‘Pepito Manaloto’ director Bert de Leon passes on at age 74

Bert de Leon, a veteran television director, passes away on November 21, as confirmed by his family.

The talented director of several films and shows

Talented personalities continue to be taken from us these past few months and it is a sad time for everyone. But we’re pretty sure to remember them in our hearts.

Bert De Leon is the director of the weekend sitcom Pepito Manaloto and its prequel series Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento. He also helped craft several shows on GMA Network. Some of his work include the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga and the gag show Bubble Gang.

One of his most notable films includes Okay ka Fairy ko! : The Movie.

The director’s family bids him farewell

The niece of Bert, Jonna, announced the passing of her uncle on her Facebook page. It was accompanied by photos of the veteran actor, posted by his brother Jun.

“Mahal na mahal kita, tito. Mahal na mahal ka namin dito. Ang sakit sobra, napakalungkot ng paglisan mo pero [makakapag-pahinga ka na]. I’m so sorry that you’ve been through a lot of pain bago ka umalis. You’ve had a great fight, tito. Rest in Peace, tito.”

(I love you so much, uncle. All of us loves you so much here. It deeply hurts, your death is so sad but you can rest now. I’m so sorry that you’ve been through a lot of pain before you left. You’ve had a great fight, tito. Rest in Peace, tito.)

Jonna did not state the cause of the director’s death.

Celebrities join commemorate his memory

Meanwhile, last September, actor Michael V. set up a fundraiser for Bert after he had COVID-19. Another thing to note, however, is the director also suffered a heart attack last July and had to undergo an angioplasty.

Other celebrities mourned the death of the director on their social media accounts. This includes director Joey Reyes, actress Nadia Montenegro, singer Richard Reynoso, and actor Kokoy De Santos, among others.

Rest in Peace, Direk.