Tributes began to pour in for veteran actress Bella Flores after it was first reported that she died early Sunday morning at the age of 84.
With the hashtag “RIP Bella Flores” among the top local trending
topics on Twitter, Filipino netizens sent words of condolence and
sympathy to Flores’ family.
Personalities from the entertainment industry also recalled the times they spent with Flores when she was still alive.
“Heartbroken upon hearing the news on the death of Bella Flores: even
more saddened remembering the short film we did together last year,”
said director Joey Javier Reyes.
Reyes added, “During the day-long shoot of the short film, Bella
Flores transformed from OLD LADY to GRAND DAME the moment the cameras
rolled.”
TV host KC Montero, for his part, said Flroes was “one of the best” in the local industry.
Actress Cherie Gil, meantime, said: “RIP to the one and only Grand
dame of villainy, Bella Flores.
Thank you for setting the stage for all
of us copycats that followed.”
“She paved the way for the kontrabida to be bida. RIP Bella Flores,” said Tim Yap.
Fr. Jboy Gonzales said he will say a mass for Flores, who is considered the “la primera contrabida.”
“It is often the great acting of the antagonist that makes a movie. Thanks po mam,” Goznales said.
Journalist Cherie Mercado also said: “Nobody did kontra bida better tha Bella Flores -RIP #bellaflores”
Flores, famous for portraying villains in films and television shows, passed away after suffering from diabetes, heart disease as well as the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Flores was rushed to the Quezon City General Hospital by her daughter, Ruby Arcilla, and singer Imelda Papin, but was declared dead at 1:27 am.
According to Arcilla, Flores' condition had worsened ever since her hip surgery last year following a fall.
After Flores’ blood pressure crashed, doctors were able to revive her several times before she eventually succumbed.
Flores' wake will be held at the Loyola Crematory Chapel in Quezon City starting 7:00 pm Sunday.
