Rayver still grieving over dad's death

Author: Napoleon Quintos
Column: Entertainment

MANILA - Rayver Cruz is still grieving over the death of his father, 75-year-old Rodolfo Ilustre, who succumbed to complications of the kidney and lungs last October 19.

Ilustre had been confined to the intensive care unit of the Parañaque Medical Center for almost two months before his passing. He was laid to rest last October 24.

ABS-CBN.com caught up with Rayver at the rehearsal for the "Star Magic World Tour Concert" to be staged on November 30 at the Araneta Coliseum.

He shared that he misses the times when his dad and the whole family would go out to watch movies.

The young actor-dancer said he decided to go back to work in order to cope with his grief. Rayver said his family, including brother Rodjun Cruz, also an actor-dancer, is still in the process of moving on.

He said : "Nalulungkot pa rin si mama. Hirap pa rin siya matanggap na wala na si dad. Si Rodjun nalulungkot din. Kapag pumapasok ako sa kwarto niya (his dad), naaalala ko siya. Nag-promise kaming lahat na kailangan naming maging strong para sa isa't isa."

Rayver thanked his "ASAP '09" family, especially rumored sweetheart Sarah Geronimo, for their condolences.

The 20-year-old actor said he is sad that his father would no longer be able to meet his very first girlfriend.

Rayver also shared that before his father passed away he told them to keep the family together no matter what.

"Si dad ang naging inspirasyon naming lahat para magpatuloy. Lahat ng ginagawa ko ngayon inaalay ko sa kanya," he said. -Report by Napoleon Quintos, ABS-CBN.com

Source: ABS-CBN News