Ate Gay holds ‘living funeral’ with loved ones amid cancer battle

Comedian Ate Gay gathered his family and friends for a “living funeral” in Biñan, Laguna, giving his loved ones an opportunity to celebrate his life while he is still alive.

Ate Gay, whose real name is Gil Aducal Morales, shared photos from the gathering at Forest Lake Memorial Parks on Facebook on Oct. 15.

He captioned his Facebook album, “Celebration of Life … Undasko 2026.”

The venue was decorated with flowers and portraits of the comedian, resembling a traditional wake. 

Among those who delivered eulogies for Ate Gay were fellow comedian Boobsie Wonderland and content creator Arman Salon.

In September 2025, Ate Gay opened up about his battle with stage 4 mucoepidermoid carcinoma. He has since undergone cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and has continued to share updates about his health with his followers.

In July this year, he said doctors detected a new lump near his neck and shoulder. He also said he was continuing immunotherapy.

Two months later, Ate Gay shared a positive health update, announcing that his latest tests showed he was clear of cancer. He said he had undergone six CyberKnife treatments and nine immunotherapy sessions, in addition to his earlier procedures.

According to Dignity Memorial, a living funeral is a gathering that celebrates a person's life while they are still alive, allowing family and friends to share memories, express their love, and say their goodbyes in person.

Unlike a traditional funeral, which takes place after a person's death, a living funeral allows the honoree to hear tributes and messages from loved ones firsthand. The gathering can also give family and friends a chance to express their appreciation and create memories together.

Ate Gay is best known for impersonating the late Nora Aunor, earning a following for his comedic performances and humorous renditions of popular songs. He has also appeared in various programs, including Comedy Bar and Wowowillie.