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Mark Gil passes away; family, friends remember great actor

Mark Gil: Well loved, even in death (Contributed photo)

(UPDATE 3) The Eigenmann family has appealed for privacy following Mark Gil’s (real name: Raphael John Eigenmann) passing on Monday, September 1.

Members of the family, in an official statement released through Mark’s manager,  June Rufino, also thanked those who showed concern for the late actor in the past few weeks of his battle against liver cancer.

The family announced that Mark “died peacefully in his sleep in the arms of his wife, Maricar, and surrounded by family” at exactly 8 a.m.

The Eigenmanns also revealed that Mark learned that his illness was terminal (it was diagnosed two years ago) only last June. But he asked that the illness be kept a secret.

"We would...like everyone to know that he spent his last days in comfort and in no pain. In fact, he was in good spirits and humor, and enjoying the presence of his entire family. Even then, he was still bringing us together, as he always has, and we are now all complete.

“Until the very end, he was a warrior. Ralph faced death with courage and grace, while still bringing laughter to the room. That was his gift: the ability to make those around him better."

It was also Mark Gil's wish to have a private ceremony.

“Ralph had told us that he only wanted to spend and cherish the remaining precious days of his life in the company of his family and closest friends. He also wished that we be allowed to grieve his passing in private.

“For the outpouring of love for Ralph that we’ve received on his behalf, we thank you. It is deeply appreciated."

Celebration of life and work

“For those who’ve known and loved him throughout his career in cinema, and television, we will hold a celebration of his life and work. We will announce the details at a later time. But for now we would like to assure everyone that as long as Filipino films are being watched and appreciated, there will always be Mark Gil.

“To quote a line from Batch ’81, one of the many movies he made his own, and characteristic of Ralph himself: “Sa simula’t katapusan ay kapatiran.”

Mark Gil has been cremated at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City just hours after his passing.

According to a reliable source, Mark’s ashes will then be brought home, where the family can spend some private time with their departed loved one.  A one-day ceremony is being planned in La Salle Greenhills, Ortigas.

Mark’s daughter, Andi Eigenmann posted a photo of herself and her dad on her Facebook fanpage and said, "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, But Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Mark’s son Gabby, on the other hand, posted a photo of his dad and himself on Instagram and said, “…And so you held my hand in yours, just like you did when I was young . But then you held it to your heart just as you slowly slipped away. Today I said goodbye to you Dad. I said the last I love you that you would hear. Fly free with the Lord, fly free without pain. No worries, no problems, just love. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the family. Thank you for the legacy you have left behind. You will be forever in our hearts, till we meet again..:

Mark’s wife, Maricar Jacinto and Gabby were with the veteran actor when he passed away at sister Cherie Gil’s condominium unit in Ortigas. Gil died of liver cirrhosis in the morning of Monday, September 1. He was 52.

Loving dad. Mark Gil poses with his children (<a href=https://www.facebook.com/niceprintphotographyexigeweddings target=_blank>Photo by Nice Print</a>)
Loving dad. Mark Gil poses with his children (Photo by Nice Print)

Local celebrities also turned to social media to pay tribute to Mark and condole with his family and friends.

“Condolences to the family of Mark Gil whom we fondly call Ralph. We will miss a great actor and friend,” Lani Mercado tweeted.

Zsa Zsa Padilla simply tweeted, “R.I.P. Mark Gil.”

Kapuso actress Sunshine Dizon also prayed for Mark’s “eternal rest.”

“Eternal rest grant to Mark Gil, may perpetual light shine upon him through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ may he rest in peace,” Sunshine tweeted.

“Eat Bulaga” host Ruby Rodriguez prayed for Mark’s loved ones.

“R.I.P Mark Gil, may the Lord be with you and watch over the family u have left here on earth,” Ruby said.

Fun memories

Alvin Anson feels Mark’s passing is a big loss to the industry. He thanked Mark, whom he described as “one of the greatest actors from his generation," for their fun memories on and off the set.

“One of the coolest & talented actors I've the pleasure of working with, one of the greatest actor from his generation. RIP Bro Mark Gil, thanks for all the great fun memories on & off the set & being so cool like your brother Michael & the other cool Eiegenmanns I've met. We lost a great one today,” Alvin posted on Facebook.

Steven Silva tweeted, “R.I.P. Mark Gil and condolences to the family. Really sad to hear about this loss.”