Celebrities pay tribute to comedian-director Phillip Lazaro

Veteran comedian and director Phillip Lazaro has passed away, as confirmed by his colleagues and friends on social media.

Celebrities and friends in the media industry alike shared tribute posts in honor of the late director on July 11.

Set production designer Jay Custodio posted about Lazaro's passing, saying he was "the finest and most kind director that I've ever worked with."

"Praying for the repose of your soul, Direk Phillip Lazaro! You will be missed! Thanks for all the laughs and chikahan! Love u Direk!" wrote Custodio.

Celebrity Tuesday Vargas also penned a message for Lazaro and shared a video of the comedian joking around with Eugene Domingo. 

"Direk! Bakit mo naman kami iniwan agad? Gagawin pa natin itong Baklakula na serye di ba? Sobra akong nabigla sa nabalitaan ko. Mamimiss kita, Mama Phi. Rest in power. I love you," she said.

Actress Jillian Ward shared a photo with the director, writing, "Rest in peace, direk."

Apart from his passion for directing, Lazaro's extensive career was a result of his devotion to the art of comedy. The 52-year-old actor gave PhilSTAR L!fe a glimpse of it during an interview about the boundaries of stand-up comedy, which was published last March.

At that time, Lazaro said comedians should, indeed, perform their acts with responsibility so as not to hurt other people. He elaborated, "You can make fun of fictitious situations, of people’s situations, pero never make fun of their miseries, their disabilities or their sickness. It’s a big no-no. That’s a poor type of comedy. Using other people to make other people laugh, just to lighten up the mood, that’s not good."

"A real stand-up comedian performs art. It comes with responsibility," the director-comedian added.