Filipino environmentalist and philanthropist Regina Paz "Gina" La'O López died at the Makati Medical Center in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines at around 4:15 a.m. on August 19, 2019. On her vision for an environmentally sound nation: “I would like to have a country where our natural resources are conserved. Momentarily, he takes a deep breath and sets his gaze to the heavens in brief reflection of the life-altering force that was his sister Gina. The second of seven children of Eugenio Lopez, Jr. and Conchita La’O, Regina… Biography Gina Lopez was born in Quezon City, Philippines on December 27, 1953 . I would say I’m blessed.”, “You inherit an environment which you didn’t make, and you’re even handicapped at changing it because of all the rules and regulations... And then you go on field and you find out that people are suffering—that’s very hard for my heart, when people suffer and especially when people suffer because my people have been corrupt. The environmental activist was 65-years-old. Ernie Lopez Honors His Sister Gina Lopez Today, on the 40th day since Gina's death, Ernie remembers his sister and honors her legacy as the new host of her beloved show, "G Diaries" ... 2019, 04:04 PM. I miss her infectious laughter. As Ernie said it, her death wasn't the end of anything; it was simply the event needed for many fresh starts. Environmental and child protection advocate Gina Lopez in Manilla, Philippines, on Oct. 16, 2018. They didn’t do anything about it but they knew it was happening. Gina Lopez was a fearless woman. Gina Lopez served as Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in … Gina Lopez Early Life and education. Gina was the daughter of ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Eugenio López, Jr. of Iloilo and Conchita La'O of Manila. Lopez went to Assumption College and Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Boston (which was later integrated into Boston College). ABS-CBN Foundation chairman Regina Paz Lopez has passed away today, August 19, ABS-CBN confirms. My brother Gabby, without going into detail, said that so many good things are happening despite Gina's passing away. I was watching a program on TV where a child was beat up by her mother continuously. A post shared by Metro.Style (@metrodotstyle), 10 Sweetest K-Drama Couples With The Best Fashion Onscreen. It comprises some 7,000 islands in the tropical Western Pacific, so it comes as no surprise that environmentalist Gina Lopez was driven by an awe of her country's many natural treasures. She was always full of joy and energy even to her last days. The former environment and natural resources secretary passed away on Monday, August 19, due to multiple organ failure after a brave battle with brain cancer. It's been 40 days since Filipinos bid a tearful goodbye to one of their heroes. I was horrified. Celebrated environmentalist Gina Lopez succumbed to brain cancer, an illness she never disclosed in public, at 65 years old on August 19. No doubt. Gina Lopez in 2017. I truly feel that the way for our country is for everyone to work together.”. TO say that Gina Lopez led a colorful life would be a severe understatement. Bantay Kalikasan gave rise to earth warriors and opened the eyes of Filipinos to the true value of nature. She has six siblings. This bible verse is a perfect description of her life and whenever I read it, it reminds me of her: 'and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. And what better gift is there than a new beginning, one that inspires an entire nation to become what it was always meant to be? 11 The Lord will guide you always;he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched landand will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden,like a spring whose waters never fail. These family members are the siblings Oscar and Manuel Lopez and Presentacion L. Psinakis, all children of Eugenio Lopez Sr; Oscar’s son, Federico; and Gabby’s sister Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez. On how small things can make a big impact: “I saw that by cleaning one estero, that life changed. A report that Former Cabinet Secretary Appointee Gina Lopez has passed away has been making its rounds around gossip circles and social media chatboxes. I don't know if my sister even heard my dad saying this, but before he passed away, he talked to a priest and said, 'If I've hurt anyone or wronged anyone, I'm really sorry about it.' Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. This was according to … And so the challenge there is for me to keep my cool, and that entails some spiritual muscle. She really just wanted to help those who needed help.". She was one and the same no matter who she was with, who she was speaking to, where she was, who was watching, or who was within earshot. On making protecting the environment her life's mission: “For me, the environment has always been about people. 