Comedians, showbiz personalities pay tribute to Ate Gay

MANILA — The entertainment industry is mourning the death of comedian-singer Ate Gay.

Born Gil Aducal Morales, Ate Gay passed away “peacefully” on November 1, while surrounded by his family. 

He had announced his cancer battle in September 2025. Last October 30, Ate Gay suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with septic shock and acute respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia.

Last month, Ate Gay, who was known for impersonating the late National Artist Nora Aunor, held a “living funeral” with family and friends paying tribute.

In social media posts, fans and friends, including celebrities, paid tribute to Ate Gay, who was praised for being kind and generous.

In a Facebook post, Tuesday Vargas said she met Ate Gay when she was only 19, working in a comedy bar in Malate.

“Sept 2025. Sabi ng lahat tapos na. Pero sa araw na yan ng picture natin, you looked so optimistic. We all believed kaya nating lumaban, and you did! For more than a year you fought a hard battle and yet you stayed soft and kind. Looking back at this moment with Ate Gay, it’s hard to find the right words to capture the size of the void left by her passing. I woke up feeling this emptiness today Ate Gay. Iniwan mo na din kami. Ate Gay wasn’t just a pioneer; she was an absolute titan of comedy. I always stay kapag kasabay ko siya sa isang gabi just to watch her. I started out in a dark Malate bar at 19 and she was one of the friendliest senior entertainers I had at the time. Rising from the grit and soul of the comedy bar scene — where she honed her unmatched wit, lightning-fast banter, and iconic vocal mashups — she proved that true talent could conquer any stage, eventually taking her brilliance to mainstream television, blockbuster films, and major concert stages. When I saw her making it, I started to believe that I can do it too,” Vargas shared.

“To many of us who grew up in or crossed paths with that same comedy circuit, she was a true inspiration. She showed us how to turn hardship into laughter, how to command a room with grace and fierce resilience, and how to stay remarkably authentic no matter how high she climbed. She paved the way and held the door open for so many performers. Thank you for the endless laughter, the shared stages, and the masterclass in resilience, Ate Gay. The comedy scene will never be the same without your light, but your legacy will forever live on in every punchline and every heart you touched.Rest in power and peace, my friend,” Vargas added.

Stand-up comedian and performer Bien Cortez also honored Morales in a post on Facebook.

“Rest in paradise my idol Gil Aducal Morales (Ate Gay) Ikaw tlga ang dahilan kung bakit ako natanggap sa Music Box (sa tulong ni Ace Salcedo) If I remember right kaaalis mo lang nun sa MB at malungkot si Boss Wowie na isang true-blue Noranian. Kaya the first time na nasa stage ako ng MB at inimpersonate ko si Nora Aunor tuwang-tuwa siya at mula noon ako na ginawa niyang Ate Guy ng MB na pinagkakitaan ko ng mahabang panahon. Pero ang hinding hindi ko malilimutan ay nung ikaw ang sumalo sa papel na dapat ay sa akin sa isang digital film, yung ‘Jupit’ (2005) Di ako nagtampo syo bagkus ay lalo akong humanga syo kasi sakdal husay mo doon na baka di ko magampanan nang maayos kung ako ang natuloy sa role na yun.  Saludo ako sa talento mo Ate Gay very witty, very spontaneous. A class of your own. Isa ka sa mga iilang comedian na nakakapagpatawa sa akin. Mananatili kang ‘Idol’ ko. Till we meet again. Ps: The picture was taken during my visit at Klownz comedy bar last January. Di n tayo nakapagpa-picture dahil busy ka kaya kinunan n lang kita while you’re performing on stage kung saan acknowledged mo ako at kinuwento mo nga about the digital film na napunta syo yung role,” Cortez wrote. 

In her Instagram Stories, socialite-actress Heart Evangelista, posted: “rest na angel.”

Kiko Matos wrote: “Alam kong ayaw mong malungkot ang mga tao. Kaya kahit masaya itong video ay inupload ko. Pahinga ka na, ate gay! Sobrang mamimiss ka namin.”

Comedian Renz Hermogenes, who uploaded a video singing with Morales, shared: “Palagi natin kinakanta ang Ikaw Ay Ako, ito na pala ang last duet natin. Rest In Peace inay Gil Aducal Morales aka ‘Ate Gay’ The Original Queen of Mash-up. Mahal kita.” 

Veteran comedian Allan K also shared the passing of Ate Gay.

Meanwhile, other showbiz personalities extended their condolences to Ate Gay in the comment section of an Instagram post announcing his passing.

Ogie Alcasid wrote: “Nakikiramay po kami ng lubos❤️❤️❤️”

Dawn Zulueta shared: “😢🪽👼 Rest in peace 🙏”

“Rest in God’s loving arms now, Ate Gay 🙏 🕊,” screen veteran Chanda Romero wrote.

Lotlot de Leon, the daughter of the late superstar Nora Aunor, shared: “Taos pusong pakikiramay 🙏😔.”