Manila, Philippines – The Megastar Sharon Cuneta is in mourning following the heartbreaking death of long-time director and dear friend Manny Castañeda, a loss that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and devastated those who worked closely with him.

In an emotional social media post and statements to the press, Sharon revealed the depth of her pain and the strong bond she shared with the beloved director, who not only helped shape her career but also stood by her through personal and professional ups and downs.

“My heart is shattered. I can’t believe you’re gone, Direk,” she wrote.
“You were more than a director. You were family.”

A Deeply Rooted Friendship

Sharon and Manny first worked together in the 1990s, but their relationship quickly grew beyond the typical artist-director dynamic. Manny became one of Sharon’s most trusted collaborators — someone who knew how to bring out her best, both on and off screen.

“He understood my silence. He knew how to calm me during my worst days,” Sharon shared.
“When the cameras stopped rolling, he was still there — comforting me, advising me, and sometimes just making me laugh.”

They spent countless hours on set, creating magic for Filipino viewers. But what Sharon treasures most were the quiet moments behind the scenes — late-night heart-to-hearts, private words of encouragement, and the laughter they shared even amid difficult shoots.

A Final Goodbye That Came Too Soon

Sharon admitted she wasn’t able to see Manny in his final days — something she now deeply regrets. She had heard he wasn’t doing well, but the news of his sudden passing still came as a shock.

“I thought we had more time,” she whispered.
“I wanted to say thank you… I didn’t get to say goodbye.”

Her post was filled with photos of them over the years — smiling during tapings, celebrating birthdays, and candid moments only real friends get to share. The outpouring of love from fans and colleagues echoed the same sentiment: Manny Castañeda was one of a kind.

The Legacy He Leaves Behind

Beyond his work with Sharon, Manny directed and mentored many of the Philippines’ biggest stars. He was known for his uncompromising artistic standards, his gentle humor, and his genuine care for his talents.

“He wasn’t just a director. He was a safe place. He made you believe you were capable of more,” Sharon said.

She ended her statement with a prayer — not only for Manny’s soul, but for the strength to carry on without him.

“I’ll carry our memories forever, Direk. Please watch over me from up there. I love you.”

– Sharon expresses her deepest condolences to Manny’s bereaved family, especially her close friend, Director Joey Reyes Sharon Cuneta is mourning the passing of her close friend and former writer Manny Castañeda. In an emotional post, Sharon recounted their time together since 1986 when Manny was the first writer for her show “The Sharon Cuneta Show” (TSCS) on IBC-13, until their move to ABS-CBN in 1988. Sharon shared how deep their friendship was, which not only extended to work but also to their personal lives. According to Sharon, Manny was a loving, kind, intelligent, and witty person. She also recounted how Manny always relied on her in times when she needed someone to talk to and how their conversations often ended in laughter. I love you, Mom. Thank you for touching my life, doing a great job with me on my show, inspiring me to be better not just at work but as a person. Thank you for your friendship,” Sharon said in her message to Manny. She also expressed her deepest condolences to those left behind by Manny, especially her close friend, Director Joey Reyes. The passing of Manny Castañeda is a huge loss not only in Sharon’s life but also in the showbiz industry. Sharon will continue to cherish the beautiful memories and lessons Manny left behind for her.