5 More Real-Life Korean Celebrity Couples With The Best Fashion—And Are So In Love (Part 2)! Our people would have enough food to put on the table, enough money to send their kids to school. My brother Gabby, without going into detail, said that so many good things are happening despite Gina's passing away.". I think that’s the way it should be with relationships. While she did not obtain a bachelor's degree, Lopez held a master's degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management. 11 Of The Hottest Korean Actors In Their Best Fashion Magazine Covers Ever! I miss being in the presence of a person who is the closest thing to a living saint that I have ever known," Ernie shares. On accepting her position at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources: "I didn’t say yes right away because for me, spirituality is non-negotiable… but during a meditation session, I felt the possibility of my infusing into this heart. And besides, we have two kids. PEOPLE Aug 29, 2020. If you really want to help the people, which is my passion, you really can’t do it if you’re not aware of the impact of the environment on their lives... It’s air, water, I mean this is part of life. 5 Heartwarming Quotes From Ernie Lopez's Eulogy For His Sister Gina, Tributes Pour In After Gina Lopez Passes Away. We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Gina gifted Ernie with a new lease on life, too. She was always full of joy and energy even to her last days. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. I miss being in the presence of a person who is the closest thing to a living saint that I have ever known," Ernie shares. She had six siblings including ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III. To shine a light on her legacy, we share 12 of her quotes that show her thoughts on her passions, working as a public servant, creating meaningful change, family, spirituality, and what it meant to truly do something of value for the Filipino people. Gina Lopez may be gone, but we must continue her legacy by confronting the ecological crises of our time with the same courage and passion. As a yoga missionary she lived in countries around the world; through this she understood first-hand how those less fortunate experienced life. She proved that the impossible could be possible—an undeniable gift of hope for those who, like her, must pass through the eye of a needle to succeed. She was brave in actions and words, living all 65 years of her purposeful life on behalf of truth, justice, and integrity despite the challenges that came her way. Having dedicated her heart and soul to projects that made an impact on the environment, children, and Filipinos' livelihoods on a nationwide scale, Gina has left an indelible mark on her countrymen, one that will remain long after the final farewell has been made. Former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Gina Lopez is the sister of ABS-CBN chairman Emeritus Gabby Lopez. Why not be friends? EDITORS' PICK. She was not after praise for herself or for validation because she was insecure. MANILA, Philippines — Former Environment secretary Gina Lopez was prepared for her demise with her last words being the heaven is already waiting for her. 5 More Real-Life Korean Celebrity Couples With The Best Fashion—And Are So In Love (Part 2)! Gina attended Assumption College and Newton College of the Sacred Heart, located in Boston, which was integrated with Boston … On having hope for the Philippines' future: “If we in this country dream and hope the common good and commitment to integrity, I have no doubt in my heart and in my mind that our country will see the light of day.”. After all, it's no secret that Gina had many opponents, and that in our lives, we too will have to battle our own. Gina Lopez Death Cause. By showing everyone that one needed to be brave in the face of adversity and that it was possible to succeed even with the biggest hurdles in one's way, Gina had gifted others the same brand of tenacity and inspired hundreds, likely even thousands, to adopt the same attitude. But when it does die, it bears a lot of fruit.' Multiple organ failure related to the disease caused her death. She was a living testimony to my father’s saying that you cannot give kindness away because it always comes back to you. Among her six siblings, Eugenio Lopez III is a chairperson of ABS-CBN Media. She told The Ecologist:“We are a country of beautiful volcanoes, mountains, rivers, and corals. She was not a financial genius but God made sure she had what she needed when she needed it because she was busy helping others.". Then this whole thing took on a spiritual turn. Gina Lopez. Social life was of premier importance. If you want to invest so that the community will get better quality of life, just putting in money there won’t do it. I think I got that from daddy. Gina Lopez was the daughter of ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Eugenio Lopez. "She truly wanted nothing else but to help others. 