Actor-director David Chua has found closure after the recent passing of his biological father, Gerson Kummer Mallillin, who died on March 21, 2025 at age 70.
In an emotional interview at his ancestral home in Tondo, David recounted seeing his father for the first time in years — but only after he had passed.
“Yesterday, I was told that he was gone. I went to Antipolo. We discharged him from the hospital because there was no money to pay. So I also took care of him. I also wanted to give him a proper burial,” he shared.
David, who only met his father once at the age of 13, said they had minimal communication, mostly through online messages. Despite the distance, he made it a point to honor his father’s final wishes, including arranging for his cremation.
“Nasa freezer na siya nang makita ko. Sabi ko sa mga tauhan ng punerarya, ‘Puwedeng bigyan ninyo muna ako ng two minutes lang?’ Lumabas sila, kinausap ko ang tatay ko, hinawakan ko ang ulo niya. Kinausap ko siya sa isip ko. Sabi ko, ‘Rest in peace. Pinapatawad ko na siya. Sana ganoon din siya sa akin although may pagkukulang siya,’” he recalled.
David expressed regret over not spending time with his father while he was alive. “Sana nabigyan ko siya ng oras. Sana pinuntahan ko siya para nagkausap kami bago siya namatay.”
Still, the encounter provided emotional healing.
“Pagkatapos noon, parang lumuwag yung dibdib ko… Alam ko, kakampi ko ang nanay ko sa langit. Ngayon, may isa pa akong anghel na kakampi.”
David’s heartfelt reflections come as he enters a new chapter in public service. He is currently running for councilor in District 2 of Manila in the upcoming May 2025 elections.
