Remembering Ronaldo Valdez: Janno Gibbs on What He Misses Most About His Dad
“He’s the comedian in real life. Baliktad kami. I’m the comedian onscreen but I’m the serious one,” says singer and actor Janno Gibbs about his dad, Ronaldo Valdez.
It’s been a month since the death of actor Ronaldo Valdez. But just recently, the actor’s son, singer and actor Janno Gibbs sat down with broadcast journalist Karen Davila on how he and his family have been coping, what he’ll miss most about his dad, and what it was like directing him in a movie.
Clearing misinformation
During the interview, Janno took the opportunity to clear the many stories and rumors that came up after his dad’s death. He confirmed that his parents had been separated and that Ronaldo moved into their home upon Janno’s suggestion so he could take care of him.
The “Pinakamagandang Lalaki” crooner also shared that his dad’s condition has been deteriorating, which some of the co-stars from one of his last shows, 2 Good to Be True noticed.
“Nakitaan sa cervical…parang ipit lang siguro,” he said of the diagnosis given. “Matigas ang ulo ng daddy ko, so kung saan-saan kaming doctor...he refused to do MRI. He hated that pero napilit ko and he was up for surgery.”
Janno added that before his dad’s death, he observed that the pain Ronaldo was going through was getting worse. “Days before, when I made him yaya [to go out] like halika meryenda, sabi ay huwag na lang.”
He shared that his dad battled cancer, but has been cleared since. On the other hand, when asked if he saw some signs of depression, Janno said that his dad has always been the comedian in their family. “He’s the comedian in real life. Baliktad kami. I’m the comedian onscreen but I’m the serious one. Siya naman, baliktad.“

Directing his dad
When Karen asked if he already grieved, Janno said that it was on the second day he was not able to go to the funeral and cried. He also said that despite his parents’ separation, they remained friends.
Before his dad’s death, Janno got an opportunity to direct him in the movie Itutumba Ka ng Tatay Ko. “I made this role talaga na naka-wheel chair na para hindi mahirapan. His mind was sharp [and] he was very energetic. He was proud of me,” he recalled fondly.
“Actually, since we’re together at home, even before the shooting, kinukuwento ko na sa kanya. To direct him and to share the screen with him, that’s another thing.”

Recalling the confrontational scene they had to do, Janno said he was kilig about it. He also said his dad often called him “my best bud.”
What he’ll miss about his dad
When asked what he’s learned from his dad, Janno said: ” Sabi niya children are some of the most oppressed people. Kasi nga ang usual Filipino father [is] kinakatakutan, stiff, hindi sweet. Siya, he the opposite of that.”
As for what he’ll miss about his dad, Janno said that one of the moments he’ll miss is their morning breakfast talks. “That was our time together. Aside from eating, yung kuwentuhan and honest man-to-man talk.”
Given a chance to say his message for his dad, Janno could not help but tear up. “I hope you are in a better place. No pain and thank you for loving me.”
Aside from Janno, Ronaldo has a daughter, former actress Melissa Gibbs.
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