Around GMA

Article Inside Page

TV host Amy Perez paid tribute to her friend Hans Mortel in her latest post on Instagram.

Hans passed away on Wednesday, July 14, after a three-month battle with pneumonia.

Amy and Hans have worked together in the defunct tabloid talk show Face to Face.

“Salamat sa love mo at lahat ng magaganda nating memories together,” Amy told Hans.

“You will always be my favorite 'SAWSAWERO,'” she added, referring to Hans's role in their old show as a commentator tasked to elicit reaction from guests and audience.

“I will miss you. No more pain. Rest now in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. My deepest sympathy to his family,” added Amy.

Hans was a regular in comedy bars as part of the standup comedy scene.

“Hans Mortel is my brother. Currently admitted to a hospital due to pneumonia in an immunocompromised state,” Jean Mortel-Chupungco, Hans's sister, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign.

“He can't breathe without oxygen. He had exhausted all of his insurance benefits when he was admitted last month due to the same problem. He needs to be closely monitored and he needs very expensive medicines.”

It was also Jean who relayed the news of Hans's passing through social media.

"Gone too soon! You fought a hard battle. Thank you for giving it your all. I know you tried so hard for us. It's ok, you fought for 3 months. We fought the battle with you. And now you can rest in peace,” Jean posted.

“I will be comforted by the thought that you're with Papa and Mama Azon now. And you're face to face with our Lord. It hurts so bad to let you go, but you deserve to rest. Know that we love you and we always will.”

Take a look at other celebrities who got diagnosed with pneumonia in this gallery: