Many people have lost loved ones since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
We've seen how no one was spared from the wrath of the virus…rich or poor, celebrity or not.
And aside from COVID-19-related deaths, some people also lost a family member or friend for a slew of other reasons.
This is the reality of life. Death happens every day whether we notice it or not.
And although it may seem an unpleasant thought, the truth is at one point in our lives, we all have to face it.
We all have to either deal with the loss of a dear one or face our own mortality.
And as the old saying goes, “Death is the great equalizer.”
It's everyone's final destination regardless of a person's status or accomplishments.
But while it's one of the most painful life experiences one can go through, there are also silver linings that come with it.
Sometimes, through someone's death, we are reminded how short life truly is, and how important it is to spend time with our loved ones.
This leads us to reorganize our priorities and live our best life with those dearest to us.
Moreover, death often compels us to show compassion and forgiveness, as we realize holding grudges is not the best way to spend our limited time on earth.
And although it is always difficult to deal with death, many people find comfort in all the lovely memories that their loved one has left them with.
Below are some of the celebrities who lost a loved one this 2021.
Kapuso star Kyline Alcantara lost her maternal grandmother last April. She fondly calls her Big Mama.
Actress-singer Geneva Cruz lost her mother, Manilyn Mendoza Cruz, to COVID-19 this year.
Geneva Cruz and her sisters received their mom's ashes two days after she passed away on April 19.
Actress Jean Garcia also lost her mother, Sandra Garcia, on April 2 due to COVID-19 and heart disease complications.
'Prima Donnas' star Aiko Melendez also lost her stepfather, Dan Castañeda, to COVID-19.
On February 2, 'Pepito Manaloto' star Manilyn Reynes announced that her father, Nelson Reyes, has passed away.
'Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat' actress Tanya Garcia-Lapid said goodbye to her grandmother, Mariquita “Mama Quing” Rosales, in May.
Perfume mogul, Joel Cruz, bid farewell to her 92-year-old mother, Milagros Martin Santos-Cruz, in May 23.
On June 6, actress Dimples Romana announced the passing of her beloved grandmother, whom she fondly calls Mamay.
Actress-filmmaker and first-time mom, Barbara Ruaro, lost her father on June 7. Since May, Barbara had been seeking blood donors for her dad, who was battling an undisclosed illness.
Celebrity sisters Megan and Lauren Young mourned the death of their grandmother in June 2021.
In separate Instagram posts, Megan and Lauren paid tribute to the colorful life of their grandmother. Megan wished she could hug her lola one last time, while Lauren looked back on her favorite memory with her.
The Aquino family is mourning the death of their beloved family member, former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III. News reported that he has died after being rushed to the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City on June 24. The late president has four siblings, Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and media personality Kris Aquino.
Former Vice President Noli De Castro lost his wife Arlene De Castro on July 31 due to non-COVID-related causes. The former TV executive was 66 years old and is survived by Noli and their three children: Kat, Manueli, and Shameer. Arlene was also the ninang of Kapuso host Connie Sison.
Saab Magalona and Maxene Magalona lost their 81-year-old maternal grandmother, Edwina Koch Arroyo, on August 4, 2021.
'Eat Bulaga' teen star Ryzza Mae Dizon was at a loss for words when she learned about the death of her lolo. She confirmed the passing of her grandfather today, August 10 by posting her black-and-white photo with him on Instagram.
Kapuso actress and social media star Jelai Andres lost her 99-year-old grandmother, Nanay Mona, on August 28. Jelai said her lola died of old age.
Actress Lara Morena mourns the death of her brother as she holds the urn that contains his ashes, and her mother carries his portrait. She didn't disclose the cause of his death but hinted that “justice will be served” in her hashtag.
Rodjun Cruz grieves the sudden passing of his Uncle Cesar, who was the "master drummer" of the Cruz family and was one of the uncles who was by his side during his wedding to Dianne Medina.
Basketball player June Mar Fajardo lost his mother Marites last August 11. June Mar and his family haven't disclosed details regarding her death, but on his recent social media post, the self-confessed mama's boy says he's still reeling from the passing of his mom.
During her virtual guest appearance on 'Eat Bulaga's' Bawal Judgmental earlier this year, the former 'StarStruck' Ultimate Sweetheart Jewel Mische said she lost her grandfather.
“Chinito” hitmaker Yeng Constantino surprised everyone, when she confirmed on September 26 the death of her mother Susan. Uploading some throwback photos with her late mom, she captioned her post by saying, “Paalam Mama.”
Kapuso leading ladies Carla Abellana and Beauty Gonzalez were at a loss for words over the death of their good friend Benj Gabitan. Benj is instrumental to the careers of the two actresses since he was their handler and road manager, too.
Kapuso comedienne Kiray Celis was devastated when her good friend Sister Marina o Ate Noeme died. In a lengthy post on Instagram last September 8, she expressed how much she means to her.
Kiray wrote, “Iniwan na naman ako ng taong isa sa mga pinaka mamahal ko.. Sister marina ko.. bat moko iniwan? Sabi ko sayo diba bibilhan pa ni ng truck. Promise ko yun sayo diba? Ang bigat naman ng 2021..
Celebrity photographer Mark Nicdao considers the talented painter Bree Jonson not just a best friend, but a teacher, too. He's among the hundreds who expressed grief over her death. The authorities are still investigating the death of Bree, after the police found her lifeless body in a La Union resort on September 18. Mark also left this reminder to everyone on Instagram after what happened to his friend. He posted, “Hug your cherished loved one as much as you can.”
TV and movie actress Gladys Reyes is keeping strong amid the death of her dearest father, Sonyer Reyes. In her Instagram post, Gladys shared that her father succumbed to multiple organ failure, who underwent an angioplasty procedure in January 2021. Gladys also wrote, “Thank you Pa, I will always be a Papa's girl! Mission accomplished.”
FDCP chairperson Liza Diño Seguerra pays tribute to her grandmother, Teofista Bautista, who passed away recently at the age of 91. Liza wrote on her Instagram post, "Mommy [not Lola], as we call her, is the reason why I fell in love with films."
Former 'Pinoy Big Brother' housemate Criza Taa was extremely saddened after the death of her lola Wilma Obara. Criza shared the news to the public via Instagram as she paid tribute to her Mama Wilma, who took care of her since she was a toddler.
Criza said, “Today my biggest fear happened. I know you're with God and you may rest now. I know you're always with me and this is never a goodbye. Mahal na mahal kita mama, 'Til we meet again.”
Singer/ social media star Katrina Velarde dropped a sad news on November 16, confirming the death of her husband Mike Shapiro through a statement released by Viva Entertainment. Shapiro was 57. Part of the statement reads, “Prayers for the repose of his soul are most appreciated and I would like to request for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.” Velarde, who is dubbed as “Suklay Diva,” married Mike last May in Tagaytay.