Mark Gil's remains already cremated

Maureen Marie Belmonte

<div><img src='' alt='090114-mark123456_main.jpg' width='305' height='290' align='left' border='0'>Shocking the entire showbiz industry on Monday morning was the news that veteran star Mark Gil has succumbed to liver cancer.</div><div><br/></div><div>This was confirmed by the Eigenmann family in a statement sent to the press that same afternoon. </div><div><br/></div><div>'It is with much sorrow that we announce that he passed away this morning at exactly 8am. He died peacefully in his sleep in the arms of his wife, Maricar, and surrounded by family,' said the statement.</div><div><br/></div><div>Turns out the actor has learned about his condition the first time in 2012. Born as Rafael Jose de Mesa Eigenmann, the prized actor has apparently explicitly wished that his condition be kept from the public, select friends, and the press despite being diagnosed to be terminal June this year. </div><div><br/></div><div>In the end, the family thanked all the fans that showered the actor with love until the last moments of his life. Amid the outpour of commemoration, the family asked to be given the chance to mourn his passing in private first before they open his remains to the public soon enough.</div><div><br/></div><div>Reports have it that the remains of the 52-year-old star have already been cremated hours after his passing at the Heritage Park Chapels and Crematorium in Taguig</div><div><br/></div><div>Known to be part of a family of stars, Mark's family, especially those overseas, all made time to fly in and support each other during this dark moment in their lives.</div><div><br/></div><div>His parents Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil as well as his daughter Ira Eigenmann and brother Michael de Mesa flew back due to his condition. While he was recently living with his sister brilliant actress Cherie Gil as his home was currently undergoing renovations.</div><div><br/></div><div>The Filipino-Spanish-SwissGerman actor has six children there's Gabby and Ira with actress Irene Celebre, there's Sid and Maxene with actress Bing Pimentel, Andi with Jaclyn Jose and Stevie with his wife Maricar.</div><div><br/></div><div>All his kids were in the country when he passed away save from Sid who recently flew to Singapore for a series of shows for his ongoing soap with the other network. </div><div><br/></div><div>Meanwhile, his eldest son Gabby took to his Twitter account on Monday to express his undying love for his late father.</div><div><br/></div><div>'And so you held my hand in yours, just like you did when I was young . But then you held it to your heart just as you slowly slipped away. Today I said goodbye to you Dad. I said the last I love you that you would hear. Fly free with the Lord, fly free without pain. No worries, no problems, just love. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the family. Thank you for the legacy you have left behind. You will be forever in our hearts, till we meet again... he wrote.</div><div><br/></div><div>Read the entire Eigenmann family statement below:</div><div><br/></div><div>'We, the Eigenmann Family, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everybody who has shown their concern for Ralph these past few weeks. It is with much sorrow that we announce that he passed away this morning at exactly 8am. He died peacefully in his sleep in the arms of his wife, Maricar, and surrounded by family. Ralph was first diagnosed with liver cancer two years ago, but it was only in June of this year that he found out that it was terminal. It was Ralph&#8217;s request that this should not be revealed, and we did not question his decision. To those who have asked us about his condition, especially his colleagues, the press and fans, we apologize for not being forthright, but we also ask for understanding.' </div><div><br/></div><div>'We would, however, like everyone to know that he spent his last days in comfort and in no pain. In fact, he was in good spirits and humor, and enjoying the presence of his entire family. Even then, he was still bringing us together, as he always has, and we are now all complete. Until the very end, he was a warrior. Ralph faced death with courage and grace, while still bringing laughter to the room. That was his gift: the ability to make those around him better. </div><div><br/></div><div>'Ralph had told us that he only wanted to spend and cherish the remaining precious days of his life in the company of his family and closest friends. He also wished that we be allowed to grieve his passing in private. We all request that the public please respect his wish and allow us to mourn his passing accordingly. Please allow us this time as well to remember Ralph: husband, son, brother, father and grandfather. For the outpouring of love for Ralph that we've received on his behalf, we thank you. It is deeply appreciated.</div><div><br/></div>

Eigenmann family reveals that it was Mark's express desire to keep his condition under wraps

Mark Gil's remains already cremated | PUSH.COM.PH