The Philippine entertainment and political spheres mourn the passing of former actor and dedicated public servant, Patrick Dela Rosa, who died on October 27, Philippine time, in California, United States. Dela Rosa, a prominent figure in the 1980s film industry and a respected politician in Oriental Mindoro, was 65 years old. His death, confirmed by a source, comes as a somber note just before All Souls’ Day (Undas).
Dela Rosa passed away in an unnamed hospital in California, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Reports indicate that the former Regal Films sexy actor had been bravely battling cancer for several years. His health reportedly took a turn for the worse after contracting pneumonia while on vacation in the US. For the last few years, Patrick had been based in the United States, having transitioned from his professional life in the Philippines, which included work as a real-estate broker after his acting career.
The Oriental Mindoro provincial government was among the first to express its deepest condolences to the Dela Rosa family and his loved ones. In their statement, they extended gratitude for his dedicated service to the people of Mindoro and acknowledged his enduring contribution to the showbiz industry.
Patrick Dela Rosa’s journey was marked by a successful pivot from the silver screen to public office. Before achieving political prominence, he first served as a Calapan City Councilor. His commitment to public service led him to become a respected Oriental Mindoro Board Member, and he even served a term as Acting Vice Governor, showcasing a true dedication to his constituents.
His initial foray into the public eye was through modeling, notably as a Close-Up toothpaste commercial model, which captured the attention of Regal producer Mother Lily Monteverde. This discovery launched his career in the ’80s, where he became known for his roles in the era’s “sexy” or “bold” films. Among his notable projects was the movie Shame, which starred the late bold star Claudia Zobel. He also showcased his versatility in character roles, especially in action films, with the 1990 movie Hindi ka na Sisikatan ng Araw being one of his favorite projects.
Patrick Dela Rosa leaves behind a legacy defined by charisma on screen and commitment in politics. His life was a remarkable blend of entertainment flair and genuine public service, a journey that will be remembered by fans and the people of Oriental Mindoro alike.