Jake Ejercito says he ‘wouldn’t have survived’ early years of fatherhood without Jaclyn Jose

After attending her wake, Jake Ejercito wrote a touching message to honor the late Jaclyn Jose.

On X, the actor posted a photo of the veteran actress with his daughter Ellie.

“Of her many iconic roles, being a grandmother was one she cherished the most, especially to Ellie,” Jake wrote.

“I surely wouldn’t have survived those early years of fatherhood without your guidance,” he added.

Jake said that he and Jaclyn had survived a lot together, “anything and everything just for Ellie.”

“You’ve left a void in Ellie’s heart that we could only attempt to fill for the rest of our days. But I’ll give it my best shot and make sure she’ll be ok,” Jake said.

He ended his post by saying, “Maraming salamat sa lahat, tita. You were loved, specially by your Ellie.”

“Mahal kita alam mo yan,” she added.

Ellie is Jake’s daughter with ex-girlfriend Andi Eigenmann. The former couple has a co-parenting set-up. Although Jake said he and Jaclyn’s daughter Andi are not the best of friends, they openly communicate for Ellie.

Jake and Ellie were among those who paid their respects at Jaclyn’s wake.

Born Mary Jane Guck, Jaclyn died on March 2 at 60 years old. Andi revealed that she died due to a heart attack.

Jaclyn’s death was first announced by her agency, PPL Entertainment. Her family, through the Philippine National Police, also previously said that there was no foul play involved.

In 2016, Jose won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her mesmerizing performance in Brillante Mendoza’s “Ma’Rosa.”

Jose’s other notable performances include starring and supporting roles in films such as “The Flor Contemplacion Story” and “Patay Na Si Hesus.” She also starred in several GMA Network series, including “Marimar,” “The Millionaire’s Wife,” and “D’Originals.”

Celebrities and industry colleagues are mourning the award-winning actress and have paid tribute to her on social media.