamilya - ang kanyang henerasyon, ang kanyang mga anak, ang kanyang mga apo, ang kanyang mga apo sa tuhod, at ang kanyang mga apo sa talampakan. She was blessed to live a long life, a life well lived, and a life full of love. She lived a blessed and charmed life," Tambunting said.

"All of us will forever be indebted to Lulay. Our family will surely miss Lulay’s love and affection. Throughout her life, she continued to impart wisdom and spread her zest for life to those closest to her, because she was truly an image of beauty both inside and out, both on and off screen," he added.

The family has also asked friends and loved ones for the opportunity to grieve in private as they observe health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic. —Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News