699K likes. , and she was a fierce environmentalist, a humanitarian at the core and a pioneering children's right advocate—a one-in-a-million public servant. Read Next. I am totally overwhelmed.". "Gina was the pillar of strength that pushed AFI to achieve what seemed to be impossible. 10 Sweetest K-Drama Couples With The Best Fashion Onscreen. Everything she accomplished was born out of a dream, one that many others might not have believed could materialize. But not Gina; she worked and toiled, day in and day out and in time, brought a piece of heaven to us on earth. The kind of heart she had was a rarity, and for her to have proven time and time again that it was possible to be that kind of person will remain one of Ernie's biggest inspirations. But it is undeniable: Gina Lopez was one extraordinary person. Even in death, she continues to give herself to people far and wide, be it through her continued advocacies, the values she passed on, or via the effects that her genuine love had on communities and individuals. Throughout her years, Gina lived a colourful life. In the last two weeks of her life, despite no longer being able to communicate verbally, she continued to talk to family by scribbling notes on huge pieces of paper, sharing her thoughts, ideas, and plans with them as if her physical state hadn't put a time limit on her life. G Diaries is airing every Sunday, 10:15 a.m., on ABS-CBN. Born to to ABS-CBN Chairman… She was 65. He also says that you can't talk about Gina without praising her courage and faith. Isaiah 58:10c-11 | NIV', "In other words, she showed me that the Bible is true and God keeps His promises because as she took care of others, He always took care of her. — Gina Lopez (@iamGinaLopez) December 9, 2014. Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig gave life back to urban areas that would have otherwise neglected the importance of having a living, breathing waterway in their communities. Everyday that I work for. And in her life, she did the same thing. Subscribe. Gina Lopez is 1 of the famous people in our database with the age of 65 years old. Gina Lopez Bio, Wiki Regina Paz “Gina” La’O López was born on December 27th, 1953 and died on August 18th, 2019. A post shared by Metro.Style (@metrodotstyle) on Aug 19, 2019 at 11:00pm PDT. so beautifully puts it, "Now that I've seen all the different things that have happened since her death, [I remember] a Bible verse that says, 'Unless a grain of wheat falls and dies on the ground, it doesn't bear fruit. Even in death, she continues to give herself to people far and wide, be it through her continued advocacies, the values she passed on, or via the effects that her genuine love had on communities and individuals. Ernie says, "She showed what can be done if you love people, even if you have many limitations. The neighbors heard her screaming. These Famous Korean Celebrities Are Siblings! We’re good.”. Long before it was chic to be civic-minded, Gina already was. And as a final, but eternal gift, Gina gifted us all with possibility. Ernie says, "A life spent serving others is a life well spent. "She is a genuine person without a mean bone in her body. Ms. Lopez was the daughter of ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Eugenio Lopez, Jr. and Conchita La’O. Gina also gifted Ernie with love; he says that Gina had a lot to do with speeding up the process of getting to know his new partner and laying down the groundwork for their relationship—even while on her hospital bed. The rumor is based on the health issues Lopez admitted to last month and the gossip was solidified by an online article by lifestyle publication Town&Country Philippines. He was the older brother and only sibling of former Philippine Vice President Fernando López. That’s my experience in doing development work. ", “I have no doubt in my mind that we can get our country out of poverty. … When she needed to build a house for herself, she decided to sell what was then Benpres shares. Gina Lopez, Who Led Crackdown on Mines in the Philippines, Dies at 65. Since her passing away, so many good things have happened. More so, Gina mastered the art of "fighting" (that is, strongly disagreeing) with finesse and creativity. GINA LOPEZ – A boy from Davao City shared some stories about the big heat and kindness of Gina Lopez towards children. Gina Lopez didn't just leave behind gifts; she herself was the greatest one of all. As lauded as she was for her warrior spirit, she knew when to acknowledge when she was at fault, and if she could have done better. Her father, Eugenio M. Lopez Jr was a former chairperson of ABS-CBN Media, and her mother’s name is Conchita La’O. And through her humility, Gina mirrored her father's values, something that proved to be a surprise to Ernie. Born on December 27, 1953, in the Philippines, Gina grew up with her six siblings. In the end, this really cute child… died. If there’s an impact on human life, I get excited, because I feel that that’s what we’re all about. There is a God and we do have angels. This world would be a better place if we had more people like her. