Mike Tan mourns the death of actor-director Philip Lazaro, recalls last conversation

More than losing a colleague when Philip Lazaro died, Mike Tan lost a true friend.

On Instagram Wednesday, the actor dedicated a bittersweet post to the late director, recalling how it was just a few weeks ago when Philip was giving him tips on his future character on their supposed August taping.

“Nagbibilin ka pa sa 'kin ng mga ine-expect mo sa character ko pagdating ng August taping. Iyon na pala ang huli nating pag-uusap,” said the “Artikulo 247” actor.

According to Mike, Philip was nothing but good to him, on and off cam.

“Kahit sa 'Family Feud' gusto mo pa kong isama sa team mo. Natuwa nga ako kahit pakiramdam ko hindi naman ako qualified na makasama sa inyo nina Direk Gina pero sabi mo dapat kasali ako,” he recalled.

At once touching and funny, Mike's Instagram tribute held funny anecdotes of his time working with Philip. There was one time he recalled the late director telling him, "Nakakawala ka ng crush, Mike Tan, kadiri ka!"

It turns out he accidentally farted around Philip.

He recalled one lock-in taping when Philip and Rayver planned to kiss him during a dramatic scene on "Nagbabagang Luha."

“Dami mong kalokohan, direk!” Mike said with a laughing emoji.

“Nalulungkot ako dahil umasa akong makakatrabaho kita ulit ngayong darating na Agosto. Pero masaya din ako dahil naging kaibigan kita kahit sa maikling panahon,” he said sincerely.

Mike ended his post by telling the late veteran stand-up comedian that he loved and would miss him.

"You'll never be forgotten. Rest in peace," he concluded.

Philip's death on July 11 was due to multiple organ failures, as confirmed by his nephew, Chico Lazaro Alinell.

Philip worked as a director of some of GMA Network's shows, such as "Full House Tonight," "Widow's Web," "Prima Donnas," and "Nagbabagang Luha," among others. — LA, GMA News