Early this morning, July 22, actor-director Abbo dela Cruz took out
his bicycle to travel around the quaint town of Lucban, Quezon, as he usually
did every day. He never came back home alive.
In a phone call with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) this afternoon, director Uro dela Cruz explained that his brother Abbo died of a heart attack.
"Nag-bike siya early this morning as usual then he collapsed out of the vicinity of the town, nasa labas ng konti. People who were passing by saw him and brought him to the hospital in Lucban, Quezon," narrates Uro, who directs GMA-7's gag show Bubble Gang.
Abbo was only 45 years old. He left behind his wife Teresita and their five children who are all grown up. He is best known for writing and directing the movie Misteryo Sa Tuwa in 1984. Abbo also appeared in the movies Oro, Plata, Mata (1982) and Orapronobis (1989). In recent years, he has been documenting the cultural practices of Lucban, Quezon, as a way of preserving the rich heritage of the province.
His remains lie in state at his home in Lucban, Quezon. Abbo's funeral is tentatively scheduled for this Saturday, July 26.