'Powerful,' 'humble': Celebrities, musicians mourn Jovit Baldivino's passing

Celebrities and musicians took to social media to mourn the passing of singer Jovit Baldivino.

Baldivino died on Dec. 9 at 29 years old following stroke complications.

His record label Star Music said his "powerful talent and music will always be remembered."

"Thank you for sharing your music to the world," Star Music said in a statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and supporters."

Kiray Celis shared a video of Baldivino and their group singing Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. Celis, who called herself a fan of Jovit in 2010, eventually became friends with him, appearing in the music video of his 2016 song Low Bat.

"Jovit.... totoo ba to? Ang saya saya pa natin dito.. hindi ka lang naging mabuting kaibigan samin," she said. "Para ka na naming kapatid eh  mamimiss ka namin. At mahal na mahal ka namin!"

"Rest in peace, Jovit! Mahal ka namin bai!" Celis also wrote in the comments.

Marcelito Pomoy, who joined the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent, recalled how he tried to talk to Jovit, hoping he would wake up from coma.

"Parekoy…. 3:33AM this morning pinipilit ka pa naming kausapin at gisingin baka magmilagro pa," said Pomoy, who quickly became popular for his unique male tenor and female soprano voice.

"sobrang sakit mawalan ng isang kaibigan.. ikaw yong taong unang sumuporta sa laban ko sa PGT.. pahinga ka na… no more pain parekoy… isa kang tunay na kaibigan… hinding hindi kita malilimutan…"

Pomoy said he spoke with Baldivino's family if he could initiate a benefit concert at the time, but noted that it's "too late now." In any case, he asked for donations via the digital payments network Zelle.

Angeline Quinto in a Facebook post said she won't forget Baldivino's humor and how sweet he was especially to fans.

"Napakaaga naman masyado Jovs. Sana hindi na lang totoo na nangyari ito," Quinto said. "Salamat Jovit sa pagkakaibigan at mga pagkakataon na makatrabaho kita. Kantahan at pasayahin mo sila dyan sa langit ah Jovs."

Ogie Alcasid and Zsa Zsa Padilla on Twitter also offered condolences.

Meanwhile, social media personality Beki Mon said Baldivino was one of the "most humble yet very talented celebrities" they know.

"Kakagising ko lang tapos ang balitang ito agad ang bumungad... Rest in God's Loving Arms, my dear," Beki Mon said. "Thanks sa lahat ng kabutihan mo sa akin."

Another social media personality, Yexel Sebastian, thanked Baldivino for the music and inspiration. Sebastian also shared a photo of them.

Meanwhile, seasoned performer Gary Valenciano paid tribute to Baldivino and his notable talent. The singer was once part of ABS-CBN's Sunday noontime show ASAP alongside Valenciano.

"Parang I still can’t believe this. I’ll never forget how I would always wait to hear his parts in ASAP. He always got to prove why he was Pilipinas Got Talent’s champion," Valenciano tweeted. "I always always always would try to encourage him to keep shining. Sing for Jesus when you see Him Jovit."

Yeng Constantino posted a black-and-white photo where she is seen enjoying the company of her fellow Pinoy Champs ASAP Pinoy Champs members Baldivino, Pomoy, and Quinto. "Jovit paalam [broken heart emoji]," the singer-songwriter captioned her Facebook post.

Comedienne Kakai Bautista took to Instagram to tell her kumpare how much she appreciates his kindness and strong musical skills. 

"Pre’ napakabilis naman. Maraming Salamat sa Napakahusay at magandang musika mo," Bautista wrote in her post. "Hinding hindi ko to nakakalimutan kase paulit-ulit ka na 'kaya mo yan' bago tayo magperform. kase sobrang kabado ako ang hirap mong gayahin!!! Salamat sa kabutihan mo. 🙏🏻"

She continued, "You will be remembered and missed🙏🏻 Prayers for you and your Family. May you rest in peace 🙏🏻❤️"

Singer and former child actor Rhap Salazar shared an old photo of him with Baldivinio and Sharon Cuneta with the caption, "Isang kapatid sa pag-awit. Rest in peace, Jovit Baldivino."

Seasoned singer Dulce looked back on her performance with Baldivino and Pomoy at the Manila Hotel. She captioned her Facebook post, "This is our only picture I can find for now Jovit, we're on stage in Manila Hotel, performing together with Marcelito Pomoy. Rest now Jovit Baldivino..."