Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Filipino-American actor Nico Santos, famous for playing Oliver T'sien in Crazy Rich Asians, announced that his stepfather Sonny has died due to coronavirus disease.

Nico announced the sad news on his Instagram and Twitter yesterday, March 29.

On both platforms, Nico paid tribute to his late stepdad:

“My Tito Sonny passed away yesterday after losing his battle with COVID-19. He was a kind, caring man Friendly to a fault. He always greeted strangers walking past him with a chipper 'Good Morning!' and a big smile. He had a great laugh that filled the room with joy.”

Similarly, Nico also shared that his mother is battling the virus.

“My mom is also fighting COVID-19. For the time being, she has not required hospitalization,” he added.

“The loss of my stepfather is devastating but what has gutted me is that this pandemic has kept my family apart. We were unable to be with him during his last days.

“I can't hold my mother as she mourns her husband. I can't hug my brother as he contemplates a world without his father. I can't wipe away the tears from my nephews' eyes as they wonder why their Lolo Sonny isn't here anymore.

“Please continue to pray and send healing energy to my mom. I hope all of you are staying safe and healthy. Rest in Peace, Tito Sonny. I love you,” he concluded.

View this post on Instagram

This is my stepdad Sonny and my mom Tita. My Tito Sonny passed away yesterday after losing his battle with COVID-19. He was a kind, caring man. Friendly to a fault. He always greeted strangers walking past him with a chipper 'Good Morning!' and a big smile. He had a great laugh that filled the room with joy. My mom is also fighting COVID-19. For the time being, she has not required hospitalization. The loss of my stepfather is devastating but what has gutted me is that this pandemic has kept my family apart. We were unable to be with him during his last days. I can't hold my mother as she mourns her husband. I can't hug my brother as he contemplates a world without his father. I can't wipe away the tears from my nephews' eyes as they wonder why their Lolo Sonny isn't here anymore. I want to thank everyone of you who offered up prayers, love and assistance to our family during this difficult time. Please continue to pray and send healing energy to my mom. I hope all of you are staying safe and healthy. Rest In Peace Tito Sonny. I love you.

A post shared by Nico Santos (@nicosantos) on Mar 28, 2020 at 10:21pm PDT

Aside from playing Oliver T'sien, Nico is also known for playing Mateo in NBC's “Superstore.”

The United States has already confirmed more than 140,000 COVID-19 cases as of March 30.

MORE UPDATES ON THE CORONAVIRUS:

Country singer Joe Diffie dies from COVID-19

Ride sharing company partners with Manila restaurants for food delivery during quarantine period