The Laurels are still mourning a family tragedy not once but twice in a row.
Last April, Suzie Laurel-Delgado, one of the children of the late former Philippine Vice-President Salvador H. Laurel and stage actress Celia Diaz-Laurel, died.
Two months later, the younger brother of Suzie, the iconic actor and singer in theater film and television Victor Laurel, passed on.
Victor, commonly addressed as Cocoy by his family, friends and colleagues, died of cardiac arrest due to complications.
Cocoy's immediate family, cousins, friends, associates and extended families took a pause and gathered again at the Heritage Park and Crematorium--where Suzie's remains were also laid--and reminisced their fondest memories of the fallen actor.
Franco Laurel, whose dad Francisco Laurel, Sr. was Cocoy's first cousin, eulogized in his Facebook the kindness and uniqueness of his uncle.
Franco's wife, Ayin Munji-Laurel, joined her husband even in spirit, in remembering one of the greatest actors Philippine entertainment industry has ever produced.
Here's Franco's thoughts on his uncle:
"You have touched so many lives--not just with your incredible artistry, but with your kindness, your generosity, and your beautiful spirit. You had a gift for making everyone feel special, seen, and heard. Your presence lit up every room, and your smile had the power to lift even the heaviest hearts. Your hugs meant the world to so many of us.
"I will forever treasure the moments we shared. You were a true inspiration—one of the reasons I am the artist I am today. I still remember the first time I watched you on stage—'The King & I,' 'Pippin,' 'West Side Story,' 'Camelot'—and so many more. You brought magic to every performance.
"I’ll never forget those childhood days at the old house in Shaw with my Mom, when you would ask me to sing. I remember so clearly how you once told me: 'When you sing, think of it like the waves in the ocean--let it flow." Those words stayed with me and helped shape not only how I sing, but who I am as an artist.
"Thank you, Tito Cocoy, for being so loving and kind to me and my family. Your love and light will always live in my heart. I know you're now singing and dancing your heart out in Heaven.
"Rest in God’s loving arms. I love you forever, Tito Cocoy."
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