Mariel Padilla took an emotional trip down memory lane as she reminisced about her late mother, April Ihata.
On December 30, 2023, Mariel put out on Instagram a video of her eulogy.
The TV host didn't say where it was held, but mentioned it was recorded on December 26, 2023, the day after Christmas.
Mariel began her speech by expressing gratitude to friends and family members who shared their time during this difficult period.
She said: "Good afternoon, everyone. I want to thank all of you for coming today.
"I know it's a day after Christmas, and you're supposed to be with your families. But you made time for my mom, and I know that she really, really appreciates that.
"Thank you so much."
She continued, "I couldn't write a eulogy for my mom, so I wrote a letter instead."
Mariel began: "Dearest Mom,
"Today I want to thank you. I want to thank you for many things. Thank you for all the summers in Japan. It taught us how to travel independently.
"We learned how to ski, fear no roller coasters. You rode them all with us, and that's why I do the same for my kids.
"I love how we would watch Japanese TV shows and you would translate it for us.
"In the morning, I would go to Lawson's to buy Häagen-Dazs strawberry ice cream, and you would watch me from the balcony of Nagayama.
"Summers in Japan is my most favorite childhood memory."
WHAT MARIEL MISSED THE MOST
Mariel went on to remember her mom's thoughtful gestures.
"Thank you for coming home to visit. I remember in one of those visits, you had a full bag of Sanrio goodies for me and Ate.
"For her, Hello Kitty everything, and for me, Kero Keroppi everything. I always had nice things in school because of you.
"One time, I was in the hospital, and you came home for me. Thank you for doing that.
"Thank you for always being fun. Thank you for the movies you introduced to us. I always remember our favorite movies together, Beaches, Stella, and Mermaids.
"Whenever I hear the songs of James Ingram, I remember you.
"You had this scent that only you had. You said it was because you breastfed us."
To lighten the mood a bit, she quipped, "Only later to find out, hindi naman pala."
Mariel went on: "When I was breastfeeding my kids, I did it, so hopefully, I would have that special scent, and they would remember it, too.
"Thank you for all the food that you cooked for me. Food was your love language. Thank you for the omurice.
"She would put like a heart or a smiling face on the omurice with ketchup."
With tears falling down her cheeks, Mariel added: "The miso soup always felt like a warm hug. Sukiyaki and all.
"I was eight when you first let me try raw oysters. The canned peaches with canned cream always tasted better with you.
"A lot of my favorites were introduced by you. My favorite brands, favorite cologne, favorite shows.
"Thank you for always being proud of me. To you, I was the best at what I did.
"Thank you for my face. I know when I'm old, I will be beautiful because you are always most beautiful."
FOREVER GRATEFUL
Mariel is especially thankful for her mom's assistance and guidance when she became a mother.
She said: "I am most grateful for the time you spent with Isabella. 2017 and 2018 were the best times together.
"Three times a week, you would go to the house and watch over Isabella so that I could go to the studio without having to worry so much.
"I was able to go back to work because of you.
"Thank you for preparing all of Isabella's monthly celebrations. And all her Playscape classes. I learned so much from you."
Mariel also revealed some of her mom's hacks.
"I remember during those times, I wasn't confident with my cooking, so I would order all the time.
"And you taught me how to transfer them, and said, 'Okay lang iyan, anak. Kanya-kanya lang iyan ng style.'
"So my food always looked home-cooked because we transferred it well.
"It was the closest we ever were. And I will forever cherish those moments with you. You were present."
Most of all, she appreciated her mom's love for her daughters.
"Thank you for loving my children, Isabella and Gabriela. Thank you, mom, for the love. Thank you for the sacrifices and understanding.
"You were never afraid to give. Thank you for everything."
MARIEL PADILLA TO MOM: "I'M SORRY"
At the end of the letter, Mariel got even more emotional as she said sorry.
"Mom, the most important thing I want to tell you is, 'I'm sorry.'
"I'm sorry for all the times I hurt you. All the pain I caused you.
"I'm mostly sorry that you didn't get to hear me say all of these when you were alive. I know how much you wanted to hear it.
"I love you. And though I miss you, I am happy for you. Because I know everything you prayed for was answered. I look forward to the time I will reunite with you again.
"Love, Mah-mah."
On December 23, 2023, Mariel announced on Instagram the sad news about her mom's passing.
However, she did not provide details about the cause of death and the interment.
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