Daily TribuneValdez’s decades-spanning work, said director Jose Javier Reyes, ‘has made [him] immortal in the annals of Philippine cinema’
RONALDO Valdez and Aiko Melendez in the 1993 film ‘May Minamahal.’ | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OFABS-CBN FILM PRODUCTIONS
Tributes continue to pour in for veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez, who passed away on Sunday afternoon according to the Quezon City Police District. He was 77.
Valdez's unexpected death was confirmed by his son Janno Gibbs via an Instagram post yesterday morning, 18 December.
"It is with great sorrow that I confirm my father's passing. The family would like to request that you respect our privacy in our grieving moment. Your prayers and condolences are much appreciated," he wrote.
Celebrities Vina Morales, Jhong Hilario, Jaya, Mark Bautista, Gretchen Fullido, James Deakin, Janice de Belen, Rocco Nacino, Jerald Napoles, Sam YG, Donita Rose, G Tongi, Arnold Clavio, Louise delos Reyes and John Arcilla all extended their condolences and prayers in the comments section of the post.
Full of joy
Dimples Romana uploaded a tribute post remembering Valdez as the person who "taught me to brave the huge waves of life."
"You were always full of joy, of life and gratitude. Your smile lit up the set. Your warmth melted everyone's hearts. You have that gift. And I will always be grateful po for all the learnings, the laughter and the lessons that came with lots of smiles and realizations. And super tight hugs. My heart is broken but will never be disheartened. For you Lolo taught me to brave the huge waves of life with a spirit of a warrior whose armor is not made of steel but is made of love. The kind that endures all and conquers even the darkest of days.
"Salute to one of the greatest actors of all time for me. A man who knew how to value not only his work but more importantly every single other person on and off set. Mahal ka namin Lo. Mahal na mahal. Pahinga na po. Patuloy ka naming mamahalin at titingalain," she added.
Gary Valenciano also expressed his sadness over the passing of the multi-awarded actor.
"You were one person who I loved to watch. Your authenticity never failed to move me. Thank you sir Ronaldo Valdez. I never had a chance to work much with you but in those few moments I spent talking with you, it made me feel blessed to know that I got to meet someone like you. Rest in His peace sir. l know His embrace will always keep you smiling," he wrote.
Stalwart presence
Kathryn Bernardo, who acted alongside Valdez in the ABS-CBN drama series 2 Good 2 Be True and who became close to the actor, posted a series of photos and videos of her "Lolo Sir" via Instagram stories.
Aiko Melendez, another screen daughter of Valdez (in the now romantic classic May Minamahal) posted "Rest in Peace" on her Instagram story.
Jose Javier Reyes, the director of May Minamahal, remembered Valdez as having swept "all the acting awards as the down-to-earth patriarch in the movie that changed my entire career." Valdez's work, he said, "spanning across generations… has made [him] immortal in the annals of Philippine cinema.
Valdez's career throughout six decades saw him appearing in a long list of notable films, among them Dear Heart (1981), Palabra de Honor (1983), Miguelito: Batang Rebelde (1985), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), The Mistress (2012) and the most recent Seven Sundays (2017).
He was also a stalwart presence in blockbuster TV shows such as Mula Sa Puso, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, I Love Betty La Fea and the Kathryn Bernardo-Daniel Padilla starrer 2 Good 2 Be True.
On Valdez's birthday last November, Janno revealed that they were about to hit the big screen in early 2024, with Valdez himself directing his film project.
In 2017, KFC announced Valdez as the first Filipino to assume the role of Colonel Sanders in their promotional campaign for that period.
Valdez is survived by his children — actor, singer-songwriter and comedian Janno Gibbs and former actress Melissa Gibbs.
