Manila, Philippines — As family, friends, and fans continue to mourn the passing of Cocoy Laurel, one tribute has captured the hearts of many: that of his nephew, singer and theater actor Franco Laurel, who shared a deeply emotional message remembering not just a showbiz legend — but the uncle who shaped his life with kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength.

Franco attended the first night of Cocoy’s wake surrounded by other members of the Laurel clan, holding back tears as he spoke to friends, embraced guests, and stood beside the casket of a man he once called his “second father.”

“He was always there — whether I was on stage, off stage, or lost in life,” Franco wrote in a viral Instagram post. “You were more than a star. You were my calm in the storm.”

https://youtu.be/veooIpqvYZ0

A Family Bond Built on Love and Legacy

The Laurels are one of the most respected families in both politics and performing arts, but for Franco, Cocoy was not just an icon — he was a guiding presence who saw him not as a performer, but as a person.

“Tito Cocoy never needed the spotlight,” Franco said in an interview. “His brilliance was in the way he made you feel seen — whether you were a child or a fellow artist.”

Franco recalled childhood memories of visiting his Tito at rehearsals, watching him perform, and later, performing beside him in musicals and concerts.

“He had this way of calming your nerves before a big show — just one look from him, and you knew you were going to be okay.”

A Quiet Goodbye at the Wake

Franco arrived early at the wake held in a private chapel in Quezon City, accompanied by his wife and children. He stood quietly beside Cocoy’s casket, holding his hand to his chest, eyes closed in prayer.

He was later seen helping other relatives welcome visitors, including artists, public figures, and fans who lined up to pay their respects to Cocoy Laurel.

“It was hard,” one family member said. “But Franco showed such strength — the kind you only learn from someone like Tito Cocoy.”

The Instagram Post That Broke Hearts

Hours after the wake, Franco posted a black-and-white photo of Cocoy Laurel on Instagram with a caption that read:

“I’ll miss your laugh, your music, your quiet strength. I’ll miss the way you said my name with pride. Thank you for being my safe space. I promise to carry your light with me.”

Thousands of fans, fellow artists, and followers flooded the comments with condolences, many saying Franco’s tribute brought them to tears.

“You wrote what we all feel. He was one of a kind.”

“Tito Cocoy lives on through all of you.”

“This family’s grace is unmatched.”

Franco’s Final Promise: “I Will Sing for You”

During a brief eulogy later that evening, Franco Laurel performed a simple but soul-stirring version of “The Prayer,” holding back tears throughout the song.

“This was his favorite,” Franco whispered before singing. “And now, it’s my gift back to him.”

The chapel fell silent as the notes floated through the air — a fitting tribute to a man who lived for music and left the world with harmony.

The Laurel Family’s Grief and Gratitude

The entire Laurel family has expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming love and support shown by fans, artists, and industry colleagues.

“We are heartbroken,” Franco said. “But we’re also incredibly thankful that so many saw in Tito Cocoy what we’ve always known — he was a man of grace, humility, and timeless talent.”

Conclusion: Not Just a Goodbye — A Legacy Carried Forward

For Franco Laurel, this is more than the loss of an uncle — it’s the loss of a mentor, a role model, and a lifelong protector.

“Tito Cocoy may be gone,” he wrote, “but I will carry his voice in mine — every time I sing, every time I breathe.”

And for all those who knew Cocoy Laurel — whether on stage, on screen, or simply in spirit — his light continues to shine.

In Franco. In every song. In every memory.

Victor D. Laurel, fondly known in the entertainment industry as Cocoy Laurel, died just three months after his 72nd birthday, his family announced on Monday.

Cocoy died on Saturday, June 14, according to an announcement posted on his late mother Celia Laurel’s Facebook page (which is managed by his family), two days later. The cause of Cocoy’s death was not revealed.

“It is with deep affection and grateful faith that we entrust our dear brother, Victor, into the hands of our almighty Lord God, Creator, and Savior,” the post read.

According to Cocoy’s family, he was someone who dedicated his faith in God through his “music and artistry,” as well as his generosity toward others.

“He worshipped God and praised him through his music and artistry, and blessed others so generously,” it said. “Rest in peace, beloved brother, mentor, maestro, and friend. We are incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for all you’ve done for us. You will always have a special place in our hearts

Cocoy is the son of the late former Vice President Salvador Laurel (who served during Corazon Aquino’s administration) and Celia-Diaz Laurel, who is a theater actress and a singer. He is also the uncle of actress Denise Laurel, and brother of the popular 80s singer Iwi Laurel.

His last known public appearance was last April during the wake for the late superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor, who was his onscreen partner and close friend. Their partnership was a hit among fans in the 1970s, having appeared together in the films “Lollipops and Roses,” “Lollipops and Roses at Burong Talangka,” and “Impossible Dream.” They also sang together at multiple appearances on TV and film.

The actor-singer’s other film appearances include “Love Song” and “Oh Margie Oh.” He was also an accomplished painter, and even gifted Aunor with several paintings of herself prior to her death.

Cocoy’s first foray in show business was for Paramount Pictures’ Romeo and Juliet film production when he was discovered during a nationwide sear for the lead role in 1970.

Cocoy was one of the most notable members of Repertory Philippines, where his biggest roles in theater include the Engineer in “Miss Saigon” and Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables.” After his entertainment career, he pursued his dream of being a painter in Madrid, Spain.