Kin, fellow artists give Eddie Garcia a rousing round of applause, shouts of 'Bravo'

Relatives, friends, and fellow artists of the late veteran actor Eddie "Manoy" Garcia gave him a standing ovation, a rousing round of applause, and shouts of "Bravo" on Sunday, at the end of the wake for him at Heritage Park in Taguig City, according to a report by Athena Imperial on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday.

After the public viewing ended at 6 p.m. on Sunday, a Mass was held attended by Garcia's relatives, fans, and friends in the showbiz industry.

His loved ones and friends reminisced about the times they spent with the actor.

"He's very smart. He's very fun to be with. Napaka-humble, down to earth. And you won't feel parang outcast or anything," actor Mel Martinez, brother of actress Maricel Soriano, said.

"A gentleman through and through, suave, cool, si Mr. Cool 'yan kung tawagin e. Masarap kasama sa trabaho dahil masaya, masayahin, palabiro. Very professional," said actor Ronaldo Valdez.

Garcia's granddaughter Elaine Garcia said Manoy loved them so much.

"Very loving grandfather. Lahat kami, mahal siya. Pero 'yun na nga, narinig niyo, very... a man of few words 'no. Totoo 'yon. Pero alam naming lahat na mahal niya kami," she said.

Garcia's stepson 1-Pacman party-list Representative Mikee Romero said Garcia was very professional and took his craft seriously.

"Kahit buhay niya ang nakataya, he will risk it just to be on the set on time... Wala nang makakatumbas sa mga nagawa niya. Wala na ho. Kasi kung kaya niyong tumbasan, ibig sabihin hanggang 90 years old, nagtatrabaho ka pa," he said.

The family thanked everyone for supporting them and condoling with them.

Garcia died on Thursday at the age of 90.

Burial honors

After the Mass, the Armed Forces of the Philippines gave Garcia burial honors.

Garcia served as military police sergeant during World War II.

His long-time partner Lilibeth Romero received the Philippine flag from the Philippine Army.

Romero became emotional as she thanked the AFP for recognizing Garcia's military service.

"I think he served the Philippines very well. This is your last trophy and this is dedicated to all of you. Thank you very much and good evening," she said. 

Garcia has spent almost seven decades of his life in showbiz, and breathed life to more than 600 characters.

Two days before he died, he was named Best Actor at the 42nd Gawad Urian Awards for his role in the 2018 Cinemalaya film "ML". —KG, GMA News