Tuesday Vargas pays tribute to Ate Gay: ‘She showed us how to turn hardship into laughter’

Comedian Tuesday Vargas paid tribute to late comedian Gil Morales, popularly known as Ate Gay, as she looked back on their shared memories and the lasting impact the comedy icon had on her career.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Tuesday mourned Ate Gay’s passing, recalling how the latter remained optimistic and determined to fight despite her battle with cancer.

“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,” Tuesday recalled.

Remembering their last encounter, Tuesday admitted that Ate Gay’s passing left her feeling an overwhelming sense of emptiness.

“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 😞,” she added.

For Tuesday, Ate Gay was an icon whose talent and achievements inspired fellow performers.

“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,” she said. 

Tuesday went on: “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.”

Paying homage to Ate Gay’s signature line, “Mali,” Tuesday also expressed how the comedian had turned a seemingly simple catchphrase into a memorable part of her legacy: “Naniwala kami sa ang ‘malliiiiii’ ay sobrang tama.  Ikaw lang yan ate Gay and we would like to sincerely honor and thank you.”

Tuesday further recognized Ate Gay’s influence on performers who came from the same path. “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.”

Ending her tribute, Tuesday thanked Ate Gay for the laughter, shared stages, and lessons she imparted throughout her career.

“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. 🕊️🖤.”

Ate Gay’s family announced her passing over the weekend after she was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in critical condition. She had reportedly suffered from septic shock and acute respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia.

Her condition was further complicated by a stroke that affected the right side of her brain. During her hospitalization, her family continued to appeal to the public for prayers and support.

Before her passing, Ate Gay also drew attention online for her “Celebration of Life,” an event that featured a wake-like setup where friends, loved ones, and fellow entertainers had the opportunity to share heartfelt messages and tributes to the comedian while she was still alive.