Actor Rudy Fernandez dies

by BOY VILLASANTA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Actor Rudy Fernandez died at 6:15 Saturday morning at his home in Joeylane Street in White Plains in Quezon City due to a lingering illness.

He was 55.

After years of suffering from peri-ampullary cancer, Rudy succumbed to death in the presence of his wife, actress Lorna Tolentino, and sons Renz Marion and Raphael Fernandez. He also has a son, Mark Anthony, also an actor, with former partner, actress Alma Moreno.

Minutes after the official announcement of his death, people from all sides of showbiz sent the sad news to one another via text or phone calls.

Two days before his demise, Lorna issued a statement that she was ready to accept his husband’s sad fate. “I am entrusting his life to the Lord,” said the actress in her message.

Yet, she hoped that Rudy would still miraculously recover.

During these last few months, Rudy and Lorna were shuttling between the US and the country for medical treatment of the actor’s cancer.

They were recently advised by the patient’s doctors in the US to stay in a Philippine hospital for treatment.

Fernandez was confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan for almost a month.

Before he was taken home, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, one of Rudy’s bosom friends, said during an interview that Rudy tried to fight his illness but couldn’t hide the real state of his health. He said Rudy’s tummy was already bloated and his eyes and skin were yellowish, all symptoms of the deadly cancer.

The last time Estrada paid Rudy a visit in the hospital, the patient was agonizing. “Hirap na hirap na ako. (I can’t bear this anymore),” Fernandez was heard complaining.

Meanwhile, Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla, another one of Rudy’s close pals, and colleagues in the film community, called on the public to say prayers for Fernandez..

Rudy’s final wish was to be laid to rest at the Heritage Park along C-5 in Taguig City.

Revilla told radio station dzMM Saturday that Fernandez's remains were immediately brought to the Heritage Park in Taguig City for the wake.

He said the public can pay their respects at the park.

Fernandez became famous for his action films such as "Baby Ama," and "Markang Bungo."

Fernandez has won best actor awards for his film, "Batuigas...Pasukuin si Waway," and "Victor Corpuz".

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=120941