Remembering Red: Barkada’s final goodbye to brother

The studio of Fast Talk With Boy Abunda turned solemn as memories, tears, and heartfelt words filled the room in honor of a beloved friend—Red Sternberg.

Once the charismatic “Pasay boy” from the iconic youth-oriented show T.G.I.S., Red’s untimely passing last 27 May due to a heart attack in the United States has left a void not only in the hearts of his family but also among the generation who grew up watching him on screen.

Former co-stars and lifelong friends Angelu De Leon, Bobby Andrews, and Michael Flores—part of the original T.G.I.S. barkada—could not hold back their emotions as Boy Abunda read a touching letter from Red’s wife, Sandy Sternberg. The emotional tribute painted a vivid picture of the man Red was: a devoted husband, a hands-on father, a loyal friend, and a quiet achiever in life’s many arenas.

“To all the Red Sternberg fans and followers of T.G.I.S., the outpouring of pictures and videos you shared were so touching… It hurts. It’s like a wound that will never ever heal,” wrote Sandy in her moving message.

She spoke of their simple yet profound love story—from choosing wedding bands in Ongpin to Red proudly declaring their marriage to the world from his computer screen. Her anecdotes revealed the man beyond the spotlight: a tech-savvy planner, a family-first kind of guy who quietly excelled in the hospitality industry, and someone who always thought two steps ahead.

“Red was a planner… Everything had a spreadsheet!” Sandy reminisced. “He really excelled in the hospitality industry… He was well-respected by his employees.”

But beyond the achievements and quirkiness was a man deeply rooted in fatherhood. Sandy’s voice—chronicled through her letter—trembled as she spoke of Red’s love for their children.

“Red was a loving daddy to the girls and dada to our son. Our son being so young, he will only remember him through all of your posts. So thank you for keeping his memory alive.”

To Red’s T.G.I.S. family, Sandy offered not just gratitude but a bridge between the past and the future—a desire for them to one day share their stories with her children.

“To his T.G.I.S. barkada… Someday, I hope you can tell the kids more stories.”

For Angelu, the reunion of their on-screen barkada is no longer just nostalgic—it’s essential.

“We want them to come home. I want them to come home — so we can talk about Red the way we remember him, and hear them talk about Red the way he was,” she said.

Bobby Andrews, still in disbelief, recalled one of his last conversations with Red just weeks before his passing. Red had been excited to come home with his daughter and spend quality time in the Philippines—a plan that now remains heartbreakingly unfulfilled.

“He was working out. He was losing weight. He was very excited to come home,” Bobby shared. “They’re gonna spend the month here, bonding sila.”

Michael Flores, meanwhile, revealed Red had even entertained the idea of returning to showbiz, adding another poignant layer to what could have been a beautiful second act.

Though Red Sternberg may no longer be physically present, the love, laughter, and loyalty he shared with his family and friends live on—etched in their stories, preserved in their memories, and echoed through the hearts of fans who grew up with him.

In Sandy’s words, this is more than grief—it’s legacy.