Although he tries to take things lightly, actor Benj Manalo could not help but burst into tears as he talked about the late Hashtags member Franco Hernandez. Benj went to his friend's house and explored the bedroom in a series of Instagram story clips.
Likewise, he extended his grief on his Instagram page by recounting how close they were, calling Franco his "baby bro."
According to Benj, he met Franco in 2007 at an audition and knew right away that he has potential. Since then, they became good friends, always looking out for each other.
"I remember nung lumipat ka sa csb from lasalle nag Production design course ka kasi un ung kinuha ko and nakita mo cool ung mga ginagawa ko that time. Sabi mo un ang kukunin mo para magkasama parin tayo. Kasi ayaw natin talaga mag hiwalay (sic).
"Nung after ko mag LOA sa school at bumalik ako to finish the course lagi ako nasayo nasa bahay nyo, sainyo ako nakatira, sabay tayo gagawa ng plates natin, mag cocomute, or mag drive papunta school, tapos nung walang wala na akong pera ung baon mo na 500 pesos dahil kasama na gas nun sa auto ko, hati tayo, ikaw bahala sa gas and food ko basta pumasok lang tayo ng magkasama and hindi maghihiwalay. That bond we build is irreplaceable (sic)," he narrated.
"Tapos since mahal na mahal ka ng parents mo every week bumibili ka ng fresh na adidas shoes tapos ung luma mo na binili the previous week ako mag susuoot para pareho tayong fresh. Kasi nga wala akong pera pambili eh, ikaw ung nag papahiram sakin nung mga damit mo na branded. Kulang nalang pati brief mo na branded hiramin ko. Sarap balikan tol. Madami pa tayo memories na alam ko ikkwento mo dyan sa taas. Ingit ako saknila bro. I love you baby bro (sic)," he added.
Benj also shared a clip from a video he did with Franco before. He also thanked Vice Ganda for all the help he gave Franco.
Franco died last Saturday, November 11, after a drowning incident in Davao. His remains were brought back to Manila on Monday night and is now at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.
READ: Hashtag Franco, nakaburol na sa Arlington Memorial Chapel QC