Alexa Gutierrez will be remembered by her loved ones as a dedicated mother and an accomplished entrepreneur.
Her passing on July 27, 2024, after a courageous battle with leukemia, leaves a void that is deeply felt by her family, friends, and all who admired her.
To honor her memory, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) explores the significant aspects of her life, celebrating how she had become a beacon of strength and inspiration.
Read: Elvis Gutierrez's wife Alexa, 38, passes away
EARLY LIFE
FULL NAME, BIRTHDAY, AGE
Her full name is Alexandra Joelle Uichico-Gutierrez.
Born on July 1, 1986, Alexa embodied the nurturing and visionary traits associated with her Cancer zodiac sign.
She had just turned 38 a few weeks before her passing.
FAMILY BACKGROUND
Alexa is the daughter of Joel F. Uichico, the president of Bikes for the Philippines Foundation Inc., and the late Mela Vasquez.
She grew up with two older brothers, Adrien Uichico and Angelo Uichico.
Through her brother Adrien, she was connected to his wife, contetn creator Patricia Contreras-Uichico, and their son Andres.
EDUCATION
Alexa's early education was spent at De La Salle Zobel, following in the footsteps of her brothers, who were also proud Green Archers.
It was during this time that she met her future husband, John Rex "Elvis" Gutierrez.
For college, she attended the University of Houston, earning a bachelor's degree in Applied Science (BASc) in Fashion Merchandising.
Read: Elvis Gutierrez and Alexa Uichico love story: Hate at first sight
CAREER
Alexa's professional journey began with a part-time role as a program assistant at her university's College of Technology, where she worked from January 2008 to December 2009.
During this time, she played a crucial role in coordinating and managing student recruitment events, demonstrating her organizational skills and commitment to supporting her peers.
Following this, Alexa pursued an internship at New Living + Green Painter, a Texan company specializing in furniture and home furnishings.
From January 2010 to January 2011, she immersed herself in the world of design and retail, gaining valuable experience in the industry.
While still residing in Houston, Texas, Alexa transitioned to a full-time position as a retail store manager for Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a global retailer known for its men's apparel.
From April 2010 to April 2011, she managed daily operations, honed her leadership skills, and contributed to the store's success.
In May 2014, Alexa decided to shift her career focus and took on the role of an account manager at Insular Life, an insurance company.
Her work there, which continued until 2015, involved managing client accounts and providing tailored insurance solutions.
From April 2015 to 2018, Alexa expanded her expertise further as a money market trader at United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB).
In this role, she navigated the complexities of financial markets, showcasing her analytical skills and ability to make informed decisions in a high-pressure environment.
Finally, in July 2018, Alexa embarked on a new chapter by leveraging her academic background in fashion merchandising to co-found Shoplaya, a baby clothing line.
Partnering with her friend and fellow mother, January Francisco-Duarte, Alexa channeled her passion for design and entrepreneurship into building a successful business.
She continued to lead Shoplaya until her death.
Read: Ruffa Gutierrez asks prayers for sister-in-law Alexa Gutierrez's fight against leukemia
PERSONAL LIFE
Alexa marries Elvis
Alexa married Elvis Gutierrez on June 26, 2015, after nine years of dating.
Their wedding ceremony was held at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City, followed by a grand reception at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City.
Elvis arrived in a 1957 Cadillac, while Alexa made her entrance in a Jaguar MV VII.
The reception featured a romantic blue and white theme, flower arrangements by Robert Blancaflor, and a 10-foot bridal cake by Bethany Dream Cakes.
Annabelle then welcomed her manugang with open arms, "Bagay na bagay kayo ng anak. Pareho kayong mabait," she said to the bride.
Just a few years before their marriage, Alexa had no idea that Elvis is part of the prominent Gutierrez showbiz family, with parents Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, and siblings Ruffa, Richard, Raymond, Rocky, and Ritchie Paul.
Before having their own children, based on Alexa's social-media accounts, she and Elvis considered Zion Gutierrez—the firstborn of Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati—as their “practice baby.”
Lorin and Venice, the daughters of Ruffa and Yilmaz Bektas, also helped them prepare for parenthood.
Alexa and Elvis welcomed their first child, Aria Carmela Uichico Gutierrez, on September 28, 2014.
Their second daughter, Ezra Uichico Gutierrez, was born on June 12, 2017, and recently celebrated her Taylor Swift-themed dedication day and 7th birthday.
Read: Elvis and Alexa Gutierrez celebrate daughter Aria's second birthday
BATTLE WITH LEUKEMIA
Earlier this year, Alexa was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a condition resulting in an overproduction of white blood cells compared to red cells.
The first symptoms appeared during the Gutierrez family's Christmas trip to Japan in 2023.
She noticed petechiae on her legs, back pain, and cold sweats despite the cold weather, on top of experiencing nosebleeds, extreme fatigue, mouth sores, and a red wound on her lips.
The symptoms worsened, and by January 1, 2024, she had lost her appetite and energy. She also experienced severe fatigue, red eyes, and frequent falls.
Upon returning to Manila, Elvis took her to the hospital where her white blood cell count was found to be 295,000, far above the normal count of 10,000.
On January 4, she was diagnosed with leukemia.
This diagnosis was not made public until January 14, 2024, when Ruffa Gutierrez shared an update on Alexa's health.
DEATH
Ruffa announced Alexa's passing on July 28, 2024, via Instagram, sharing a photo of the obituary along with cherished photos of her sister-in-law.
The caption read: "I am still trying to process and accept that you are no longer with us. It’s so hard… Words cannot express how heartbroken and shocked I am.
"I love you so much my beautiful, irreplaceable Alexa. You will forever be in my thoughts and in my heart.
"Until we cross paths again… I’ll write more when able."
The wake is held at the Capilla De La Virgen in Santuario De San Antonio, Forbes Park, Makati City, with the inurnment scheduled on August 1, 2024.
Elvis and Ruffa did not provide further details, including the cause of death.
READ MORE:
- Elvis Gutierrez and Alexa Uichico Wedding: the highlights
- Five reasons why Elvis Gutierrez and Alexa Uichico wedding rocks
- Ruffa Gutierrez finally reconciles with mom Annabelle Rama at Elvis-Alexa wedding
- Stars and politicians at Elvis Gutierrez and Alexa Uichico Wedding
- FIRST LOOK: Elvis Gutierrez and Alexa Uichico wedding