Ronaldo Valdez’s nearly six-decade career involved working with two of the most sought-after love teams of their generations: John Lloyd and Bea, as well as KathNiel
“Lolo Sir, signing over and out.” Earlier today, Janno Gibbs confirmed the passing of his father, Ronaldo Valdez, at the age of 77 last December 17, 2023. With a career spanning for more than 50 years, the late veteran actor worked with a number of stars across generations. He has also shared the screen with two prominent love teams of different eras, namely John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, as well as Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.
A welcome to a new era
In 2008, Valdez played the role of Hermes in I Love Betty La Fea as Bea Alonzo’s father. John Lloyd Cruz also starred in the series as Armando, Bea’s love interest. Four years later, the three top billed the love team’s most daring and mature project together, the blockbuster film The Mistress. Valdez and Cruz, playing Rico and JD, respectively, were two men fighting over Bea’s character. In the movie, Sari, played by Alonzo, was the mistress of Valdez. “It’s a pleasure to be working with a great actor,” the actress said about his co-star in the making of the Olivia Lamasan motion picture.
A farewell filled with love
Last year, Valdez also worked with Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in the series 2 Good 2 Be True. Ali, played by Bernardo, was tasked to take care of Hugo Agcaoili, played by Valdez. The two showed great chemistry with their nurse and patient dynamic, especially in scenes where they demonstrated the realities of patients with Alzhemier’s disease. Fans of the show know Valdez as “Lolo Sir,” Ali’s nickname for him. Meanwhile, Padilla played Eli, the estranged grandson of Hugo and love interest of Ali, in the series.
“God knows how much I enjoyed doing every scene with such a brilliant and genuine actor like you, Tito Ron,” Kathryn wrote in her heartfelt tribute to the actor after their show ended. “Ali wouldn’t be effective without [Lolo Sir.] The memories we shared for a year will always be in my heart. Alipot and Kath are both lucky to have experienced this journey with you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Tito Ron. You are the lolo I never had,” she remarked.
Valdez continued to show his support to his self-proclaimed “fifth grandchild,” Kathryn. He graced the premiere night of the actress’ latest film, A Very Good Girl, and would leave comments on her Instagram posts from time to time. Upon news of the actor’s passing, Bernardo looked back on her memories with his Lolo Sir in a series of Instagram stories.
Featured Image: VERA FILES; RONALDO VALDEZ, and KATHRYN BERNARDO (via Instagram)