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Michael Jackson's Daughter Scrubs Off The Vandalism Defacing Her Father's Name On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame. People move forward, why do you have to be enemies? And by doing so, she taught Ernie that the most effective way to get critics to listen to—and eventually, agree with—you is by providing alternatives and showing that you are, indeed, coming from a place of care and concern. And that's what's happening with her. It's been 40 days since Filipinos bid a tearful goodbye to one of their heroes. "She reminded me of the same thing my dad said. Gina Lopez was the second of seven children and her family founded the broadcasting cooperation ABS-CBN before it was captured by the military under the rule of … On the beginnings of one of her projects, Bantay Banta: “I started with children. FROM THE HEART - Gina Lopez (The Philippine Star) - January 8, 2019 - 12:00am We are so not alone in this journey of life. You will be greatly missed. These Famous Korean Celebrities Are Siblings! View this post on Instagram. López was born on July 20, 1901 in Jaro, Iloilo City. Her achievements are many. ", Gina Lopez visiting a community in Tarlac |, Matteo Guidicelli, Gina Lopez, and Ernie Lopez toured the La Mesa Eco-park for "G Diaries" |, Matteo Guidicelli and Ernie Lopez shooting for the new season of "G Diaries: Share the Love" |, Ernie Lopez is the new host of Gina Lopez's beloved travel show, "G Diaries" |, "The Garden of Love" that honors the memory of the late Gina Lopez in La Mesa Ecopark was unveiled on September 27, Ernie says, "A life spent serving others is a life well spent. Revisit the inspiring story of this one of a kind champion for others by clicking the link in our bio, A post shared by Metro.Style (@metrodotstyle) on Aug 18, 2019 at 8:32pm PDT. She sold at the height of its value at P19/share! However, she … She was a Filipino environmentalist and philanthropist who served as the Chairperson of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. The Philippines prides itself in being one of the most biodiverse places on earth. But above all, Gina was, or rather is, a gift that keeps on giving. How can you help people if the air is dirty, the water is dirty, polluted?”. Ernie is known today as the head of ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. and Creative Programs Inc., while Gabby is the former chair of ABS-CBN Corporation. But the resources of our country must be nourished and protected such that the greater majority benefits. Lopez only mentioned she was having “health challenges” in a video of Gary Valenciano singing to her last July. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (Courtesy of Gina Lopez/Facebook) Asia & Pacific ... and the sister … An exceptional woman who lived an extraordinary life of service. But when it does die, it bears a lot of fruit.' Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin Are Dating—Confirmed! Gina Lopez, the long-time chairperson of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) and a former Environment Secretary of the Philippines has died. Hongkongers making history. It was nice to see that the values my dad had are being passed down. She was 65. We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. ", Gina Lopez at the press launch of "G Diaries" back in 2017 |, Gina Lopez enjoying the sunflowers in Tublay for an episode of "G Diaries" |, "She is a genuine person without a mean bone in her body. Since her passing away, so many good things have happened. Read Next. It’s really hard for me. I want to see mangroves everywhere so that we are protected from climate change. Psinakis is Eugenio Sr.’s only daughter. In loving memory of Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez. Quotes extracted from stories written by Yvette Tan and Katrina Stuart first published in Metro Society's December 2016-January 2017 issue. A post shared by Metro.Style (@metrodotstyle) on Aug 18, 2019 at 7:25pm PDT. But before I could put a name to whatever it was I was looking for, I was overtaken by adolescence, where the direction in life was just to have fun. Her siblings are Marisa, Ernie, Berta, Chita, Gabby, and Raffy. Gina Lopez Cause of Death Gina Lopes died at the age of 65 on August 18, 2019. She had two sons, Roberto and Benjamin. I envision a country without poverty. Ms. Lopez landed the job of acting environment secretary when President Rodrigo Duterte came to … By exhibiting both, Gina gifted everyone she's ever come into contact with, including her family, the strength to fight for what is right and for the good of all. Through Bantay Bata, her initiatives brought Filipino children hope and protection. [email protected] Subscribe to Inquirer Opinion Newsletter. FROM THE HEART - Gina Lopez (The Philippine Star) - January 12, ... En route to Palawan where my family decided to go for a Christmas vacation I was talking to my sister, Berta. Everyday