Bobby Garcia honored by Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, and colleagues. Images: Instagram/@msleasalonga, @dollydeleon
The death of theater director and producer Bobby Garcia was met with messages of love and honor from his colleagues, with many thanking him for molding them into the best version of themselves throughout his career.
Garcia, 55, was confirmed dead by his family through his friend, Boy Abunda, on the December 18 broadcast of the latter’s afternoon program “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” No cause of death was revealed.
On her Instagram account, Lea Salonga shared a photo of herself with Garcia, which she captioned with a heart emoji. A close friend of the theater director-producer, they recently worked together in the silent play “Request Sa Radyo” which had Dolly de Leon as her alternate lead.
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Salonga’s post earned tributes from Martin Nievera and Pinky Amador in the comments.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@msleasalonga
Meanwhile, de Leon shared a photo of the theater director-producer on what seemed to be a car ride in the city on her Instagram page.
“We will always have nyc. I love you,” she wrote.
The actress’ post also received comments from broadcast journalist Karen Davila and theater actress Kakki Teodoro.
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Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@dollyedeleon
Describing Garcia as the “consummate theater man,” the social media platforms of “Request Sa Radyo” celebrated Garcia’s legacy and his dedication to uplifting Filipino talent.
“His heart belonged to the craft and his soul beckoned on the magic the theatrical arts bring. In Bobby, we found a formidable champion of Filipino artistry, always pushing the dream of creating world-class theater that exalt Filipino talent,” it said.
“We honor his legacy by continuing to realize our shared vision of celebrating our culture through world-class performances. This is how Bobby would’ve wanted it,” it continued.
Carla Guevera Laforteza recalled on her Facebook page that despite how Garcia “pushed [her] to [her] limits” and “drove [her] crazy,” he had always believed in her.
“Ours was a complicated one. You pushed me to my limits, made me cry, made me frustrated, and boy oh boy, did you drive me crazy. But most of all, you loved me, believed in me, and made sure I was prepared for every role you gave me,” she wrote. “Thank you for everything Direk. Have [a] great time up there with Tita Liza, Raymund, and Cherie! Love and Light. Your Carlitta.”
Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman and CEO Joey Reyes paid tribute to Garcia in a brief message on his Facebook page.
“A great loss for Philippine theater. Take your bow, Bobby, for a life well lived,” he wrote.