Paulina Sotto penned a heartwarming tribute message to her grandfather, National Artist Arturo Luz, who recently passed away at 94.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, the daughter of television host Vic Sotto and former actress Angela Luz noted how she has always been a "lolo's girl."
According to her, the Filipino painter-sculptor was her second dad, and he "spoiled" her "rotten."
"I’m not sure words can properly describe our relationship, but it was truly special," she pointed out.
Paulina noted how they had such a strong bond that only grew stronger when she unexpectedly followed in his footsteps as an artist.
"So many memories I will forever cherish. So many lunches and dinners with him I wish I could go back to and relive. But as I find myself lying next to my daughter, I am reminded of the cycle of life. Time stops for no one," she related.
It saddened her that she will never get to go back to those days as a child when his bedroom was next to her.
When she would give him all her childish drawings and Arturo would proudly put them on display.
"Imagine that—a National Artist whose studio wall was filled with random drawings and doodles by his young granddaughter. Those moments are now just memories, and it is devastating," said she.
"But while the loss of a loved one is never easy, I find peace and happiness in knowing that I spent most of my life by his side. What a privilege it was to experience his love and generosity first hand," she added. "Believe it or not, I could just go into his studio at any time (which was always just down the hall from me) and if I showed interest in one of his paintings, he would simply say 'You like it? It’s yours!'"
Paulina reiterated how her grandfather has always been there for her - from every event, every milestone, every recital, and graduation.
"He was there (usually with a snack). He never failed to make me feel his love and support, even in the smallest of ways. I only hope that he, in turn, knew how much he meant to me, how much he inspired me, and how much I loved him," she said.
"My Lolo spent 94 fruitful years on this earth, and last night on May 26 he passed peacefully with my mom by his side. We couldn’t ask for more. Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. May his legacy live on forever."
She declared how just so proud she is of what the late artist accomplished in his lifetime.