MANILA, Philippines — As the nation mourns the passing of environmentalist Gina Lopez, celebrities paid tribute for the former Environment Secretary for her love for the country, especially the Mother Earth.
"This is how I will remember my dear friend, Gina... always so passionate. When she is on to something, she will definitely do it with all her heart, mind and soul, whatever it takes. When she would tell me her vision... the next thing I know, she’s already in the field doing something about it. No wasted time... no wasted opportunities... for the love of the people, the country and the environment. Gina, may your selfless heart inspire many more!!! Thank you for the unconditional love. Rest now, my friend!" ABS-CBN Chief Content Officer Charo Santos-Concio said in Instagram.
In her Instagram account, Kapamilya host Gretchen Ho remembered Gina as a happy woman who always sang at the end of a meeting, speech or press conference.
“Her passion never fails to reverberate around the room. I was lucky enough to have had the privilege of working with her on @GDiariesPH & also hosted several of her events. I remember always being amazed at how much of a DOER she was,” Gretchen wrote.
“More than being a vocal leader, she managed to back up her words with real, gritty, relentless, hard work. I know, because I’ve been to the Lingkod Kapamilya & Bantay Kalikasan communities myself. I’ve seen how they’ve managed to turn places unnoticed into prime tourist destinations. I’ve seen lives changed, communities empowered and Mother Earth breathing a little bit better,” she added.
Gretchen said her heart breaks upon learning that “World has lost one great soul.”
“We will miss you. You have left an indelible mark. Your #GSquad won’t forget. I know you are flying right now in Heaven,” she added.
Kapamilya singer Ogie Alcasid also took to Instagram to pay tribute to Gina as he thanked her for the what she brought to the environment.
“Maraming salamat po Mam Gina sa lahat ng inyong nagawa para mga kababayan nating nangangalian ng tulong at kalinga at sa inyong walang patid na pagpapahalaga sa kalikasan. Pagpalain kayo ng ating Panginoon,” Ogie wrote.
Spoken word artist and actor Juan Miguel Severo wrote his gratitude to Gina for her passion to protect the environment.
“Rest in power, Miss Gina Lopez. Thank you for your passion,” he said.
Rest in power, Miss Gina Lopez. Thank you for your passion.
— Juan Miguel Severo ????????? (@TheRainBro) August 18, 2019
Restaurateur Erwan Heussaff, meanwhile, shared a photo of his trip in Tawi-Tawi with Gina as he reminisced the days he had with the environment advocate.
Mother Nature, thank you for giving us hope and inspiring a generation of advocates, earth warriors and community leaders. pic.twitter.com/AbGo9yaPhh
— Erwan Heussaff (@erwanheussaff) August 18, 2019
“I have never met someone that was so driven by her passions. Someone who understood that even in front of adversity, we are the change that we want to see in the world. A staunch champion for thousands of voiceless communities and an infallible protector of the environment. Mother Nature personified, Gina leaves behind a legacy that we should all be inspired by, urging us to become better and help out, in whatever little ways we can, to improve the lives of everyone in our country,” Erwan wrote.
“I spent just 4 days with her in Tawi Tawi and in that small amount of time, we had already spoken about grand plans, to a point where I was left confused by where to start. She woke up earlier than everyone else and met with community leaders, later than the rest of us. She taught us that it's all about moving forward, knowing that the race will never truly end, content with the impact we leave along the way. Like rays of sunshine, your energy will continue to stir our souls, even on the cloudiest days,” he added.
I have never met someone that was so driven by her passions. Someone who understood that even in front of adversity, we are the change that we want to see in the world. A staunch champion for thousands of voiceless… https://t.co/sKSNMdX9gs
— Erwan Heussaff (@erwanheussaff) August 18, 2019
Actress and multimedia personality Kris Aquino also honored Gina, who she said, introduced her to "essential oils and salt filtration, who encouraged me to use my influence to uplift others, and who strengthened my belief in the TRUTH."
"My life was touched by your openness, warmth, honesty, and passion," Kris wrote.
Kapamilya host Bianca Gonzalez wrote on her Twitter account her appreciation for Gina.
“You were so passionate, driven and pure in your intentions that I swear you could convince anyone to do anything, and in the same way, encourage them they could be everything. Salamat po, Ma'am Gina,” Bianca wrote.
You were so passionate, driven and pure in your intentions that I swear you could convince anyone to do anything, and in the same way, encourage them they could be everything. Salamat po, Ma'am Gina. ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/e9uyXL9AU5
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) August 19, 2019