Some local celebrities paid tribute to their colleague comedienne Noemi Tesorero, popularly known as Mahal, who passed away on Aug. 31.
Comedian Brenda Mage, who was Mahal’s personal assistant for a year until 2014. The two also had a common talent manager for a time.
“Ang dami-dami mong napasaya sa napaka-genuine mong pagkatao. Mahal ka ng lahat. Mahal ka namin, Mahal,” Brenda Mage wrote.
Among those who mourned also were Mahal’s co-stars in the GMA series “Owe My Love.”
The show’s lead actor Benjamin Alves shared a photo of him and the 46-year-old comedienne.
“We love you forever Ate Mahal,” Alvez wrote.
Veteran actor Leo Martinez wished Mahal rest in peace.
“Mamimiss ka namin, Mahal,” read the text in their photo together.
“Maraming salamat at marami kang pinasaya lalo na sa lock-in taping natin.”
Ruby Rodriguez also shared one of Leo’s posts, adding how “sad” it was to lose Mahal.
Winwyn Marquez admitted that the demise of Mahal was devastating.
“Ate mahal sobrang sakit. Bakit? i love you so much.. sabi mo magkikita pa tayo eh sabi mo lalabas pa tayo.. ayaw ko maniwala na totoo to.
“Naging ate na talaga kita. Lagi mo ako sinasamahan at inaalagaan.. Ate mahal naman eh ang sakit na iniwan mo kami.
“Our Little ball of sunshine. Lagi kami pinapasmile lagi kami pinapatawa.. ate mahal gusto kita ihug
“I love ate @mahal.tesorero i love you so much
“I love you ate.”
Kiray Celis couldn’t agree more.
She noted: “Sa liit na panahon na nakasama kita, ganun naman kalaki ang naibigay mong saya sa puso ko. Ayoko isipin.. ayoko tanggapin.. ayokong maniwala ate noeme mahal na mahal kita. Sana hindi totoo ito. Pls..”
Screen veteran Ai Ai delas Alas, who also starred in the same program with Mahal, said she has yet to fully process her passing. “Nawalan ako ng isang barkada sa industriya,” she said.
Actress Rosanna Roces express her sadness over the news, saying she was grateful for the opportunity to have been able to work with Mahal. “Salamat sa pagkakataong makasama at makatrabaho ka. Uwi ka na kay Lord, Mahal,” she wrote.
Janice de Belen, who was among Mahal’s first movie co-stars in “Anak ni Janice,” shared a poster of the 1991 comedy, writing simply, “RIP Mahal,” with rose emojis.
Mahal’s passing was confirmed by her stepmother Josefa Tesorero and her sister Irene Tesorero who is based in the US.
Irene told PEP.ph that Mahal succumbed to “gastro illness” and COVID-19. (S. Bernardino, mb.com; abs-cbn))