I OVERHEARD AND read from several members of the local entertainment press about the recent demise of movie news hen Blessie Cirera and a foreboding impression in relation to her being an officer of the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).
“Sino naman kaya ang susunod sa mga (Who would follow suit among the) officers and members) ng (of) PMPC?” unwittingly if not half-jokingly asked a non-member of the group.
“Bakit naman gano’n ang tanong niya (Why is that his manner of questioning?),” observed one PMPC member.
“Sana naman, huwag gano’n (I hope it’s not like that),” said another male club member.
“Napaka-morbid naman (It’s too morbid),” a lady reporter quipped.
“Magdasal tayo na maputol ang sumpa (Let us pray to stop the curse),” persuaded a gay movie scribe.
The cycle of life and death has continued, though, not only in the quotidian but in the thick of things in show business.
Just a few hours ago a promising career of a music artist was nipped in the bud by death like a thief in the night.
“My heart is broken today. A gifted young man who filled his music with love and honesty was called back by the Father last night.
“Now he is singing with the other angels.
“Goodbye, Davey Ryan Edward Langit,” grieved Jose Javier Reyes, film director and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
Veteran actress Loly Mara, a one-time head of Malacanang Radio and TV during the Fidel V. Ramos regime, recently kicked the bucket.
Loly, Gloria Mara in real life, succumbed to heart attack.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Loly Mara. We are all heartbroken. Words cannot express how much our mom meant to us,” the family wrote on the actress’ Facebook page.
“She was the strongest, most compassionate, and deeply loving woman we’ve ever known. Loly had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and cherished,” the statement continued.
Mara, mom of actor Lorenzo Mara and sister of the late entertainment editor and member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) Manny Pichel, had done many movies like “Shake, Rattle and Roll X,” “Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching,” “Stella Magtanggol,” “Be Careful with My Heart,” “Praybeyt Benjamin” etc.
Her colleagues mourn her passing.
“You have been part of so many of my television and film projects that you have practically become a regular fixture on my sets. Now it breaks my heart to find out that you have left us to return home to Our Father.
“Thank you for all the beautiful memories we shared on the set. Thank you for your grace and kindness you have always shown and the light you bring to every venue where we find work.
“Rest now, dearest Loly Mara. Yours was a life full and filled. You shall be missed as you are so loved, Lolly,” said Joey Reyes.
Entertainment journalist Noel Ferrer also expressed his sadness at the passing of Lolly.
“The world was never meant for one as beautiful as you,” mourned Reyes and Ferrer.
Dwight Gaston, a prolific TV and movie screenwriter and actor has also gone to the Great Beyond.
“We mourn the passing of Dwight, who passed away at the age of 66.
“A gifted artist and storyteller, Dwight was known for his work as a musician, actor, writer, art director, costume designer, and visual effects artist.
“His contributions to films such as ‘Red,’ ‘Scorpio Nights,’ and ‘Platoon’ leave behind a lasting legacy.
“May he rest in peace,” posted his friends and colleagues on Facebook.
Celebrated theater art designer and award-winning video projection artist GA Fallarme died of heart attack on October 19, 2025, announced visual artist Bon Labor .
“The theater scene will never be the same again without GA,” lamented Bon, GA’s first cousin.
Three of the recent stage works of Fallarme were the critically acclaimed theater gems, “Anak Datu,” an original musical by Rody Vera adapted from the short story of National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao of the same title directed by Chris Millado; “Pingkian Isang Musikal,” a theater piece on the life and times of Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto directed by Jenny Jamora and “The Bodyguard,” a stage adaptation of the 1992 film that started Kevin Costnee and Whitney Houston directed by Tobbir Guevarra.
Artist At Maculangan also passed on.
Here’s an updated news bulletin on the life and times of At.
“The memorial service and gathering for At Maculangan has been moved to 23 October 2025, Thursday, 2:00-8:00pm. Mass will be held at 6:00pm to be presided by Fr. Jason Dy, SJ.
“The Ateneo Art Gallery joins the cultural community in mourning the passing of visual artist, photographer, and filmmaker At Maculangan (b. 5 March 1965), who passed away on 14 October 2025.
“Maculangan was also one among 31 featured artists in ‘Not Visual Noise,’ a seminal photography exhibition hosted in 2019 at the Ateneo Art Gallery, curated by Angel Velasco Shaw. He presented a video and photo installation titled ‘Today, I’m not feeling well; which featured Juan Gapang (1986), a short experimental film of a young man searching for his destiny.
“Friends and family are invited to join us on 23 October 2025, Thursday, 2:00–8:00pm at the Ben Chan ArtSuite, 2F Ateneo Art Gallery for a simple gathering and memorial service for At.
“Deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” write the Ateneo Art Gallery.
Theater actor Ninoy Leyran, Juan Felino Salazar Leyran in real life, also had the final curtain fall on him.
And the compassionate, people loving and classical music aficionado, producer and writer Pablo Tariman already bid us adieu.
Veteran choreographer and actress Ana Feliciano has also died.
Jazz singer and an original member of The New Minstrels Louie Reyes and actor Patrick de la Rosa passed on.