Celebs, theater personalities pay tribute to May Bayot-De Castro

MANILA — The local theater commmunity is mourning the passing of actress-singer May Bayot-De Castro.

Coming from a family of musicians, Bayot-De Castro, the sister of pop singer Lani Misalucha, was known for her powerful vocals and was one of the respected names in theater.

Bayot-de Castro was the original Elsa in the stage adaptation of “Himala” in 2003.

In a Facebook post,  Vincent de Jesus, who composed the stage adaptation of “Himala,” mourned the passing of  Bayot-De Castro.

“We first met in our early 20s when we were doing Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s PEPE EN PILAR Musical. You played Pilar, while I was the composer and musical director. You were beautiful, extremely talented, stunning, feisty, and very intimidating. You had a voice like I had never heard before in my life. From then on, we became very good friends. Sabi mo nga, ‘Ang mga matataray, madaling magkasundo,” de Jesus shared. 

“Together with a vocal quartet, we traveled around Asia, performing for six years. We lived in the same house, partied almost every night after work (as you can see in the photo), and little did I realize that while we were having the time of our lives, you were also mentoring me, teaching me how to be a band leader. When we returned to the Philippines, we went on to make twelve musicals together — my Elsa, Joselle, Potre Tuwan, Nanay Moran, Amor de Sangre. You became my greatest muse. 

“Looking back, I realize how much of my life in music was shaped by the years we spent together. And how lucky I was to have shared those years, those adventures, and so much music with her. I will always remember this moment at Café Batavia in Jakarta, when we were having this picture taken. You said, ‘Mag-picture tayo kasi maganda tayo. Naka-all white. Parang mga birhen.’ My heart is broken into little pieces. Rest your weary body, my dear friend. Until we meet again,” he added.

In the comment section of Misalucha’s post about the passing of her sister, netizens and personalities also paid tribute to Bayot-De Castro.

“May her soul rest in peace. She was kind and unassuming. Our condolences,” Shamaine Buencamino wrote.

“SALAMAT sa KABUTIHAN ni ate MAY. Yakap yakap ng marami miss @lanimisalucha ❤️🥹” Kakai Bautista wrote.

Other personalities also expressed sympathy and condolences to Misalucha.

“Condolence po Ms.Lan…. Sending love and prayers🤍🙏🙏🙏,” Jona wrote.

“My deepest condolences @lanimisalucha,” Zsa Zsa Padilla wrote.

Theater actress Stella Canete-Mendoza also honored Bayot-De Castro. “No More Pain Rest in Peace May De Castro Sing with the Angels,” she wrote on Facebook.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Nanding Josef wrote: “Maraming salamat MAY sa lahat ng kontribusyon  mo sa Philippine Theater. Hindi namin malilimutan ang iyong husay bilang artista, ang iyong kababaang-loob, at ang kabaitan at kabutihan mo sa kapwa. MAY GOD EMBRACE YOU IN HIS LOVING ARMS.” 

Theater actor and singer Chesko Rodriguez, shared: “Mommy May… Rest in God’s arms now. It was such an honor and pleasure to have worked with you! Mahal ka namin. 😔.”

Actor Paeng Sudayan and singer Sweet Plantado also remembered Bayot-De Castro.

“Ate May De Castro!!! Ang lungkot. 😭 Di ko alam ang sasabihin. Nung napanood kita as Elsa ay naging idol na agad kita. Kaya sobrang sobrang saya ko na nakatrabaho at naging kaibigan kita! Sayang, di na natuloy yung food trip natin. Di na rin kita napuntahan sa mga gigs mo. Mamimiss ko mga kwento mo, Ate!  Dibale Ate, one day magkakantahan ulit tayo! Pahinga ka na! Mahal ka namin!” Sudayan shared.

“Lumaban ka hanggang sa huli.. grabe ka mare.. malungkot man at masakit.. pahinga ka na mare.. Salamat sa pagkakaibigan.. rest in His perfect peace 🙏🏻🤍🕊️💐 mahigpit na yakap Joey Gato Adri and sis Lani 🙏🏻vmahigpit na yakap sa ating mga nagmamahal.. Love you mareng May 💞,”  Plantado shared.

On Monday night,  Misalucha shared the sad news through a social media post.