Actor Spanky Manikan passes away

Actor Spanky Manikan (Photo: Nanding Josef/Facebook)

The world of theater and showbiz lost another star as actor Spanky Manikan passed away on Sunday. He was 75.

According to an ABS-CBN report, Spanky’s wife, actress Susan Africa, confirmed in a text message to her manager Ed Instrella that her husband peacefully joined his creator at 11:41 a.m.

“Please pray for his eternal peace and happiness. Thank you for everything,” Susan added.

The sad news was also confirmed by Actor Joel Saracho on his Facebook page.

“Paalam bunying aktor [Goodbye honorable actor], Spanky Manikan. Kupkupin ka nawa ni bathala sa kanyang kanlungan [May the deity shelter you],” Joel wrote.

In August 2017, veteran actor Nanding Josef broke the sad news on his social media account and revealed that Spanky was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was asking for financial assistance. He was in and out of the hospital for various complications.

Several of his friends organized the “Sunday for Spanky” fund-raising campaign to shoulder some of his medical expenses.

Spanky started his acting career with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) in 1972. Being one of the country’s prominent actors, Spanky was best known for his award-winning performance in Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala” where he was named best supporting actor at the 1981 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The veteran actor acted in plays not only the ones that was produced by PETA, but also by Bulwagang Gantimpala and Tanghalang Pilipino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, some of his films include Bona, Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag, Bamboo Flowers, Ploning, among others.

Last year, Spanky was honored by PETA with a Citation for Recognition as part of the company’s 50^th anniversary celebration.

The actor’s last television projects include My Love from the Star, Alyas Robin Hood, and FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano.