MANILA, Philippines – (Updated from 2017 article) Exactly 22 years ago, the entire country was shocked when popular matinee idol Rico Yan, 27, suddenly passed away of cardiac arrest due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis on March 29, 2002 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The Pinoy film and TV actor, model, host, spokesperson and entrepreneur, who was at the peak of his career when he died, certainly left a mark in the Philippine TV and movie industry. Here are some reasons why we still miss Rico, even 22 years after his death.
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/I will always remember Rico Yan |
1. A Youth Icon
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/I will always remember Rico Yan |
Did you know that Yan became the first official youth spokesman for the Department of Education Culture and Sports in 1998? With a degree in Marketing Management from De La Salle University, Yan was certainly the right choice to promote education among young people. In addition, Yan was the first Philippine National Red Cross Pledge 25 spokesperson in 1999.
2. Working beyond the grave
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/I will always remember Rico Yan |
Even after his sudden passing, Yan shared his success to the Rico Yan Youth Foundation through proceeds from the ticket sales of his last movie “Got 2 Believe” as well as his documentary “Forever Young”. Yan definitely left the Filipino youth a life legacy.
3. His words live on
Nearly 15 years after his death, Yan’s former girlfriend Claudine Barretto decided to give a glimpse of their relationship by sharing a series of handwritten letters given by her former beau through her Instagram account in 2016. The two were considered as one of the most popular love teams in the 90’s.
4. Too charming to forget
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/I will always remember Rico Yan |
Known for his killer smile, Yan didn’t find it hard to charm the Filipino audience after starring in TV and movie appearances in “Mula sa Puso,” “Flames,” “San Ka Man Naroroon,” “GIMIK,” “Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita” and “Got 2 Believe.” Twelve years after his death, Yan was ranked No.5 in the list of “The Kings of Star Cinema.”
–Mini, The Summit Express
