The local entertainment scene is in mourning after the unexpected passing of one of its stalwarts, Ethel Ramos, veteran entertainment columnist and talent manager.
Celebrity couple Bong Revilla, Jr. and Lani Mercado took to social media to express their sorrow.
"Tayo po ay nagluluksa sa pagpanaw ng isa sa ating pinakamamahal at pinagkakautangan ng napakalaking utang na loob - Manay Ethel Ramos," wrote the action star.
"Napakasakit Manay. Para akong nawalan ulit ng isang ina, dahil isa ka sa tumayong nanay ko sa aking pag-aartista. Maraming salamat sa iyong pagmamahal at paggabay mula sa aking pagkabata hanggang sa ngayong iyong pamamaalam. We love you Manay Ethel. Pahinga ka na. Say hi to Mommy and Daddy for me."
Meanwhile, Lani conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.
Her post read: "It is with sadness that I send my condolences to the family of Ethel Ramos."
She mentioned that it was actually the latter, along with the late Ricky Lo, who gave her her screen name.
"She would hold press conferences for Regal Films in the ‘80s when I started, together with the El Oro group of writers. Loved by producers and respected in the industry, she also acted as the manager of Aga Muhlach," Lani recalled.
She continued that on a personal level, Ethel also served as godmother to her son Jolo Revilla and had been a valuable collaborator of her husband Bong in several of his movies and Imus Productions.
"She is one of the few people who has been with our family through our ups and downs. We will miss you, Manay Ethel," Lani declared.
Ethel's passing was announced by her niece Farah.
She was 87 years old.
Ethel is considered the "Dean of Entertainment Writers."
Apart from Aga, she also managed Angel Locsin.