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Gloria Romero, Nora Aunor, Emman Atienza, more celebrities who left us this 2025
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As 2025 draws to a close, the Philippine entertainment industry and the nation mourn the passing of several beloved personalities whose talents and contributions shaped film, music, television, and culture.
Their work left a lasting imprint on generations of Filipinos, influencing how stories were told and how music and performances were experienced.
Here is a look back at some of the celebrities and cultural figures who left us this year, remembered for their legacies and the lives they touched.
Revered as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” veteran actress Gloria Romero passed away on January 25 at age 91.
She starred in over seven decades of films and TV shows, earning acclaim for her versatility and enduring presence in local entertainment.
News of Margarita Fores' passing took everybody by surprise in February, with her son Amado announcing the unfortunate news on February 11.
Named Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016, the renowned chef and restaurateur spent her life elevating Filipino dining with her innovative restaurant concepts, and left behind a legacy in Philippine gastronomy.
Veteran comedienne and actress Evelyn “Matutina” Bontogon-Guerrero, best known for her work in sitcoms, passed away on February 14 at 78 after a long career in entertainment.
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, widely loved for her role as Shan Cai in “Meteor Garden,” died at 48 after contracting influenza-induced pneumonia while on a family trip to Japan.
Actress Kim Sae Ron, known for roles in “A Brand New Life” and “The Man from Nowhere,” passed away at age 24.
It was Carla Abellana who announced the passing of her lola, actress Delia Razon, on March 15. A screen presence from Philippine cinema’s classic era whose career endured through television, Razon passed away at age 94.
Pilita Corrales, celebrated as “Asia’s Queen of Songs” for her six-decade career and iconic OPM hits, died on April 12 at age 87.
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Nora Aunor passed away on April 16 at age 71. According her son Ian de Leon, Nora passed away from acute respiratory failure.
She had a necrological funeral service at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila and was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22, with Noranians in attendance.
Her storied career included critically acclaimed films such as “Himala” and “The Flor Contemplacion Story.”
OPM icon Hajji Alejandro died on April 21 at age 70. According to his girlfriend, the singer Alynna Velasquez, Hajji had a two-month battle with Stage 4 Metastatic Colon Cancer and even underwent a surgery in February.
Hajji is best known for classic hits like “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan,” "Panakip-butas" and "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika."
Drag queen, singer, and RuPaul’s Drag Race alumna Jiggly Caliente passed away on April 25 at age 44, leaving a legacy in both international and Filipino entertainment.
Before her untimely death, Jiggly's family announced she will not appear in the upcoming season of the show nor participate in any public engagements indefinitely due to a "serious health setback."
OPM folk music icon Freddie Aguilar, best known for the internationally acclaimed song “Anak,” died on May 27 at age 72.
He is survived by his wife Jovie and his four children from previous marriage: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko.
Ricky Davao, whose career spanned film and television, died on May 2.
According to his daughter Ara Davao, the veteran actor and director died due to complications from cancer. He was 63.
T.G.I.S. star Red Sternberg passed away on May 27 at 50 years old. According to his wife Sandy, the ‘90s heartthrob died of a heart attack. He was remembered fondly by his barkada and fans.
Showbiz columnist, talent manager, and television host Lolit Solis died in July at age 78, closing a storied career in Philippine entertainment media.
Celebrities including Rocco Nacino, Sandy Andolong, and Lorna Tolentino paid tribute to the veteran showbiz personality.
News of Emman Atienza's unexpected passing shocked the public on October 24. According to her father, Kuya Kim, the 19-year-old Sparkle talent "wasn't afraid to share her own journey with mental health."
Following her passing, Sparkle honored Emman with a kindness campaign, while Sen. JV Ejercito filed the Senate Bill 1474, also known as the Emman Atienza bill, seeking to penalize cyberlibel, online hate speech, and harassment.
Anna Feliciano, who was known for her artistry and dance choreography and often featured in noontime variety shows, died on Thursday, October 23, at the age of 65.
Veteran actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal, known for her iconic film roles and decades of service to the Philippine Red Cross, died on November 15 at age 97. — LA, GMA Integrated News
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