Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla is currently in mourning after the passing of her mother, April Ihata.
Announcing the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Saturday, December 23, 2023, the TV host shared poignant photos capturing happier moments with her mother, accompanied by a caption that expressed her gratitude: "Thank you for always being proud of me. Rest now, Mom."
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In another Instagram post, Mariel shared additional photos of her mother, accompanied by a brief yet meaningful caption: "Mom [heart emoji]."
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COLLEAGUES EXTEND CONDOLENCES
Mariel's friends and peers from showbiz immediately sent their sympathies to her after learning the sad news.
MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME
Mariel's relationship with her mother growing up was not warm initially; she was raised by her grandparents after her parents separated.
"Kasi ever since naman po talaga, kahit naman siguro sinong ina, gustong makasama talaga ang mga anak nila," April related during a 2018 appearance in the morning talk show Magandang Buhay.
"So, for a time hindi po nag-work yun for some reason, personal reasons po.
"Nung hindi na po yun nag-work, hanggang sa tumagal na po nang tumagal yung panahon, nakita ko na rin po na independent na po sila.
"May mga kani-kanila na silang buhay, parang naging sad ako kasi lumaki na sila.
"Mabuti po sana kung nung mga bata pa po nakuha ko na sila, which nagkaroon naman po ng problema dahil sa hindi inaasahang reasons."
April revealed harboring guilt feelings about being an absentee parent to Mariel and her sister.
She admitted feeling hurt every time Mariel would talk only about her grandparents, choosing not to mention her mom in interviews when talking about her childhood.
"Yung mga anak ko, hindi naman masisisi dahil right yun ng mga anak ko na sabihin yun dahil sila naman talaga ang kasama," lamented April to hosts Karla Estrada and Melai Cantiveros.
Mariel said, "I'm really guilty of that in all my interviews, talagang it was always my grandparents.
"That's why I'm so happy now that, dito sa Magandang Buhay, finally nakilala na rin ang mommy ko.
"Kasi ngayon lang siya nabigyan ng parang honor that she deserves kasi siya naman talaga yung mom."