Celebrities mourn passing of Ronaldo Valdez

MANILA, Philippines: Family and friends mourned the death of veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez on Sunday, with many paying him tribute on social media.

On Monday, his son, actor Janno Gibbs, confirmed the sad news.

“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 posted on Facebook.

Last November, Gibbs announced that he will share the screen with his father for a movie he directed. He said it is set to premiere in January 2024.

Kathryn Bernardo, his co-star in his last teleserye “2 Good 2 Be True,” posted a series of photos and video clips of Valdez in her Instagram stories. She also posted Valdez attending the premiere of her movie “A Very Good Girl” where he was spotted entering the red carpet in an electric wheelchair. It was also his last public appearance.

Their other co-stars in the series, Franco Laurel and Alyssa Muhlach, also remembered Valdez in their Instagram posts.

“Always loved. Never forgotten. Forever missed. I love you, Tito Ron!” Muhlach said.

“Tito Ron, it has been a pleasure and honor to have worked with you. Thank you for the memories and stories you have shared with us during our lock-in days at 2B2BT! I will miss you,” Laurel said.

Gary Valenciano, on the other hand, uploaded a photo of Valdez and wrote in the caption, “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. I know His embrace will always keep you smiling.”

Meanwhile, Dimples Romana posted a video featuring a scene with Valdez from the 2009 episode of “MMK” titled “Bisikleta.”

“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. We love you, Lo. Deeply and dearly. Rest now. We will continue to love and admire you,” she added.

Ronald James Dulaca Gibbs in real life, Valdez passed away at the age of 76. The cause of his death remains undisclosed. He is survived by his wife, Maria Fe Ilagan Gibbs, and children Janno and Melissa Gibbs.

Ronaldo Valdez with his son Janno Gibbs. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/JANNO GIBBS

Valdez had a remarkable acting career that spanned nearly six decades. He was discovered by comedian Dolphy in the mid-1960s. He gained popularity playing important father roles and rich father figures.

He continued to be cast in this role in the 1990s and 2000s, most notably in TV dramas such as “Mula sa Puso” (1997–1999), “Ang Munting Paraiso” (1999–2002) and “Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan” (2001–2003), and the romantic comedy movie “Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?” (1998). To younger audiences, he is known for starring in TV series such as “Los Bastardos” (2018–2019) and films such as “The Mistress” (2012), “All You Need is Pag-ibig” (2015) and “Seven Sundays” (2017).

His final project was the romantic drama series “2 Good 2 Be True” (2022), where he co-starred with former love team and real-life couple Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. He portrayed the character “Lolo Sir.”