Actress Janine Gutierrez is grieving the loss of both her grandmothers, who passed away just days apart during Holy Week.
“It’s the first time in ten days that I’m not at a wake,” Janine told her followers on her Instagram channel on Wednesday. “This Holy Week, my siblings and I lost two lolas — Mama and Papa’s mothers.”
Janine’s paternal grandmother, renowned songstress Pilita Corrales, passed away on April 12.
Just four days later, on April 16, her maternal grandmother, Nora Aunor, also passed away. She was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22.
She shared that the past days had been emotionally overwhelming for their family.
“Kakauwi lang namin galing sa wake ni mamita ng mga alas-kwatro ng hapon nung April 16. Pagdating ng alas-diyes ng gabi, tumatawag na ulit ‘yung kapatid ko sa chapel para kumuhang kwarto, para naman kay Mama Guy,” she recounted, referring to Nora with her nickname, “Ate Guy”.
Janine had planned to travel during the break, but decided at the last minute to stay home instead.
“Initially, I blocked off the week to travel but decided to just spend it at home. Sabi ko mag-ayos nalang ako ng bahay at mag-aral ng script. Buti nalang hindi na ako umalis. <amita passed away on my first free day and we buried Mama Guy on my last,”the actress shared.
Despite the pain, Janine expressed gratitude to friends, fans, and loved ones for their support, “It’s been difficult and even unbelievable, but all throughout, you have helped us so much with your support and love. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. We love you so much, everyone who sent a message, dropped by or had us and our lolas in your mind.”
As she resumed work, Janine reflected on her grandmothers’ strength and legacy, concluding her message, “I think of my two new angels and how they always powered through. I think of how I can continuously make them proud. it gives me comfort to know there are many of us who will always have them in our hearts. Thank you.”
