The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of April Ihata, the mother of TV host and actress Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, who passed away on December 22, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. She was 61 years old.
A Loving Mother and Grandmother
April Ihata was a loving mother to her four daughters, Mariel, Kaye, Julia, and Ethan, and a doting grandmother to her six grandchildren, Isabella, Gabriela, Alas, Maria, Elijah, and Zion. She was also a supportive mother-in-law to Mariel’s husband, actor Robin Padilla.
April had a strained relationship with her daughters in the past, due to her separation from their father and her addiction to drugs. She admitted that she neglected her children and failed to be a good mother to them. However, she was able to reconcile with them in 2016, when she appeared on the ABS-CBN morning show Magandang Buhay, hosted by Mariel. She apologized to her daughters and expressed her desire to make up for the lost time. She also thanked Mariel for forgiving her and accepting her back into her life.
Since then, April had been a constant presence in Mariel’s family, especially during the birth of her two daughters, Isabella and Gabriela. She also celebrated important occasions with them, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. She was very proud of her daughters and grandchildren, and often posted photos and videos of them on her social media accounts.
A Brave Fighter Against Cancer
April Ihata was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2019, and underwent chemotherapy and surgery to treat her condition. She was optimistic and hopeful that she would survive the disease, and relied on her faith and family for strength and support. She also received love and prayers from her friends and fans, who admired her courage and resilience.
Despite her illness, April continued to enjoy life and spend quality time with her loved ones. She traveled to different places, such as Japan, Hong Kong, and the United States, with her daughters and grandchildren. She also attended various events and shows, such as the premiere of Robin’s movie Bato: The Gen. Ronald dela Rosa Story, and the ABS-CBN Ball. She also celebrated her 60th birthday in February 2022, with a grand party attended by her family and friends.
However, in November 2023, April’s health took a turn for the worse, and she was hospitalized due to complications from her cancer. She was in and out of the intensive care unit, and had to undergo dialysis and blood transfusion. She also suffered from pneumonia and sepsis, which further weakened her immune system. She fought hard until the end, but eventually succumbed to her disease on December 22, 2023, at 10:15 p.m.
April Ihata’s Obituary
April’s death was confirmed by Mariel, who posted a heartfelt tribute to her mother on her Instagram account. She shared a photo of her holding her mother’s hand, and wrote a long caption expressing her gratitude, love, and sorrow. She said that her mother was her best friend, her hero, and her inspiration. She also said that she was proud of her mother for being a fighter, and that she would miss her terribly.
Mariel also thanked her husband, Robin, for being supportive and caring to her mother. She said that Robin treated her mother like his own, and that he was always there for her during her difficult times. She also thanked her sisters, Kaye, Julia, and Ethan, for being united and strong for their mother. She said that they were able to give their mother the best life possible, and that they were able to forgive and heal their wounds.
Mariel also thanked her fans and friends for their prayers and condolences. She said that she appreciated their messages and gestures of sympathy, and that she felt their love and comfort. She also asked for their continued prayers for her mother’s soul, and for her family’s peace and acceptance.
April’s wake was held at the Heritage Park in Taguig City, where her family and friends paid their respects and bid their final farewell. Her funeral was held on December 26, 2023, at the same venue, where she was cremated and laid to rest.
April may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. She left behind a legacy of love and forgiveness, and a family that will always cherish her memory. She also inspired many people with her story of redemption and hope, and her example of courage and faith. She was a mother, a grandmother, a friend, and a fighter, who lived a full and meaningful life. Rest in peace, April Ihata. You will always be in our hearts.
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