Julia Christine Botin

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ABS-CBN News

<p>Actress-singer Carol Banawa penned an emotional letter to her mother Celine, opening up about the heartbreak of watching her fight cancer and the family’s struggle to cope with the pain.</p><p>In a social media post on Thursday, the singer said she never thought that she would see her mom &quot;slowly waste away&quot; because of the disease.</p><p>&quot;Mama ko, I never thought I would see you in this state. You were always so vibrant, so kikay — always wanting to look your best, always so put together with your clothes, your makeup, and your perfume. You always smelled so good and carried yourself with so much grace and warmth. And now, watching you slowly waste away as the cancer takes over your body is one of the most painful things we have ever had to endure. Ang sakit sakit, Mama. Ang hirap hirap makita ka na ganito,&quot; she wrote.</p><p>The singer shared that their family knows that the time is near for their mom as she expressed her love for her and that they will miss her so much.</p><p>&quot;Deep inside, we also know that you are getting close to finally being free from all the pain and suffering. Malapit ka nang magpahinga. Malapit mo nang makasama sina Papa at Kuya. Mahal na mahal ka namin, Mama. Mamimiss kita nang sobra. I honestly do not know how life will feel when you are no longer here, but I know I have to keep going. Kailangan naming kayanin ni Ate, because our families will need us too — just as we once needed you,&quot; she said.</p><p>Carol added: &quot;We exist, we endure, and we love because of how deeply you loved and raised us. We are who we are because of you. Every good part of us carries pieces of your strength, your sacrifices, your kindness, and your unconditional love.&quot;</p><p>The singer concluded her post by promising that they will carry her love forever. </p><p>&quot;And when you are tired and ready to rest, it’s okay. We will carry your love with us for the rest of our lives,&quot; Carol shared.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYUVQ8KOx_2/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=594&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A13352461.700000018%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1517" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Last Mother&#x27;s Day, Carol also paid tribute to her mom saying that the day is &quot;extra special&quot; for them.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYKoPIVjkpi/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=594&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A13674583.599999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="918" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Carol, a registered nurse, is now based in the US with her husband and children.</p><p>A member of the Star Magic Batch 4, Carol is known for her  OPM hits like &quot;Iingatan Ka,&quot; &quot; Saan Ka Man Naroroon,&quot; and &quot;’Bakit &#x27;Di Totohanin.&quot;</p>

<p>Carol Banawa shares heartbreaking letter for cancer-stricken mom: 'When you're tired and ready to rest, it’s okay'</p>

Carol Banawa shares heartbreaking letter for cancer-stricken mom: 'When you're tired and ready to rest, it’s okay'

Carol Banawa shares letter for cancer-stricken mom: 'When you're tired and ready to rest, it’s okay'

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Carol Banawa shares letter for cancer-stricken mom: 'When you're tired and ready to rest, it’s okay'

ABS-CBN News

Published May 15, 2026 12:06 PM PHT

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