Sheryl Cruz pays tribute to late actor Pepito Rodriguez

Sheryl Cruz took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor Pepito Rodriguez, the former onscreen partner of her mom, Rosemarie Sonora.

On Instagram, Sherly posted photos of Pepito with Rosemarie, along with a heartfelt message for the late actor. 

“The dashing gentleman and former screen partner of my mother, Rosemarie Sonora, at Sampaguita Studios has passed away. My heart is deeply saddened by the news, as he was always kind and gracious to me,” she began.

According to Sheryl, Pepito’s death brought back so many memories of the “beautiful era of Philippine Cinema.”

“He will truly be missed in the movie industry for his many contributions to Filipino cinema and for the joy he brought to audiences during the golden age of film,” she said.

“Please send my love to my Papa, Ricky Belmonte (Jesse Cruz). You were both such an important part of that remarkable chapter in our cinema history. Rest in peace, Tito Pepito,” Sheryl added.

Pepito’s passing was announced by his nephew Hope Marco Neri Yutuc in a social media post on Thursday.

According to Yutuc, Pepito died of pneumonia after he was confined in the hospital on Wednesday.

Born Jose Maria Rodriguez, Pepito was among the stars of Sampaguita Pictures. He starred in several films, such as “Mga Batang Bakasyonista,” “Gintong Alaala,” and“Sa Bilis Walang Kaparis,” among others.

In 2024, Pepito received the Iconic Movie Actor of Philippine Cinema award at the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards alongside Coco Martin, Robin Padilla, Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, Roger Calvin, Eddie Gutierrez, and Dante Rivero. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sheryl Sonora Cruz (@officialsherylcruz)

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News