Celebrities and personalities who left us in 2023:
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."