Mark Gil died peacefully in the arms of his longtime wife Maricar Jacinto-Eigenmann, the Eigenmann family said in a statement.
Gil, 52, was born Ralph John Eigenmann.
He died from liver cancer.
“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 8 am. He died peacefully in his sleep in the arms of his wife, Maricar, and surrounded by family,” the family said in the statement.
“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’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.
“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.”
Maricar, who got married to Gil in 1996, has not commented otherwise on the death.
Gil had a number of other wives as well during his life, including Irene Celebre and Bing Pimentel.
His four children are all from woman other than Maricar.
