(An Thu Jewelry photo courtesy)

Renowned actor Robert Arevalo has passed away. He was 85.

His daughter, Anna Ylagan, conveyed the news on Thursday through Facebook, writing, “Today marks the day chosen by the Lord to welcome our beloved Papa into His embrace.”

“Robert Francisco Ylagan, a.k.a. Robert Arevalo, peacefully left us at 10:17 am on August 10, 2023, due to complications arising from Parkinsonism. We give praise to God for His mercy and grace. We are profoundly grateful that He gifted us with the finest Papa one could ever dream of.

“We thank you, Pa, for loving us as you did. While our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find solace in God’s promise of a place for you in His heavenly kingdom, where all who believe in His son, Jesus, will reunite one day.”

Arevalo, who embarked on his acting journey in the 1950s, is survived by his wife, Barbara Perez, and their daughters, Anna and Gina, alongside their respective families.

Beyond his illustrious acting career, Arevalo also made contributions in the field of advertising and was a member of the Ylagan family, renowned for their artistic talents.

His wake will be held at Arlington Chapels in Quezon City on Saturday and Sunday.

Born on May 6, 1938, in Dumaguete, Arevalo’s legacy in the industry spans six decades. His foray into acting began with a role in Premiere Productions as a dramatic actor. His notable screen debut was in his uncle’s film, national artist, and acclaimed movie director Gerardo de Leon’s “Huwag Mo Akong Limutin” (1960).

Collaborating with de Leon once more, Arevalo earned FAMAS awards for best actor in “Ang Daigdig ng mga Api” (1965). In 1990, he secured the title of best-supporting actor in the Metro Manila Film Festival for Lino Brocka’s “Ama, Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan?.” Arevalo was also honored with the Film Academy of the Philippines’ award for best-supporting actor for Joel Lamangan’s “Pangako ng Kahapon” (1994). Additionally, he received the Gawad Urian trophy for best screenplay in “Hubad na Bayani” (1977), a film in which he both directed and starred.

Aside from his acting endeavors, Arevalo also served as the anchor of ABS-CBN’s news bulletin “Balita Ngayon” alongside Mel Tiangco, following the resumption of broadcasting after the People Power Revolution in 1986, until the program was succeeded by “TV Patrol” in 1987.

His final television credit was for “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2018, where he portrayed the character Efren. (ai/mnm)