Netizens on Saturday, February 9, are mourning the death of comedian Domingo Vusotros Brotamante, Jr., popularly known as “Bentong,” who passed away at the age of 55.
The sad news was confirmed by his son-in-law, Arvin Vincent Anierdes, in a Facebook post.
According to Arvin, the comedian died at around 5 a.m. in Fairvew General Hospital.
“Rest in Peace Papa Bentong hindi ko akalain na heto na ang ating huling pagsasama naten alam ko kasama mo na ang Panginoon ngayon kaya panatag na rin ang loob ko (I never thought that this will be the last time we would be together. I know you are with the Lord now so I feel better),” he wrote in his post.
“Maraming maraming salamat Papa sa pag-aaruga sa Pamilya naten. Maraming salamat din dahil napakarami mo napasayang tao. Mahal na mahal ka namin Pa (Thank you so much dad for caring for our family. Thank you also for making many people happy. We love you so much, dad),” he added.
The media reported that Bentong was declared dead on arrival following a cardiac arrest.
His family is yet to disclose details on his wake.
Upon hearing the news, netizens took to social media to express their grief and extend their condolences to Bentong’s family. Many of them thanked the comedian for making their bellies hurt from laughter every time he appears on their television screen.
“Rest In peace Bentong … Not related to you and not a fan but you made us laugh many times and I would like to thank you for that,” netizen @redabelcain wrote in a tweet.
Meanwhile, social media user @alorskie posted a photo of her and Bentong and recalled her memories with him.
“Nakakalungkot. Paalam po Kuya Bentong. Isa ka sa mga kilala kong palaging nakangiti at masayahin (This is sad. Goodbye, Bentong. You are one of the people I know who is always smiling and bubbly),” she said.
She continued, “Ang bait mo palagi sa akin lalo na nung nagsisimula pa lang ako sa trabaho. Sa heaven ka na magpapatawa ngayon (You are always good to me especially when I was still starting at work. You will make people laugh in heaven now). Rest in peace.”
Bentong has gained the public’s attention when he became the “side-kick” of television host Willie Revillame.
Prior to this, he already played roles in local films like Oo na, Mahal Na Kung Mahal in 1999, Baliktaran: Si Ace at si Daisy in 2001, and Jologs in 2002.
In 2016, Bentong revealed that he has diabetes but despite this, he said he is working hard just to send his four children to school.
“Kahit kunin na ko ni Lord, mapatapos ko lang, masaya na ako (Even if the Lord takes me, as long as I was able to send them to college, I will be happy),” he said.