Janine Gutierrez on Losing Two Lolas and the Lessons We Can Learn

When news broke about the passing of superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, netizens were particularly concerned about one actress—Janine Gutierrez. Just days earlier, she had already lost her paternal grandmother, Asia's Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales. Janine, 35, is the eldest daughter of actors Ramon Christopher and Lotlot de Leon. Lotlot is among the four children adopted by Nora.

Janine Gutierrez loses two grandmas in one week

On social media, Janine confirmed Pilita's passing on April 12. Four days later, she also posted about her Mama Guy's demise. Her posts reminded her followers how fragile time is and how important it is to truly cherish the people we love while they are still with us.

^{Janine Gutierrez and her mamita Pilita Corrales for Preview (2019)}

Pilita's children shared that she passed away in her sleep on April 11. Nora meanwhile succumbed to acute respiratory failure on April 16 and was laid to rest with full military honors on April 22.

"I think of my two new angels and how they always powered through. I think of how I can continuously make them proud." —Janine Gutierrez

A day after her Mama Guy's funeral, Janine posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram channel reflecting on the surreal week she had just endured, and her hope for the future.

"It's the first time in ten days that I'm not at a wake. This Holy Week, my siblings and I lost two lolas, mama and papa's mothers. Kakauwi lang namin galing sa wake ni Mamita ng mga alas-kwatro ng hapon nung April 16. Pagdating ng alas-diyes ng gabi, tumatawag na ulit yung kapatid ko sa chapel para kumuha ng kwarto, para naman kay Mama Guy."

^{Lotlot de Leon, Nora Aunor, and Janine Gutierrez on their first acting project together for GMA7's Karelasyon (2015)}

She described the experience as both difficult and unbelieveable, but she remains grateful to all her supporters and fans for their love and prayers. She shared that she initially planned travel during the Holy Week break but decided to stay home to study her script, "Buti nalang hindi na ako umalis," she said. "Mamita passed away on my first free day and we buried Mama Guy on my last."

^{Janine shared this on her Instagram channel, channel nine}

As she returned to work, Janine said she thought of her lolas. "I think of my two new angels and how they always powered through. I think of how I can continuously make them proud. It gives me comfort to know there are many of us who will always have them in our hearts. Thank you."

What we can learn from Janine Gutierrez's loss: Cherish our loved ones while we can

Ahead of Holy Week, Catholic lay preacher and motivational speaker Bo Sanchez shared a moving video on TikTok, highlighting things we can do with our parents and loved ones while they are still alive. His message is now even more timely.

1. Go on weekly dates.

Make time for regular one-on-one bonding moments with your loved ones. Even simple lunches or dinners can become treasured memories. These are also opportunities to interview them, and ask them about their life stories. Bo shared how he had lunch with his late mother every Wednesday. "Even if the stories were repeated again and again and again, I would just be there giving my 100% attention. I gave her so much joy," he said.

2. Do things together.

Even the most mundane things like shopping, gardening, and cooking become special events when done together. Work on a home project together, or make them coffee. It doesn't have to be grand, but if they are still healthy and able, and you can afford it, travel with them. Traveling provides opportunities to create beautiful memories and engage in meaningful conversations.

3. Express appreciation.

Bo advises not to take this tip for granted. "Look them in the eye, hold their hand, and say, 'Thank you for being the most amazing mom, the most amazing dad," he says.

While you're at it, he suggests taking the chance to ask for and offer forgiveness. When pride or awkwardness gets in the way, remember that life is fleeting. "Even if they don't ask for forgiveness, just say, 'I understand where you were coming from. I understand it was not easy to take care of me or to raise two children or three or four children.' Just say, 'I forgive you.'

4. Serve them with love, and say you love them, too.

Again, it's the small gestures that matter: helping them with grooming, giving them a massage, cooking their favorite food, or bringing home a pasalubong they've been craving. You'll be surprised by what a pack of hopiang monggo or balut and chicharon can do.

Say 'I love you.' Don't assume they know that you love them. Say it out loud and often. Not just in chat, but in real life as well. If you get comfortable telling your parents or grandparents these words, it's something you will never regret.

5. Pray with them.

"Hold their hand and just lead them to a prayer and do it regularly," says Bo. Praying together is a powerful and intimate act of love. Pray that you may have the time and love to give each other.

Read the 6 things you need to remember when comforting the bereaved here.