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Kapuso actor-model Luis Hontiveros shared his best memories and the legacy that he and his family would want people to remember about their dear Maria Teresita Nita “Tata” Hontiveros-Lichauco.

On October 11, it was announced that Tata Hontiveros-Lichauco died at the age of 93. She was the founder of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and a great advocate for animal rights.

In Luis's exclusive chat with GMA Network.com today, October 21, he shared the best lesson that his Lola Tata imparted to him and the whole family.

He told GMA Network.com, “I think everyone else who knows her or knows about her would agree na 'yung isa sa mga natutunan ko is 'yung profound love for animals, na hindi lang may breed na ang dapat mahalin.

“Kahit mukhang kalansay na, nanghihina na, puro garapata, puro sugat, mamahalin ni Tata 'yan. 'Yan 'yung sinasabi lagi sa amin, that's why lahat kami sa family--my mom, my siblings, bawat household--mayroong aso, pusa or parehas.”

The actor added that Tata was influential in molding them to become animal lovers.

“Natutunan namin 'yung kakaibang pagmamahal, 'yung pagmamahal na minsan mas higit pa nga sa pagmamahal natin sa kapwa nating tao, kasi animals really deserve it, e.

“Yan lagi ang sinasabi sa amin, na all living creatures deserve to live happily and freely. And I think that's why parang mai-share niya sa amin 'yun sa pamilya at sa lahat pa ng mga tao sa society natin, sa bansa natin.

“And I'm very, very happy and proud na I get to call her Lola Tata.”

Despite the sad news, Luis continued to fulfill his showbiz commitments last week and was seen on Eat Bulaga's Bawal Judgmental last October 13.

He admitted that it was pretty hard to appear on camera as if nothing happened.

Luis explained, “Her death was very untimely and nasabay pa sa kalagitnaan din ng trabaho, but nakapag-commit na tayo. Siyempre even though I and my family were mourning, grieving, I still want to be a professional and I think Tata would like that also.

“It was hard to smile in front of the camera and to pretend as if nothing happened but I have to do it. It's our job to deliver.”

Good thing that he was surrounded by his family and they became his support during the difficult moments of Tata's untimely death.

“Coping up I guess it's easier in the sense kasi ngayon, I'm back with my family. I think if I was living alone still like before the pandemic I think it will be much, much harder.

“It's nice to be able to walk down memory lane with my family and look back at the days that we still had our time with Tata.”

Luis Hontiveros, tuloy ang trabaho kahit nagdadalamhati sa pagpanaw ng kanyang Lola Tata

Stay fit and surf-ready with Luis Hontiveros' balance board workout