Wenn Deramas, who directed Vice Ganda in the blockbuster hits The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin, The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin, and Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy, as well as Beauty and the Bestie, which was cited as the “Highest Grossing Filipino Film of All Time” at the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival, died this morning due to cardiac arrest at the age of 47.
Vice posted his condolences on Twitter immediately after receiving the news.
Isang napakalungkot na araw. Sagad hanggang buto ang lungkot. Paalam Direk Wenn. Mahal na mahal kita.
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) February 28, 2016
The details of his death were confirmed by his friend June Rufino in an interview with ANC’s Ginger Conejero this morning:
The tributes from other showbiz personalities and industry insiders have already started to pour in on social media. Apart from Vica Ganda, Eric John Salut, the ad and promo head of Dreamscape Entertainment, ABS-CBN’s production unit, was one of the first to post a farewell to Wenn on his Instagram page.
A photo posted by EJS (@ericjohnsalut) on Feb 28, 2016 at 4:11pm PST
Actor John Arcilla, singer Ding Dong Avanzado, comedian Michael V, talent manager Angeli Valenciano, and director Antoinette Jadaone have also followed suit on Twitter.
Its too soon Direk Wenn. My condolences to your family. Direk Wenn Deramas rest in peace. God bless your soul.
— John Arcilla official (@JohnArcilla) February 29, 2016
My heart is totally broken as I found out that Direk Wenn Deramas passed away when he was at the ER trying 2 revive his sister.M heartbroken
— Angeli Pangilinan Valenciano (@AngeliPV) February 29, 2016
Really sad to hear the news.
RIP Direk Wenn Deramas we will miss your brilliancy as an artist and as a dear friend.— Dingdong Avanzado (@iamdingdong_A) February 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/tonetjadaone/status/704089427027464192
My condolences sa family ni Wenn Deramas. Worked together sa "Ready, Get Set, Go!" & "Teysi Ng Tahanan". Will miss his infectious laugh. 🙏🏽
— 📺 Michael V. GMA 🇵🇭 (@michaelbitoygma) February 29, 2016
It seems that Direk Wenn has been suffering from various health issues for quite some time. Apart from having to undergo an angioplasty last year, Bandera reported in 2013 that he was hospitalized for a mild stroke with many speculating that his heavy workload and the stressful nature of his job were taking a toll.
According to June, his wake will be in Arlington Funeral Homes in Quezon City.
Photo courtesy of Bandera
