It was a night of mourning, love, and remembrance as friends, family, and fans gathered for the second night of Cherie Gil’s wake — an evening filled with quiet sorrow, heartfelt memories, and uncontainable emotion. Among those who came to pay their respects was Sharon Cuneta, who had shared a long and profound connection with the late “La Primera Contravida.” Her presence, marked by visible heartbreak, captured the gravity of what many are calling an “irreplaceable loss” in Philippine showbiz.

A Room Heavy With Grief

The wake, held at a private memorial venue in Metro Manila, was attended by many of Cherie’s closest friends and colleagues. The ambiance was solemn, the air thick with both silence and the soft murmurs of loved ones reminiscing about the actress who had captivated generations with her fierce screen presence and complex portrayals.

Flowers surrounded Cherie’s photo, her signature smile preserved in countless frames that adorned the altar. But it was Sharon Cuneta’s arrival that stirred the room, bringing with her a wave of grief too powerful to hide.

Sharon Cuneta: “I still can’t believe she’s gone”

Dressed in mourning black and with her face hidden behind dark sunglasses, Sharon was seen visibly shaken. As she approached Cherie’s casket, she could no longer hold back her tears. Onlookers described the moment as “heart-wrenching,” as Sharon held onto the edge of the coffin, whispering words meant only for the friend who had left too soon.

Later, when speaking briefly with members of the press, Sharon’s voice cracked:

“I still can’t believe she’s really gone. I loved her. She was more than a co-star, more than a friend. She was family to me.”

Sharon and Cherie had worked together in numerous iconic films and shared a bond that went beyond the cameras. Their last reunion, just months before Cherie left for treatment abroad, now serves as a painful final memory for Sharon.

A Loss Felt Across the Industry

The second night of the wake brought together some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry — many of whom echoed similar sentiments: that Cherie Gil was a force, both on-screen and off. She was respected, feared (in the best way), admired, and most of all — loved.

“She brought elegance to villainy. She made every role unforgettable,” one actor remarked during the evening, his eyes misty with emotion.

An End of an Era

For many in the room, Cherie’s death felt symbolic — a closing chapter to a golden era of Philippine cinema. With her passing, a void is left that may never truly be filled.

But even in death, Cherie Gil’s presence loomed large. The stories shared, the tears shed, the laughter sparked by old memories — all of it was a testament to a woman who lived boldly, loved fiercely, and acted with unmatched brilliance.

Final Goodbye, But Never Forgotten

As the night drew to a close, a choir softly sang one of Cherie’s favorite classical pieces. Sharon Cuneta remained seated, hands clasped in prayer, eyes closed — a picture of quiet devastation.

The wake may last a few more nights, but for those closest to Cherie, no amount of time will ever be enough to process the magnitude of the loss.

Cherie Gil, in her absence, continues to teach us what it means to live fearlessly and leave a legacy so unforgettable that even in death, her light remains