Hours after the news of veteran actress Jaclyn Jose's passing, her daughter, Andi Eigenmann, officially gave a statement in a press conference on the afternoon of March 4. She was also joined by her brother Gabby Eigenmann.
Contrary to initial reports, Andi revealed that her mother passed away on the morning of March 2 (Saturday) after suffering from myocardial infarction commonly known as a heart attack.
She said, “It is with great sadness that I announce the untimely passing of my nanay, Mary Jane Guck, better known as Jaclyn Jose, at the age of 60 (sic) on the morning of March 2nd, 2024 due to a myocardial infarction or a heart attack.”
The actress also extended her gratitude to everyone who showed love to their family.
“We'd like to thank everyone who has since extended prayers and condolences to us as our family is trying to come to terms with this unfortunate incident,” she said.
Related Gallery: Celebrities mourn the passing of Jaclyn Jose
Andi requested everyone to provide them the respect and privacy to grieve. She also hoped that her statement would “put all speculations to rest.”
Before closing her statement, she also honored her mother with a heartfelt message.
“... Her undeniable legacy will definitely forever live on through her work, through her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she's touched… her life herself was her greatest obra maestra.”
News of Jaclyn's passing first surfaced on the evening of March 3, which was later confirmed by PPL Entertainment Inc., in a statement posted on Instagram.
Jaclyn Jose was a multi-awarded Filipina actress known for her roles in The Flor Contemplacion Story, Service, Ma' Rosa, among others. In 2016, she was the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to receive the Best Actress award from the Cannes Film Festival.
MEANWHILE, BELOW IS A LIST OF CELEBRITIES WHO SUFFERED FROM A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE
Celebrity stylist Fanny Serrano recently suffered from a stroke, as shared by Megastar Sharon Cuneta. Though he is already conscious and undergoing treatment, this is not the first time the personality suffered from the disease.
In 2016, the “Pioneer of Beauty” in the Philippines was already admitted to the Philippine Heart Center after suffering from two minor strokes that affected his motor skills. Days later, it was announced that he is on his way to recovery and that his healing is considered a miracle.
The late actor and singer Rico J. Puno suffered from heart failure on October 30, 2018, after being admitted to St. Luke's Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City. He was 65 years old.
Before his death, the OPM legend had triple bypass surgery in 2015 and suffered a stroke in 2016. In early 2018, it was reported that a pacemaker was placed inside his body to address his heart condition.
TV personality Kuya Kim Atienza suffered from a stroke in 2010. The doctors operated on his heart and put a metal occluder the size of a P5 coin to seal a hole that caused a stroke. According to him, his stroke affected his brain's left frontal lobe, robbing him of the ability to speak. Three days later, he regained 60-70% of his brain activity and was completely mobile months later.
As part of his therapy, Kuya Kim became more active and started exercising more, including running, cycling, and swimming. Today, Kuya Kim is at the peak of his health and sometimes even joins a full Ironman triathlon to prove his wellness.
In 2018, it was reported that “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano had undergone open-heart surgery after feeling a sense of “tightness and pain” in his chest. According to the singer, his left anterior descending artery has been blocked due to his diabetes.
Fortunately, his heart surgery was a success, and he even added that his heart is a “good, strong heart.”
Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia suffered a heart attack in January 2007 that had him undergoing two angioplasty surgeries at the Philippine Heart Center. Based on reports, doctors found at least two blockages in his arteries. The singer has a history of heart disease in his family, making him genetically predisposed to it.
A year later, Ely had another angioplasty after his band's reunion concert was cut short due to his hospitalization. Since his successful operation, he has been the face of campaigns revolving around cardiovascular health like The Heartist Foundation Inc.
In 2016, comedian-actress Joy Viado died of a heart attack after being rushed to the Quezon City General Hospital. According to her son, Joseph Christopher, Joy complained of having difficulty breathing before bringing her to the nearest hospital.
Kapuso personality Solita “Mareng Winnie” Monsod is also not exempt from health woes. After it was reported that she suffered from stroke in 2013, Winnie opened up about suffering from a heart attack in 2001 through her editorial piece at a local newspaper. She said, “From experience, a heart attack makes itself known with more drama. More often than not, the patient feels some pain.”
'Eat Bulaga' dabarkad Paolo Ballesteros shared that he suffered a “mini-stroke” in 2014 after posting a photo of himself wearing a hospital gown in Marikina Valley Medical Center. The actor said, “Hypertension daw, transient ischemic attack, mild stroke pero 'di naman nagpo-progress.” According to Mayo Clinic, a transient ischemic attack is caused by a build-up of cholesterol in the artery or one of its branches that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
After suffering from his mini-stroke, Paolo continued to play his part in the longest-running noontime show.
Kapuso comedian Boobay, real name Norman Balbuena, was rushed to the hospital in 2017 after suffering from a heart attack or stroke. Based on reports, Boobay was rushed to the ICU though he had trouble speaking fluently in the first few days.
Boobay is now one of the mainstays in GMA Network and he even co-hosts the weekly show 'The Boobay and Tekla Show.'