Heart Evangelista, Tuesday Vargas, more pay tribute to Ate Gay
Celebrities are mourning the death of comedian Gil Aducal Morales, popularly known as Ate Gay, who passed away on Nov. 1 at the age of 55.
Ate Gay revealed in September 2025 that he had stage 4 mucoepidermoid carcinoma after a lump on his neck grew larger and began bleeding. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment and was confined to the intensive care unit in October.
As news of his passing broke, celebrities and fellow performers took to social media to pay tribute to Ate Gay and remember the laughter, kindness, and support he brought to the entertainment industry.
Heart Evangelista honored the late comedian on her Instagram Story, writing, “Rest na angel.” She also commented on his family’s announcement of his death, saying, “My love :( Kaya pala wala ka na sagot samin.”
Ate Gay previously revealed that Heart was among the celebrities who provided him with financial assistance during his cancer treatment.
Comedian Tuesday Vargas remembered Ate Gay as a kind performer who continued to show warmth despite his health struggles.
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“For more than a year you fought a hard battle, and yet you stayed soft and kind,” she wrote in a Facebook post. "The comedy scene will never be the same without your light, but your legacy will forever live on in every punchline and every heart you touched."
Comedian Wacky Kiray also paid tribute to Ate Gay, remembering how he generously shared advice with younger performers.
“Hindi lang siya basta mahusay na performer; punong-puno din siya ng energy, passion, at pagmamahal sa larangan ng pagpapatawa,” he wrote. "Lumipas man ang maraming taon, ang mga alaala, tawanan, at mga aral na iniwan niya ay mananatili sa puso naming mga nakasama niya sa entablado. Mahal kita, Ate Gay!"
Comedian Pepita Curtis, meanwhile, recalled the lessons Ate Gay shared with those starting in the industry.
“Maraming maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tinuro nyo saken para maging mahusay na performer at paghuhusayan ko pa po,” she wrote.
Performer Edward Vallespin also remembered Ate Gay as his mentor, expressing gratitude for everything the late comedian had taught him.
“No more pains. You will always be remembered. Mahal kita, my mentor Gil Aducal Morales. Thank you again sa lahat-lahat,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Other personalities, including Gardo Verzosa, Kevin Montillano, Pops Fernandez, and Joel Palencia, also expressed their condolences in the comments section of the family’s Instagram announcement.
Ate Gay was best known for impersonating the late Nora Aunor and for his comedic performances and humorous renditions of popular songs.
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