Michael de Mesa on Mark Gil: I still haven’t accepted he’s gone

MANILA, Philippines – Michael de Mesa admitted that he has not moved on from the passing of his brother Mark Gil.

“Let’s put it this way, I still haven’t accepted the fact that he’s gone,” he replied when asked what he miss about his brother in an interview on Tuesday.

Mark died September 1 last year due to liver cirrhosis.

“So I really miss him, I miss everything about him, and I miss the totality of him, who Ralph was and who Ralph is,” he added.

On Mark’s first death anniversary, Michael said their family had a simple get-together in Cherie Gil’s condominium. They’re also planning another get-together for his brother’s birthday on September 25.

Michael is part of GMA’s upcoming afternoon series “Destiny Rose,” a show that will tackle the life of a transgender, played by young actor Ken Chan.

The veteran actor is among the most admired stars in the country for his portrayal of gay roles; his most recent was in the musical “La Cage Aux Folles,” where he played Georges, the lover of drag queen Albin, played by Audie Gemora.

When asked to comment about Ken Chan’s portrayal of the transgender Destiny Rose, Michael said he saw a lot of potential with the young actor.

“I always believe in open communication between actors, it’s a collaboration,” he said about doing a scene with Ken. “We haven’t got the chance to really bond yet. I only met him yesterday, so I’m sure I’m gonna have a good time working with him.”

“Destiny Rose” also stars Fabio Ide, Manilyn Reynes, Jackie Lou Blanco, Joko Diaz, Irma Adlawan, Katrina Halili, Sheena Halili, JC Tiuseco, Jeric Gonzales, and Ken Flores. It will air starting September 14 on GMA’s Afternoon Prime.