Cebu’s entertainment industry mourns death
By J. Jala | 07:40 PM March 31, 2020
The TV personality and comedian Roy Deldig alias “Yuri” has died, aged 42.
Best known for his other stage name “Mother Butanding”, Yuri was known in Cebu’s entertainment industry as a well-respected host and events planner.
After a short illness, Yuri passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 31, his friends confirmed.
As a talent of GMA Network, Yuri appeared as a field reporter in Balitang Bisdak’s Akyat Bahay segment.
His death shocked the entertainment industry.
For former beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit, Yuri was nice, jolly, and a supportive friend.
“So many great memories are running in my head right now – our tiring yet fun taping days, live shows and tv coverages – yet the best were those behind the cameras and the stage,” she said.
She said she was not only a colleague, but he became one of her closest friends.
“You were one of the selfless people I know. Always trying to help others, adopted friends into your home and treated them like family, always organised charity events for your birthdays and even at one point, raised money for your barangay chapel. A gentle giant. A big man with the biggest heart. I just could not cope with the fact that it was your heart that decided to give up and that all the people who love you could not even get together to celebrate your life. And what pains me the most is we were suppose to be together in Cebu by now for my brother’s wedding, which you have been working on these past few months but had to be rescheduled. Wa gyud ta nag abot,” sbe said.
“Ma Yuri Richards, you will be terribly missed. Thank you for the friendship throughout these years. You have given people so much joy now it is time to rest. Heaven gained a funny angel, you will surely entertain them with your bischikas and blind items. I love you, Ma,” she said.
