'A blessing to many': Celebrities mourn passing of Dreamscape head Deo Endrinal
Local celebrities paid tribute to ABS-CBN's Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal, who passed away at the age of 60.
Endrinal’s son PJ confirmed the sad development on his Instagram account on Feb. 3, stressing that it was the "hardest caption" he will ever write.
"Thank you daddy for everything, you have been the best father not just to me but to everyone that has known you. We will always remember how fortunate we are that you were in our lives," PJ wrote.
"This will definitely be a hole in my heart and will leave a scar; but I know that you’re finally free from pain and now happily dancing in heaven cause you’ll definitely be the life of the party up there," he continued, adding that Endrinal’s achievement over the course of his life should be celebrated.
He did not disclose the reason for his death.
In a tribute, Dreamscape Entertainment praised Endinal for his "visionary leadership, brilliant mind, and dedication to the art of storytelling," which have left an "indelible mark on [the] organization, as well as on the Philippine Entertainment industry."
Several prominent names in the showbiz industry who the veteran entertainment executive worked with in the past also took the time to express their grief over his passing.
Kris Aquino confessed that while she and Endrinal drifted apart when she was no longer with ABS-CBN, she highlighted that he will always remain as the reason why she learned the importance of honoring the job you’ve been given. She recalled how Endrinal had given her a strict schedule to follow back when she was 28 years old and a newly single mom.
"Deo believed in me when many doubted. He showed me the value of professionalism, respect, and generosity in sharing the credit with everyone involved in the production of my shows and movies. He instilled in me how to separate my personal problems from my duty to entertain," Aquino wrote in an Instagram post.
The Queen of All Media expressed regret for failing to reach out to him when her health started deteriorating, saying, "My wrong choice prevented us from being each other’s support system when we should’ve been there for each other.
"Please know [Lola Deo], I never 'unloved' you. And I am proud to declare—I’d never have become KRIS without the magical guidance of the creative genius that was DEO ENDRINAL," Aquino ended.
Andrea Brillantes also lamented his passing, saying that she is "incredibly blessed" to have had the opportunity to work with him in her career.
"Being able to work with you and grow alongside you is something I will always treasure. The trust you have placed in me with everything is truly invaluable. You have always believed in people’s talent, mine included. This has allowed us to grow and just be," Brillantes wrote on Instagram.
"You have been a tremendous blessing to many, and your heart is one of the biggest I know. May you rest in paradise, knowing that we love you forever," she added.
Gerald Anderson expressed his gratitude to Endrinal for giving him remarkable opportunities in several ABS-CBN-produced television shows, including Sana Maulit Muli, Tayong Dalawa, My Girl, and Budoy.
"Still can't believe it. I will always be grateful to you sir Deo for giving a young 17-year-old boy from Gensan a chance in our industry," Anderson penned.
He continued, "Thank you for always believing in me. You were not just our boss, you treated everyone like family. We will miss your brilliance, but we will forever miss your love."
Vice Ganda remembered Endrinal as not only her manager, but also her mother, her supporter, her basher, her friend, and now, her angel.
"I will always love you. I will always be grateful to you. I will always miss you. I promise to continue to make you proud," the It's Showtime host captioned her tribute.
Bea Alonzo also posted a picture of herself with Endrinal as she described him to be a "blessing to many."
"Maraming salamat sa kabutihan mo, sir Deo. You will be missed beyond words, and your memory and wisdom will live with us forever," she wrote.
Judy Ann Santos similarly thanked the Dreamscape head for having faith in her skills as an actress, writing, "Your words will never be forgotten Mammita. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for never giving up on me, and thank you for the wonderful legacy you have built for years and left behind."
"Marami kang natulungan sa industriyang mahal na mahal mo. Fly high mammita. You will never be forgotten. Mahal na mahal kita," she added.
Comedian Pokwang also grieved for her friend and former boss, who she shared never forgot about her even when she decided to transfer to another network.
"Kahit nasa GMA na ako, 'di mo ako kinakalimutan tuwing birthday ko, Pasko, at Valentine’s Day. Laging may bulaklak ako from you. Salamat sa tunay at pagmamahal bilang boss at kaibigan at ninong ni Malia," Pokwang said, referring to her daughter.
"Nagpapasalamat ako sa friendship na meron tayo. Pahinga ka na mamita, 'di ka mawawala sa aming puso ni Malia," she added.
Some of the projects that Endrinal oversaw as head of Dreamscape Entertainment include ASAP, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, May Bukas Pa, The Buzz, and more.
According to PJ, his wake will be held at Chapel 3, 4, and 5 at Heritage Park in Taguig on Feb. 4 to 7. His inurnment will happen on Feb. 8, with more details to follow.