Fridae

Filipino comedian and television performer Ate Gay has died at 55. His family announced that Gil Aducal Morales, known for his impressions of Nora Aunor, died on 1 November.

Morales built his act around impersonation, singing and comic song mashups. In a 2012 PEP interview ahead of a major concert, he described himself as bakla while talking about friendships among performers from the comedy-bar circuit.

The help he gave other comedians is part of what colleagues are remembering. In a 2019 GMA interview, Boobay recalled how Morales helped him move from performing in Baguio to working in Manila. Morales said he had encouraged Boobay to come to the capital and introduced him to fellow comedian Allan K.

Tuesday Vargas also paid tribute after his death. GMA reported on 2 November that she remembered staying after her own performances to watch Ate Gay onstage, and described the gap his passing had left.

The family’s announcement came after it had denied premature reports of his death on 31 October. Its new statement explicitly gives 1 November as the date of his passing.

In that announcement, his family thanked those who had offered prayers, love and support during his illness. They asked for continued prayers and comfort as they grieved.