In memoriam: PH stars who died in 2015

 

MANILA, Philippines – The year 2015 saw joy and triumph, but also sadness and loss in the realm of entertainment, pageantry, and lifestyle.

Here, we pay tribute to the Filipino celebrities who passed away this year.

January

Television host Susan Calo Medina died on January 9 at the age of 73. Dubbed the “Queen of Travel,” she hosted the award-winning show Travel Time for more than two decades.

March 

28-year-old Jam Sebastian, one-half of the popular duo Jamich, passed away on March 4 after battling lung cancer for a year. Fans and fellow YouTube stars mourned his death. 

Jam and girlfriend Mich Liggayu rose to fame after their YouTube videos went viral. The two got engaged in May. After Jam’s death, his mother, Maricar, and Mich became embroiled in a controversy. Mich has since moved on and is trying to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

Days after Jam’s death, the entertainment industry also lost actress Liezl Martinez due to cancer. Liezl was the wife of actor Albert Martinez, and the daughter of celebrity couple Amalia Fuentes and Romeo Vasquez.

Following Liezl’s death, Amalia accused Albert of keeping Liezl away from her. Actress Coney Reyes, who hosted Liezl’s cremation, didn’t escape Amalia’s wrath either. Amalia said that she and her ex-husband were not even mentioned during the cremation.

In November, Liezl’s daughter Alyanna Martinez confirmed that Amalia suffered a stroke in South Korea and is now recovering.

April

On April 1, singer Roel Cortez died after suffering from colon cancer. He rose to fame with songs such as “Napakasakit Kuya Eddie” and “Baleleng” in the 80s.

The music industry mourned anew on April 17 after the death of Alamid frontman Gary Ignacio, who succumbed to renal cancer. 

Also on April 17, comedian Ritchie  D’ Horsie died due to a complication of diabetes, kidney failure, and a stroke. Ritchie is known for being the sidekick of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon in their movies and shows. 

June 

The world of theater mourned the death of thespian Junix Inocian, who passed away in London on June 13 at the age of 64. Junix was known for playing the Engineer in Miss Saigon and appeared in the children’s show Batibot. 

July 

Young actress Julia Buencamino was found dead on July 7, after she took her own life. The daughter of thespians Nonie and Shamaine Buencamino, Julia appeared on the morning show Oh My G starring Janella Salvador.(READ: Janella Salvador, ‘Oh My G!’ cast mourn death of Julia Buencamino)

Veteran actress Lucita Soriano, who appeared in more than 200 films, died on July 8 at the age of 74. Lucita last appeared in Maalaala Mo Kaya in 2009. Before her death, she was based in the US with her husband. 

On July 15, veteran actor Pocholo Montes, 69, died due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was last seen in a movie called Ang Layong Bilanggo. He appeared in a number of TV shows, films, and commercials. 

Singer Jimboy Salazar, who famously dated comedian Mahal, and was part of the show That’s Entertainment in the 90s, died from pneumonia on July 24. He spent his last days at his mother’s home in Bulacan.

August

Ozu Ong, a member of the male group Masculados, was shot dead by suspected carjackers on August 2 while on his way home. Aside from being a member of Masculados, Ozu appeared in shows such as Munting Heredera, Diva, and Magpakailanman.

October 

Comedian Elizabeth Ramsey, the mother of soul singer Jaya, died on October 8 at the age of 83. In August, Elizabeth was rushed to the hospital  after suffering a hyperglycemia attack due to diabetes. Before her death, she last appeared in an episode on season 1 of Your Face Sounds Familiar, where Melai Cantiveros impersonated her.

In October 10, fashion designer Guillermo “Gerry” Katigbak died due to cardiac arrest. Gerry was also an accomplished stylist, photographer, and choreographer. He also taught fashion classes at the College of St Benilde and SOFA Institute.

Beauty queen Rizzini Alexis Gomez, who won the title of Miss Tourism International in 2012, lost her battle with lung cancer at the age of 25. Rizzini passed away at the Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital in Cebu City on October 13.

November 

Classical singer Nolyn Cabahug died on November 2 at the age of 59 due to renal faliure. Prior to his death, a benefit concert had been scheduled on November 5.

Film director and producer Willy Milan died on November 8 after suffering a heart attack. He was known for directing the movie Kahit Butas ng Karayom. – Rappler.com