'Iskul Bukol' actress Mely Tagasa dies
Updated 18:42 PM PHT Sat, March 24, 2018
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) — Mely Tagasa, the actress popularly known as Miss Tapia in the decade-long hit sitcom "Iskul Bukol," passed away Saturday.
She was 82.
Condolences poured in as Tagasa's daughters, Gina and Lani confirmed the news in their public posts on social media.
"At 12:26 am today (March 24,2018) our beloved Miss Tapia has joined our Creator. The gates of Heaven open for her. We love you very much, Mommy," Gina's Instagram post read.
Lani also bid farewell to her mother in a Facebook post, where she earlier said Tagasa was in coma.
Friends from the showbiz industry mourned the veteran actress' passing.
Director and scriptwriter Bibeth Orteza called Tagasa "everyone's beloved Miss Tapia," and thanked her for the love and friendship.
"Malalim na pakikiramay (our deepest sympathy)," actor Bodjie Pascua said in a Facebook comment.
Actress Coney Reyes, posted a heartfelt message for her "Nanay Ateng."
"Thank you for being there for me, praying with me, fasting for me, listening to me during the darkest and lowest moments of my life," Reyes said in an Instagram post.
In November 2017, Tagasa was awarded her own star in the Philippines' version of the Walk of Fame in Eastwood City.