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"I lost a friend. That's even harder than losing a workmate."

These were the words of Vice Ganda, who took a break from cracking jokes Monday night to pay his respects to Chokoleit.

He and the late comedian have been in the same industry for a long time, but it was only recently, he revealed, that they became close.

Chokoleit was a fantastic person, said Vice Ganda, one who valued his advice, who cared for him when he needed it, and most importantly, was sincerely proud of him and his achievements.

His biggest disappointment was that he knew Chokoleit longer as a colleague than he did as a friend.

"Para kaming pamilya. And iyon ang pinakanakakapanghinayang, na kung kailan kami ganito saka siya nawala. ...Pero masaya ako dahil mas maganda na iyong lugar na pupuntahan niya."

"Kung makulay ang naging buhay niya dito sa mundo, mas magiging makulay at maganda iyong buhay niya kung saan siya pupunta. Gusto ko lang malaman niya na mahal na mahal ko siya and hindi ko siya kakalimutan."

Thank you Lord for giving me a chance to meet Chokoleit and become his friend. Im sad that we lost him. But happy that he’ll be in a much peaceful and happier place now with you. Thanks for everything Chokie. I love you!!! Rest well my friend.

— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) March 9, 2019

Chokoleit, whose real name was Jonathan Aguilar Garcia, died last Saturday after succumbing to pulmonary edema and heart attack.

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