MANILA, Philippines — Singer, host and actress Karylle Tatlonghari — better known in the industry by her mononym Karylle — is mourning the death of her father, Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari.
Karylle confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Sunday.
“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my dad, Papa M, Doc, Dr. ‘M,’ Moy, Tito M…He was a beloved man who lived life fully. Always a presence in a room, while also making sure everyone felt seen and heard. He, too, was always seen and heard with his handsome ‘cute’ face, youthful porma, and booming voice,” Karylle wrote as she shared photos from the assumed wake and internment of her father at Santuario De San Jose Parish, GreenhillsSantuario De San Jose Parish, Greenhills.
Karylle with her father Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari who recently passed away. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/ANAKARYLLE
Modesto is the former husband of singer Zsa Zsa Padilla. They married in 1980 but separated later on. Their church wedding was annulled on Aug. 6, 2003 while the local court finalized their annulment on Dec. 3, 2004. Karylle is their only child together.
Karylle remembered her father with kindness, saying he was a “Baguio boy (and Laguna lad) at heart who loved basketball and his no-look shot.”
She also took pride in her dad being a topnotcher at the dental board.
“His philosophy in life was that if your white rubber shoes (or sneakers) weren’t dirty enough, it meant you didn’t play or have enough fun. Fun! He was always in for the fun! High attendance and truly present in school events, Tito M was everyone’s dream dad. I was always lucky coz he was my dad.”
Karylle also revealed that her father almost became one of the young Boy Scouts who tragically died in 1963 on their way to the 11th World Scout Jamboree in Greece.
“A boy scout who was supposed to be one of the streets in the Jamboree circle in Quezon City, I am grateful to Lolo Benny and Lola Thelma for not allowing him to go to jamboree despite him already having the funding from San Miguel where lolo worked. It was a pretty great life extension.”
One of the last few precious memories Karylle shared with her father was onstage. The actress, who recently wrapped up The Sandbox Collective’s production of the musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” said her father watched her four times.
“Little Shop of Horrors was our favorite movie and, like him, a happy part of my childhood. It breaks my heart that I couldn’t have spent more time with him lately. But as my best friend, Diane, told me, our last moments together don’t define the lifetime that I’ve loved him. I will always love him and miss him.
“Thank you Lord for Papa M,” Karylle ended.
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