Isabel Granada has passed away at the age of 41.
This was confirmed on social media by several people close to the Filipino-Spanish actress, including her partner Arnel Cowley, ex-husband Jericho Genaskey Aguas, cousin Joseph Rivera, and actor and close friend Chuckie Dreyfus.
According to a post by Rivera on his Facebook page, Isabel passed away at 6PM on Saturday at Hamad General Hospital in Doha, Qatar after 11 days in a comatose state as a result of internal bleeding due to a brain aneurysm.
A statement issued by Cowley was posted on his behalf by Rivera.
“It is with great sadness that my wife Isabel Granada has peacefully passed here in Doha Qatar. She has been a fantastic wife, mother and daughter. She always did her best in everything she did, whether it be in front of a camera or sports. I would also like to take this time to thank the Filipino community in Doha for giving their full support throughout this difficult time for myself and the family…Baby..wherever you might be..just always remember that I LOVE YOU. and I miss you very much.”
Aguas also paid tribute to his ex-wife on his Facebook page.
“Malaki ang naging parte mo sa aking buhay…Binigyan mo ako ng isang gwapot matalinong anak, makulay ang 14 yrs nating pagsasama…Sa lahat..mula sa aking pusot kaluluwa…maraming maraming salamat…pahinga ka na…paalam Isa… [You played a big part in my life–You gave me a handsome and bright son; our 14 years together was remarkable….For everything…from my heart and soul, thank you very, very much. Rest in peace, Isa…]”
Dreyfus, who is best known as the actress’ loveteam partner during their teen years, when they were both mainstays of the youth-oriented variety show “That’s Entertainment,” was likewise stricken with grief upon learning of the bad news.
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng pagkakataon na nagkasama tayo. Sa lahat ng panahon na pinasaya mo ako at ang pamilya ko. Sa pagmamahal na lagi mong pinaramdam sa akin ng buong puso…Sa bawat tawa, bungisngis, kurot at hampas sa akin na hindi ko makakalimutan…Kasama mo nawala ang napakalaking parte ng buhay ko na kailanman hindi ko na maibabalik. Ayoko pa rin maniwala…Sana sa panaginip man lang makita at makausap kita kahit papaano. Kahit man lang doon…Paalam, Isa…Mahal na mahal na mahal kita [Thank you for all the times we were together. For the times you made me and my family happy. For the love you made me feel…for the laughter, and even the times you’d give me a friendly smack which I can never forget. A big part of my life has gone along with you—a part that I can never bring back. I still don’t want to believe it…I’m wishing that I can see and talk to you somehow, even if just in my dreams. Farewell, Isa…I love you so much].”
Isabel started her career in “That’s Entertainment” where she was part of the show’s Tuesday group. Her stint there led to a fruitful acting career on film and television. Her most memorable screen performance was in Carlitos Siguion-Reyna’s “Ligaya ang Itawag Mo as Akin” in 1997 for which she won the FAMAS Best Supporting Actress the following year.
An accomplished singer, Isabel was also a successful recording artist and released two albums. Even while remaining active on film and TV, she still managed to successfully pursue a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering in 2001 and eventually secured her private pilot license.
Isabel had been on a business tour of the Middle East since early October. She was a guest speaker for the Philippine Trade Tourism Conference held in Doha on October 20.
