Princess Punzalan remembers Lydia De Vega with throwback photos of her portrayal in 'Magpakailanman'

Princess Punzalan joined her voice to one of the many paying tribute to Lydia De Vega, who passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with breast cancer.

On Instagram, the former actress posted some photos of her playing Asia's Sprint Queen when "Magpakailanman" told Lydia's life story back in 2004.

The full episode is available on YouTube.

"Just sharing some images from when I was given the honor to portray Philippines' Sports Legend, Lydia de Vega, in GMA's 'Magpakailanman,'" Princess wrote.

"She brought so much honor to the country by being one of the most decorated athletes, winning a plethora of gold medals in the Asian Games, Asian Athletics Championship and the Southeast Asian Games from the 1980s to the 1990s."

Lydia, 57, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She quietly fought the disease until her daughter, former volleyball player Paneng Mercado, asked the public for support as her condition deteriorated.

Other personalities who shared their grief over Lydia's passing are fellow athletics queen Elma Muros-Posadas, bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno, and swimming sensation Eric Buhain.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and several lawmakers also expressed their condolences to Lydia's family and hailed her as a heroine of Philippine sports.

—MGP, GMA News