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Carol Banawas mother passes away after battle with cancer

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<p>Singer Carol Banawa announced the passing of her mother, Cirila Banawa, who lost her battle with cancer. </p><p>The 45-year-old US-based artist shared the news on Sunday, May 17 (Philippine time).</p><p>In a lengthy Instagram post, Carol shared that her mother passed away surrounded by the people who loved her most. </p><p>“Last night, our beloved mama passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by the people who loved her most. Our hearts are broken, and we already miss her more than words can ever express,” she began. </p><p>The “Iingatan Ka” hitmaker remembered her mom as someone whose mere presence was enough to bring smiles to those around her.</p><p>“We will miss the way she could light up a room simply with her presence. We will miss her laughter, her stories, her warmth, and the love she gave so freely to everyone around her,” she said. </p><p>Carol described her mom as a woman defined by selflessness and an unwavering faith that held steady even through life&#x27;s hardest moments.</p><p>“She had one of the kindest hearts — humble, generous, selfless, and always thinking of others before herself. No matter what she went through, her trust and faith in God never wavered,” she wrote. </p><p>“She carried herself with so much grace, strength, and love, and she touched so many lives because of it,” she added. </p><p>Carol admitted that her grief has been deep, but said she finds peace in knowing her mother is now in a better place. </p><p>The loss carries added weight given Carol&#x27;s family history. Her brother and father both passed away in separate tragedies — her brother more than two and a half decades ago, and her father in 2012. </p><p>Both deaths were linked to carbon monoxide poisoning after they fell asleep in a parked car.</p><p>“But now, Mama, you finally get to rest. Now, you get to be with Papa and Kuya again — the two people you loved and missed so dearly,” she said. </p><p>“While we grieve deeply here on earth, we also find peace and joy knowing that you are now with our Lord Jesus Christ, whom you loved with all your heart,” she added.</p><p>Carol also reassured her mother that those she had left behind would be alright and that they would strive each day to make her proud.</p><p>“Do not worry about us, Mama. We will be okay. You raised us with so much love, strength, faith, and resilience, and we will continue to do our best to make you proud every single day,” Carol said. </p><p>Carol concluded her post by asking her mother to give her father and brother a hug.</p><p>“So this is not goodbye. Until we all see each other again. Please give Papa and Kuya the biggest hug from all of us. We love you so much, Mama. Forever and always,” she remarked.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYcOyD2jqoH/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=502&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A18844253.60000038%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1166" 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><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Carol&#x27;s celebrity friends were quick to offer their condolences, including Jolina Magdangal, Angeline Quinto, Rica Peralejo, Nina, Nikki Valdez, Karylle, and director Andoy Ranay.</p><p>“Condolence, mare. Will pray for Tita’s soul. Pag pray din namin family mo mare,” Jolina wrote.</p><p>“My deepest condolences, Carol,” Angeline commented. </p><p>“Mare love u… ❤️ praying for you guys…,” Rica said. </p><p>“My prayers are with you &amp; your family, my dear @iamcarolbanawa,” Nina stated.</p><p>“My deepest condolences, Carol,” Direk Andoy commented.  </p><p>“My condolences and prayers to you and the whole family. 🙏 love you,” Nikki said. </p><p>“She was a wonderful, wonderful person. Our deepest condolences and prayers,” Karylle remarked.</p><p>In the days leading up to her mother&#x27;s passing, Carol had already shared her heartbreak online, expressing disbelief at witnessing her mother&#x27;s condition deteriorate. </p><p>She acknowledged that the family had come to terms with the inevitable — that they were nearing the end.</p><p>“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,” she wrote. </p><p>“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,” she added. “Ang sakit sakit, Mama. Ang hirap hirap makita ka na ganito.”</p><p>She continued: “But 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.”</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYUVQ8KOx_2/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=502&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A18845235.30000019%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1485" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" 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><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Carol Banawa first rose to fame as part of Batch 4 of Star Magic, ABS-CBN&#x27;s talent management arm. She relocated to the United States in 2003, initially to support her father during his recovery. </p><p>She has since built a life there, becoming a registered operating room nurse after earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from Northern Virginia Community College in 2018 — graduating Summa Cum Laude.</p><div> </div><p>—By Paolo Lim</p>

<p>Carol Banawa shared the heartbreaking news on Sunday, May 17 (Philippine time).</p>

Carol Banawa's mother passes away after battle with cancer

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Carol Banawa's mother passes away after battle with cancer

Push Team

Published May 18, 2026 12:38 AM PHT

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