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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.<\/p>\n
Their work left a lasting imprint on generations of Filipinos, influencing how stories were told and how music and performances were experienced.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gloria Romero<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Revered as the \u201cQueen of Philippine Cinema,\u201d veteran actress Gloria Romero passed away on January 25 at age 91.<\/p>\n She starred in over seven decades of films and TV shows, earning acclaim for her versatility and enduring presence in local entertainment.<\/p>\n Margarita For\u00e9s<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n News of Margarita Fores’ passing took everybody by surprise in February, with her son Amado announcing the unfortunate news on February 11.<\/p>\n Named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, the renowned chef and\u00a0restaurateur spent her life elevating Filipino dining with her innovative restaurant concepts, and left behind a legacy in Philippine gastronomy.<\/p>\n Matutina<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Veteran comedienne and actress Evelyn \u201cMatutina\u201d Bontogon-Guerrero, best known for her work in sitcoms, passed away on February 14 at 78 after a long career in entertainment.<\/p>\n Barbie Hsu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, widely loved for her role as Shan Cai in \u201cMeteor Garden,\u201d died at 48 after contracting influenza-induced pneumonia while on a family trip to Japan.<\/p>\n Kim Sae Ron<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Actress Kim Sae Ron, known for roles in \u201cA Brand New Life\u201d and \u201cThe Man from Nowhere,\u201d passed away at age 24.<\/p>\n Delia Razon\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n It was Carla Abellana who announced the passing of her lola, actress Delia Razon, on March 15. A screen presence from Philippine cinema\u2019s classic era whose career endured through television, Razon passed away at age 94. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Pilita Corrales<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Pilita Corrales, celebrated as \u201cAsia\u2019s Queen of Songs\u201d for her six-decade career and iconic OPM hits, died on April 12 at age 87.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Nora Aunor<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 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\u00a0acute respiratory failure<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n She had a necrological funeral service at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila<\/a> and was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani<\/a> on April 22, with Noranians in attendance.<\/p>\n Her storied career included critically acclaimed films such as \u201cHimala\u201d and \u201cThe Flor Contemplacion Story.\u201d<\/p>\n Hajji Alejandro<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n OPM icon Hajji Alejandro died on April 21 at age 70. According to his girlfriend, the singer Alynna Velasquez<\/a>, Hajji had a two-month battle with Stage 4 Metastatic Colon Cancer and even underwent a surgery in February.<\/p>\n Hajji\u00a0 is best known for classic hits like \u201cTag-Araw, Tag-Ulan,\u201d\u00a0“Panakip-butas” and “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika.”\u00a0<\/p>\n Jiggly Caliente<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Drag queen, singer, and RuPaul\u2019s Drag Race alumna Jiggly Caliente passed away on April 25 at age 44, leaving a legacy in both international and Filipino entertainment.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.”<\/p>\n Freddie Aguilar<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n OPM folk music icon Freddie Aguilar, best known for the internationally acclaimed song \u201cAnak,\u201d died on May 27 at age 72.\u00a0<\/p>\n He is survived by his wife Jovie and his four children from previous marriage: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ricky Davao<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Ricky Davao, whose career spanned film and television, died on May 2.<\/p>\n According to his daughter Ara Davao, the veteran actor and director\u00a0died due to complications from cancer. He was 63.<\/p>\n Red Sternberg<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n T.G.I.S. star Red Sternberg passed away on May 27 at 50 years old. According to his wife Sandy, the \u201890s heartthrob died of a heart attack<\/a>. He was remembered fondly by his barkada<\/a> and fans.<\/p>\n Lolit Solis<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Showbiz columnist, talent manager, and television host Lolit Solis died in July at age 78, closing a storied career in Philippine entertainment media.<\/p>\n Celebrities including Rocco Nacino<\/a>, Sandy Andolong, and Lorna Tolentino paid tribute to the veteran showbiz personality.<\/p>\n Emman Atienza<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n News of Emman Atienza’s unexpected passing shocked the public on October 24. According to her father, Kuya Kim<\/a>,\u00a0the 19-year-old Sparkle talent “wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health.”<\/p>\n Following her passing, Sparkle honored Emman with a kindness campaign<\/a>, while Sen. JV Ejercito\u00a0filed the Senate Bill 1474, also known as the Emman Atienza bill<\/a>, seeking to penalize cyberlibel, online hate speech, and harassment.\u00a0<\/p>\n