MANILA, Philippines — Veteran film and television actress Vangie Labalan has died at 83, her family announced Thursday.
Her youngest son, Carlo Labalan, said she passed away around noon on Feb. 12 while confined at a hospital in Australia. She is survived by her four children.
Carlo confirmed the news in a Facebook post saying, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Vangie Labalan (Ma. Christina Bonghanoy Labalan). She passed away today in Australia due to illness, surrounded by those dearest and nearest to her heart. Her memories will forever remain in our hearts.”
“To everyone who know her, love her, and was touched by her kindness, we extend our deepest gratitude. She is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched,” he continued.
The family is arranging to bring her remains home to the Philippines. Details of her wake and funeral services will be announced in the coming days.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and film institutions, including the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
The post read, “Lubos na nakikiramay ang Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) sa pamilya at mahal sa buhay ni Ms. Vangie Labalan - Beteranang Aktres (1943 - 2026). Ang iyong kontribusyon sa industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay mananatili nakatatak sa aming puso. Maraming salamat at paalam, Ms. Vangie.”
(The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Ms. Vangie Labalan — Veteran Actress (1943–2026). Your contributions to the Philippine film industry will remain etched in our hearts. Thank you very much and farewell, Ms. Vangie).
Actor-director and FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes also shared a message on Facebook.
“Another sad goodbye. Thank you for all the years we worked together and providing Filipino cinema with the brilliance of your talent, hard work and professionalism. You shall never be forgotten as you will forever be missed. Have a safe journey home to the waiting arms of Our Father, dearest Vangie Labalan.”
Labalan was widely recognized for her role as Aling Saling in the 1982 classic “Himala,” where she played the mother of Elsa, portrayed by Nora Aunor.
In 2016, she won Best Supporting Actress at the QCinema International Film Festival for her performance in “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B,” earning praise from a new generation of audiences.
Earlier in her career, she appeared in the 1984 drama “Alyas Baby Tsina” and later portrayed Adora in “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit,” a Filipino adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.”
Labalan was discovered by acclaimed director Ishmael Bernal while working as a dubbing supervisor. She transitioned from radio and voice work to film, becoming one of the industry’s most reliable character actresses.
Known for her natural acting style, Labalan also mentored younger actors and remained active in the industry for decades.