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It was
a news announcement that was surreal. Millions of people who
heard the news were in disbelief and in shock. A very well known
Filipino actor, comedian and businessman was found dead on March
29, 2002. The actor died of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
Rico Yan was only 27 years old.
The news came as a shock to many people. A popular co-host
for ABS-CBN's "Magandang Tanghali Bayan" and an actor
in the sitcom "WHATTAMEN". He has appeared in many
movies and television shows. He earned a degree in Business
Management at the De La Salle University. He was also a self-made
millionaire with franchises such as Orbitz Pearl Shake, Tequilla
Joe's, Timbuktu, Fry This and Java Hut.
He
was known for his romantic tie to actress Claudine Barretto
which could be compared to the Justin and Britney relationship
of the Philippines due to their current popularity.
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Born with the name Ricardo Carlos Castro Yan, he will
be remembered as a man who was good to everyone. He
treated everyone with respect. He was not the type to
talk bad about people. He was the type to cheer people
up and also the kind a person who would take a chance
with clothes and wear bright colors. He will also be
remembered by his media nickname, "Mr. Dimples".
He has also won several awards such as 1997 Best
Male Star for Move Star Fan Magazine, 1999 Parangal
ng Bayan - Best Young Actor and many more.
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He was a highly respected individual who had been praised for
his wholesome image both on and off screen. He was chosen by
institutions, including the Department of Education, to be a
role model for the Filipino youth. Rico had tremendous potential.
His friend and co-actor Marvin Agustin said that he felt he
had the potential to become president. Rico Yan was interested
in politics and knew the issues very well.
But on Good Friday 2002, perhaps God needed Rico's talents
for something bigger.
On the week of March 29th, Rico Yan and his friends Marvin Agustin
and Dominic Ochoa were at the Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan (in
the Philippines) for R&R and also to film a commercial.
According to his friend Dominic Ochoa, the guys were having
fun and singing karaoke.
Dominic Ochoa talked about the final moments they saw Rico when
he was alive on ABS-CBN's "THE BUZZ". According to
Ochoa's comments, Rico ended the night and said:
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"First of all, I just want to say that he was happy.
Before he said goodnight that night...he said....my friends...and
then he impersonated my voice and he said...."this is the
happiest moment" and he did this dance that he does and
said "Guys, it's a full moon, let's wing it!... and before
I say goodnight, I want you to know that this is the best
moment of my life!" |
The following morning Dominic tried to wake him but Rico did
not wake up. He was rushed to Puerto Princesa Hospital but when
doctors failed to revive him, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
During the next several hours, Rico's family went to accompany
his body back to Manila. Their family friend and ABS-CBN reporter
broke the story and footage of the grieving family with Rico's
body in a bag was shown on television.
A few weeks earlier in the Philippines, there was much speculation
in the media about whether or not Rico and Claudine had split
up after a well publicized argument between the couple. In December,
the two were to be married. Rumors were aplenty that the couple
had split, but that was not the case. Claudine Baretto tearfully
explained what happened between the couple.
On the ABS-CBN show, "THE BUZZ", Claudine Barretto was in tears
when she talked about how the two need time by themselves afther
their well publicized argument. Holy time would give the couple
time to think. She was asked to accompany him but she stayed
with her family and he agreed that it would be OK. According
to Claudine, when Rico returned from the reseort on the weekend
their problems would be resolved. Unfortunately it wasn't to
be. During the interview, Claudine Barreto could not prevent
her pain and when she said her words of her love for Rico, she
broke down completely.
Many of Rico's family and friends feel the pain of not being
able to tell him how much they cared about him and loved him
before he passed away. Many celebrities were still in shock
and couldn't believe how this young actor's life could be cut
so short. But for most believers, they feel Rico is in a better
place and his presence, friendship and his life has touched
many people.
But to remember Rico Yan, his friend and co-actor Dominic Ochoa
said it best.
"Rico was
a true gentleman," Dominic said tearfully.
Many people would definitely agree.
Rest in peace, Mr. Dimples. God Bless.
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