Veteran actor-director Manny Castañeda has passed away.
The sad new was confirmed by his best friend, director Jose Javier Reyes, or Joey Reyes to his colleagues.
Direk Joey showed some memorable moments with Manny on a Facebook post. On its caption, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson gives a lengthy tribute to his dear friend.
“We were eight years old when we met. We missed a number of years between the final years of grade school and high school. But we made such a big deal about how we found each other again at the canteen in De la Salle College then.” Direk Joey remembered.
“And we were inseparable since that time, all throughout college ... until we both ended up teaching then finding our place in the insane world of show business.
“We have been friends for sixty-one years ... and how you have left. Honestly, I do not know how it is going to be without my best friend just sitting out there ready to bitch it out with me. We may have our differences in political beliefs, we may have our arguments but we were there for each other ... all the way.
“No, it is not going to be the same. But His Will Be Done. I know you are now having a major time giving an update to Don and Khryss and all our friends who are having eternal coffee breaks in the Great Beyond. And I know that where you are ... you will on the lookout for me, Erick Vidania, Cal Lim, Cristina A. Rodriguez, Raymund Barcelon, George Lim... everybody in our close knit circle.”
He continued, “I never told this you when you were around because I knew you would just cringe and tell me to shut up --- but you are such a great part of my life because you are my irreplaceable BFF. I am going to miss you .” big time.”
Several showbiz personalities commented on Direk Joey's post and offered their condolences including singer Jed Madela and Quark Henares.
Joey Reyes (FB)
The late Manny Castañeda appeared in several iconic movies including like Oro Plata Mata (1981) and Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala (1984).
He also directed movies in the '90s such as Guwapings Dos (1993), I Love You Daddy (1994), Kailanman (1996), and Sa Kabilugan ng Buwan (1997).
One of his recent memorable projects with GMA-7 is the primetime series One of the Baes, starring Rita Daniela, Ken Chan, and Roderick Paulate. Direk Manny also appeared in the afternoon serye Makiling.
Meanwhile, here are some of the famous personalities who has passed away:
Filipina writer, novelist, and activist Lualhati Bautista passed away on February 12, 2023, as her first cousins, Maria Rosario and Sonny Ross Samonte, confirmed on Facebook. Lualhati was best known for famous literary works that include "Dekada 70", "Bata, Bata, Pa'no Ka Ginawa?" and "GAPÔ," among other novels.
Former PBA player Emmanuel Victoria, also known as Boybits, passed away on March 1 due to acute myocardial infarction.
Sparkle teen artist Andrei Sison passed away on March 24 after a car accident. The announcement was made by his talent management arm, expressing their condolences to his family. They wrote, "He was a well-loved and much-cherished member of the Sparkle family. We will miss you, Andrei. Be with God now."
Veteran actor John Regala, John Paul Guido Boucher Scherrer in real life, passed away on June 3 at the age of 55 due to multiple health ailments, including a cardiac arrest. He was best known as an action star and for his kontrabida roles including his role as Apitong on the original 'Encantadia.'
Veteran showbiz anchor, broadcaster, and journalist Mario Dumawal passed away on July 5 at 64. According to the post on his official Facebook account, Mario passed due to septic shock after being confined at the Philippine Heart Center for a month.
Former 'That's Entertainment' member, director, and actor Ricky Rivero passed away on July 16 at the age of 51. While the reason for his passing was not mentioned, the actor-director was rushed to the hospital last May due to a stroke.
Former child actor Jamile Matthew Canlas, also known as JM, passed away on August 3 at the young age of 17. According to his elder brother's post, Jerom, JM was struggling with mental health. Jerom ended his post with the message, "Let us celebrate his short but wonderful life, as he would want us to."
Viral content creator Sean Lester Beltran passed away in August 20 due to stage 4 bone cancer. Sean gained a huge following in Tiktok after sharing inspirational posts.
Veteran broadcast journalist and GMA Network pillar Mike Enriquez passed away on August 29. The network issued a statement confirming his passing and paid tribute to the well-loved news personality.
"It is with profound sadness that GMA Network announces the passing of our beloved Kapuso, Mr. Miguel "Mike" C. Enriquez, who peacefully joined our Creator on August 29, 2023.
Enriquez, 71, was one of the anchors of GMA's flagship newscast “24 Oras” and hosted the long-running public affairs program “Imbestigador.” He also served as President of RGMA Network, Inc. and GMA Network's Senior Vice President and Consultant for Radio Operations. He also anchored DZBB's“Super Balita sa Umaga” and “Saksi sa Dobol B." He joined the broadcast industry in 1969 and then became part of GMA Network in 1995, wholeheartedly serving the Filipino audience for 54 years.
The Board of Directors, management, and employees of GMA Network, Inc. deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Enriquez. His dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all. We pray for the eternal repose of our beloved Kapuso."
Veteran broadcaster Ronald Luis "Ronnie" Lledo passed away on September 9. He was 64 when he passed away and his family announced the news through a statement.
Former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Bayani Fernando passed away on September 22. According to reports, the former Marikina Mayor was doing repairs on the roof of their house and fell, before being rushed to a hospital in Quezon City.
Actor and comedian Joey Paras passed away at the age of 45 on October 29. While his cause of death was not disclosed, he had a heart condition and had to be fitted with a pacemaker in 2018.
Veteran journalist and author Conrado de Quiros passed away on Novermber 6, as announced by his brother, Paul de Quiros, in a Facebook post.
Former The Voice Kids contender and actor Yohance Buie passed away at the age of 17. The announcement was made by his talent management company, Virtual Playground Global.
Youtuber and TikTok content creator Sammy Manese passed away on Wednesday, November 29. His sister, Bea Manese, confirmed the sad news on a Facebook post, however, the cause of death was not disclosed.
Anna Liza director Hermenegildo "Gil" Soriano passed away at the age of 81 in December. His daughter, Gia Allana Soriano, shared on Instagram that her father has not been doing well since September and was in a critical condition around October to November.
Reggae singer Kokoi Baldo passed away on December 8. His manager and wife, Sam, broke the news on his official Facebook page.
Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez passed away on December 17 according to the Quezon City Police Department. His son, actor Janno Gibbs, confirmed his passing on his Instagram account.
Filipino Basketball Star and Philippine Basketball Association legend Samboy Lim passed away on December 23, 2023. He was 61. His family announced his passing through his Facebook page. Samboy spent most of his playing career with the San Miguel Beermen, winning nine PBA championships. Samboy was a five-time PBA All-Star, a PBA Grand Slam champion, and one of the league's 25 finest players.
'Parasite' actor Lee Sun Kyun passed away on December 27. He was found dead inside a parked car in Seoul. According to reports, his wife reported to the police after she found what appeared to be a suicide note.