I was shocked well, everybody shocked when the news came out. The sudden death of the teen actor and one of the most talented Star Magic artists AJ Perez, 18 years old. He was died in an vehicular accident. He was from Dagupan from a show when on his way home, he was sleeping when their van bumped to the bus.
AJ Perez's untimely death on Sunday, April 17, was a big shock to the public, moreso to his family and close friends in and out of show business.
An outpouring of grief and support for AJ befell his wake at the La Salle Greenhills chapel in Mandaluyong City. His parents, Gerry and Marivic as well as his younger brother Gelo though still overcome with shock and grief try to remain strong amidst the tragedy as family and friends offer their condolences.
ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio, Star Magic talents, friends from the entertainment industry, AJ's classmates from La Salle Greenhills and many more flocked the wake of AJ, with many of them still could not believe that the silent and kind AJ has indeed passed away.
Meanwhile, Ma. Rosario P. Ortiz, AJ's aunt gave a statement on behalf of AJ's family to Yahoo! OMG! Philippines and other members of the press during the wake on Sunday night.
"Our family is in shock and deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic death. We wish to extend our gratitude to ABS-CBN, Star Magic, and ABS-CBN regional network group for their immediate support and assistance."
"We also wish to thank our relatives, friends, and supporters of AJ for all their prayers and words of encouragement."
"We are still waiting for the release of the official report from the police on this fatal accident."
"We request everyone to continue to pray for the repose of his soul and strength and consolation to the family he left behind."
Friends remember AJ
"Sabel" director Don Cuaresma recounted how AJ, who despite his hectic schedule shooting for the ABS-CBN series was determined to finish his high school studies at La Salle Greenhills.
"Actually nung ginagawa namin yung 'Sabel' we were staying in Pagsanjan, Laguna five days a week. Pero si AJ nag-aaral pa siya during that time. I would remember pag nag pa-pack-up kami let's say 4 a.m., nagsusuot na siya ng school uniform niya pagkatapos sasakay na siya sa kotse nila diretso na sa LSGH. Then after ng klase niya naka uniform din siyang darating sa set namin. Ganun siya kadesidido na tapusin yung pag high school niya. Nung grumaduate nga siya finally tinext ko siya sabi ko "Congratulations." Bihira yung pagsasabayin mo especially we were on location."
The director, like many others, considers AJ as a big loss in the entertainment industry.
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| Antonello Joseph "AJ" Sarte Perez | | (February 17, 1993 – April 17, 2011) |
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"Pasulong na yung career niya... It's really a big loss. Sayang," he said.
Kapamilya stars Rayver Cruz, Sam Concepcion and Jessy Mendiola also shared their fondest memories of AJ in a report from TV Patrol Weekend Sunday night.
"Passionate siya sa mga ginagawa niya eh. Naalala ko dati sinubukan ko siyang turuan...yung grupo nila... hindi pa siya magaling nun pero ngayon grabe na yung galing niya sa sumayaw," Rayver said.
"He's a good friend, he's like a brother to us talaga. Parang magkakapatid na rin kasi kami," Sam added.
"Mamimiss ko kay AJ yung words of encouragement niya. Palagi siyang nag 'BBM' na 'oh, ang galing mo sa MMK' ganyan, tapos yung mga asar niya," Jessy, who closely worked with AJ in "Sabel" said tearfully.
Paul Vitus de Jesus, AJ's class adviser in his senior year at La Salle Greenhills also had good words to share.
"Well sa akin nung January-February medyo stressed na rin yung bata because of his hectic schedule sa taping and of course sa studies niya so yung hindi ko makakalimutan sa kanya yung eagerness niya to make up for his, yung mga missed activities niya, long tests, even quizzes. Siya pa nga yung naghahabol sa aming mga teachers... In my advisory class, he's a very silent student, silent person. He gets along easily sa classmates niya. Hindi siya yung makikita mo na porke't young actor parang mayabang. No. Hindi siya ganun. In fact he doesn't want to be treated that way na he's 'someone' in the class," he told entertainment reporters.
Star Magic president Johnny Manahan was also shocked with the sudden death of AJ, the young actor who he strongly considered as the "next big thing in showbiz." His statement shown in TV Patrol weekend on Sunday night said:
"AJ's death comes as a shock to all of us. We are saddened that he was cut down at such a tender age. We share the deep felt sorrow of his family and we will miss him."
Fr. Tito Caluag's homily
Fr. Tito Caluag, the priest who officiated Sunday night's mass dedicated his heartfelt homily to AJ's family, friends and supporters.
"Gerry, Marivic and Gelo, to all of you, his family, his friends, his loved ones, remember AJ, a loving friend, a loving brother, a loving son. Only through remembering him can we truly celebrate his life, his grace, trust, love... And we pray in the coming days, as we remember and celebrate, we may believe: we may believe that life does not end in death. That everything that AJ brought in this world is for a reason. His going home to God is for a reason. His mission has been accomplished. What the Lord has sent him to do, he has accomplished. I pray that in the moment of death, AJ received the most important, the most loving invitation from God. Come to me, come to me in eternal life."
AJ's wake will be open to the public starting Monday April 18, from 11 am to 2pm and 9pm to 12 midnight. His remains will stay at the La Salle Greenhills chapel till Tuesday, April 19. Other details of the wake hasn't been finalized.
Meanwhile, AJ's cornea has been donated to the eye bank. ABS-CBN reported that Fatima Soriano, 17, will be the recipient of AJ's cornea.
Rest In Peace AJ Perez
