Popular Filipino photographer Raymund Isaac, dubbed the country's first celebrity lensman, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 4.
Isaac, 59, has been hospitalized in the US due to COVID-19.
Reports said Isaac was on vacation in the US when he was tested positive for the deadly virus.
On Saturday, Sept. 4, Jayson Vicente, partner of Isaac, changed the profile picture of his Facebook account into black, signalling the loss of his "husband."
Vicente also wrote on Instagram: "My beloved Husband. Now my Guardian Angel. I LOVE YOU @raymundisaac. You’ll be forever in my ? ."
Celebrities paid tribute to Isaac on social media.
Broadway stay Lea Salonga wrote: "I love you, Raymund, and thank you for your kindness through the years. Condolences to Jayson Vicente (@chocol8tman) and the whole Isaac clan. I hold you all in my heart."
R.S. Francisco commented: “Rest in peace ACE PHOTOGRAPHER Raymund Isaac … ??? u will. Always be in my heart.. Pls. Greet my dad in heaven when u see him. Sayang. Madami pa tayo shooting gagawin sana… I love u my dear..In tribute.. I want to post here our very first photo in bagtikan pa….Decades ago.”
Doug Kramer: "Will never forget you! We'll truly miss you."
Zsa Zsa Padilla: "Rest in peace."
Lucky Manzano: "Love you kuya."
Heart Evangelista: "I love you."
Robby Carmona: "My deepest condolences. hugs."
On Aug. 28, Vicente wrote on Facebook: “Today Menmen/ Raymund is stable. He remains in the ICU intubated & sedated. The medical team monitors his condition closely & I receive regular reports on his O2 levels, BP, & other organ functions. Though his condition changes periodicallY, I know that he is fighting hard.
“We all need to continue to fight with him through our prayers. He still needs us all. From Day 1 your prayers, concern and care has been our source of strength. God has been continuously blessing us with “angels”. We really appreciate your prayers, unconditional support and love. Please be by our side until Menmen is out of the hospital. Thank you. Stay well. Good Bless!”
On Sept. 2, prior to Isaac's demise, Vicente shared a picture holding hands with the photographer as they wore wedding rings.
"I know how excited you are to share this news to our loveones & friends so I’m sharing this now as your proud husband. ? 07.15.2021. I love you my Menmen," wrote Vicente on Instagram.
Friends and netizens congratulated the couple for their milestone.
Dubbed the people’s photographer, Isaac started as a fashion editorial photographer, then beauty and advertising. He is also known as the country’s first celebrity photographer.
Isaac also gained notoriety when he won in the beauty and fashion category of the American Photo Magazine four years straight.
He also received a citation for a collaborative project between Evian and De Beers.
Isaac won overall in the limited edition book category in the Asia Pacific and Japan Region for Print Excellence by HP Indigo.
His works have appeared in international publications and other advertising projects in the Asia-Pacific Region. He also authored books. Prior to his demise, Isaac was also a content writer, producer and strategist.