Gerardo “Mang Gerry” Velasquez the father of singer Regine Velasquez died at the age of 76 years old.

The death of Mang Gerry was confirmed by Regine herself in her Instagram account posting the following message:

“The leader of the band, Gerry Velasquez, has joined his creator today at 1:39 pm. Thank for praying for him when he was fighting for his life and for praying for the Velasquez family. God bless you all,” Regine said.

Mang Gerry had been reportedly underwent surgery in 2012 and apart from that he was confined in the hospital for more than a month last year for the illness that caused his death.

Celebrities in music industry had expressed their grief over the death of Mang Gerry who was also among the popular person in music industry as a leader of the band.

As to remember, Mang Gerry became popular in music industry considered as the “Asia’s Songbird” who have extended his talent in music to this generation since his youth and give inspiration to the young generation singers.

Among the celebrities in music industry that sends the message of condolence in their Twitter account includes Jed Madela, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Lea Salonga and talent manager Angeli Pangilinan.

Below are their messages of condolence in their social media account:

“Rest in peace, Mang Gerry. My condolences to @reginevalcasid and her entire family. My prayers to all of you,” Madela tweeted.

“RIP Mang Gerry. Our deepest condolences, @reginevalcasid @cacaimitra @ogiealcasid,” Padilla said.

“Mang Gerry Velasquez we will miss u. To @cacaimitra @reginevalcasid we will pray for your family. Our deepest condolences. He will be missed,” talent manager Angeli Pangilinan said.

In her Facebook page, Lea Salonga wrote: “Rest in peace, Mang Gerry. I will always remember you as a fixture by Reg’s side at gigs from when we were young ones in the biz. Always present, forever supportive. I don’t think of Reg without thinking of you. To Ogie and Regine, you are in our prayers and we send hugs to you and your family.”