Comedian-director John Lapus cannot hide his sadness over the passing of one of his closest friends, Direk Phillip Lazaro.
The 52-year-old Lazaro died from multiple organ failure on Monday, July 11 according to his nephew Chico Lazaro Alinell as reported by GMA News Online.
In a series of Facebook posts, Lapus shared how hurt he is by the death of Lazaro. He also shared his last conversations with his friend before he passed away.
“
Bye Phi.”
“Eto naman yung last chika natin sa messenger nong birthday mo. Pinasukat mo sakin yung lamesa ko kasi nga nag OPM ka ng bench. 
“
“At eto naman last text mo. Ma “i love you” ka talaga. “
“AYUN! NAALALA KO, BILIN SAKIN NI
Phillip Lazaro AYAW NYANG MAKALIMUTAN! SIGE MAGPOST TAYO ARAW-ARAW.”
Meanwhile, apart from Lapus, other celebrities also took to social media to mourn the death of Direk Phillip Lazaro.
Niccolo Cosme in his tweet posted a heartbroken emoji attached to the art card by the Manila Bulletin.
— Niccolò 💕💗🌸 (@niccolocosme) July 11, 2022
Ashley Ortega also expressed her grief through crying emojis.
— Ashley Ortega (@ashleyortega) July 11, 2022
Kapuso star Barbie Forteza also tweeted saying, “Rest in paradise, Direk Phillip Lazaro.”
Rest in paradise, Direk Phillip Lazaro 🙏🏻
— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) July 11, 2022
Another Kapuso star Juancho Trivino mourned the death of Lazaro.
In his tweet he said “Rest in Peach direk Philip.”
Rest In Peace direk Philip
— Juancho Trivino (@juanchotrivino) July 11, 2022
Actress Marilyn Villamayor also remembered Direk Phillip as their director in Prima Donnas. In her tweet she said that she’s thankful to the Lord for having been able to work with him.
“He was very supportive during our Prima Donnas taping last year. I thank the Lord I was able to work under your direction. Ang regret ko lang dahil nahihiya ako sayo, hindi ako nakapag pa picture..fly high direk..we will miss you..”
He was very supportive during our Prima Donnas taping last year. I thank the Lord I was able to work under your direction. Ang regret ko lang dahil nahihiya ako sayo, hindi ako nakapag pa picture..fly high direk..we will miss you.. https://t.co/dF5fHEaFLE
— Marilyn Villamayor G (@bezeemama) July 11, 2022
Comedienne and host Tuesday Vargas also expressed her sadness over the untimely demise of the comedian-director.
In her Facebook post, Vargas said that she was shocked upon hearing the news and that she misses Lazaro so much.
“Direk! Bakit mo naman kami iniwan agad? Gagawin pa natin itong Baklakula na serye di ba?
“Sobra akong nabigla sa nabalitaan ko. Ma mi miss kita Mama Phi. Rest in power. I love you Phillip Lazaro.”
Direk! Bakit mo naman kami iniwan agad?
Gagawin pa natin itong Baklakula na serye di ba?
Sobra akong nabigla sa nabalitaan ko.
Ma mi miss kita Mama Phi. Rest in power.
I love you Phillip LazaroPosted by Tuesday Vargas on Sunday, July 10, 2022
TV host Christine Jacob also shared her memories of Lazaro during their Eat Bulaga days.
“My heart is saddened to hear the news of his passing. It’s been awhile since our Eat Bulaga Days together. I will remember him fondly.”
My heart is saddened to hear the news of his passing. It’s been awhile since our Eat Bulaga Days together. I will remember him fondly. https://t.co/Kp1fnLLOca
— Christine Jacob (@ChristineJacob7) July 11, 2022
Lazaro started as a stand-up comedian at The Library in Manila.
He then ventured into acting where he starred in several movies and TV series like Wanted: Perfect Mother, Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw, Unexpectedly Yours, Villa Quintana, and Anna Karenina.
Lazaro was also credited as second unit director of several GMA TV shows including Full House Tonight, Prima Donnas, Widow’s Web and Nagbabagang Luha.