that I work for G Diaries, I encounter people who have been touched by her and I am the beneficiary of her kindness. It's what set her apart from everyone else who did good in the public eye; with or without cameras on her, the effort she exerted and the love she shared were always the same. And that's what's happening with her. © 2021 ABS-CBN PUBLISHING, INC. AND ABS-CBN CORPORATION. These Famous Korean Celebrities Are Siblings! But for all that, Gina, who was to become the managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation, was in search of something deeper in life. She was brave in actions and words, living all 65 years of her purposeful life on behalf of truth, justice, and integrity despite the challenges that came her way. I said, maybe if there was a number that child could have called, then we could have prevented that death from happening.”. If she could be a fighter up until the very end despite the aches and pains, her family could be, too. Ms. Lopez went to Assumption College and Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Boston. Raise Your Guitars In Honor Of The Late Pinoy Rock Legend Pepe Smith, What's In A Name? But above all, Gina was, or rather is, a gift that keeps on giving. In 2015, Lopez was diagnosed with brain cancer. According to Rappler, Lopez had been battling brain cancer in recent months, though her official cause of death was multiple organ failure. Gina Lopes died on August 18th, 2019 at the age of 65. Thank you, Gina for your selfless love and service to the country and Filipino people. She showed how being trustworthy could be the secret weapon to one's success. Gina Lopez went to Assumption College and Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Boston(which was later integrated into Boston College). You have to be strong.”. She only ever acted on something if she knew that it could help; she was never motivated by the goal of one-upping a challenger or getting the best of someone. I miss her infectious laughter. We can make it happen, and I feel that the way to do it is by creating models on the ground to show that it can be done.”, "What I know is that when you want something really well, my experience in life is that God sends people there.". Everything Gina did, according to Ernie, came from a place of love, and that transparency, that openness about her motivations, were gifts in themselves, too. That's the value that I'd like to continue with myself, my children," Ernie says. His parents were Benito Villanueva López, a former governor of Iloilo, and Presentación Javelona Hofileña. Looking back at Gina's extraordinary life, Ernie doesn't hesitate to claim that the biggest gift she left to him and her family was her integrity. Gina Lopez PH, Quezon City, Philippines. 11 Of The Hottest Korean Actors In Their Best Fashion Magazine Covers Ever! © 2021 ABS-CBN PUBLISHING, INC. AND ABS-CBN CORPORATION. She had six siblings and the sister of Eugenio López III. Lopez has been fighting brain cancer in latest months, according to Rappler, although her official cause of death has been multiple organ failure. They give me the love and support they would have given her if she were still around. The author at 18 with her parents, Geny and Chita Lopez, and siblings: (seated from left) Marisa, Ernie, Berta, Chita, Gabby, and Raffy. Her life was pegged on a consistent, unbreakable desire to be of help regardless of what you needed and who you were up against—a basic pillar of what it means to be a truly good human being no matter what it is that you do in life. The list goes on and on, and it will likely keep growing even years after Gina's death. On making her passion sustainable for communities: “After we determine the scientific landscape, we then focus on a shift based on values. "Wala siyang tinatago," he confidently adds. Because there is an intimate relationship between people and the environment. — Gina Lopez (@iamGinaLopez) December 9, 2014. China construction continues on reef inside PH EEZ, satellite images show. Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin Are Dating—Confirmed! She was a living testimony to my father’s saying that you cannot give kindness away because it always comes back to you. She went by the name of Gina Lopez, and she was a fierce environmentalist, a humanitarian at the core and a pioneering children's right advocate—a one-in-a-million public servant. She enjoyed living a spiritual and healthy lifestyle spending a lot of time practicing yoga and meditation. Because without values, you can’t do anything. She never even got a college degree, but she still got her masters in Asian Institute of Management. There won't be a day when he, their loved ones, her staff, and the very country she dedicated her entire life to won't miss her, but he rests easy in knowing that the spiritual gifts she brought upon their family and others—the only kind of gift that has ever mattered to Gina—have already outlived her physical passing, and that there are many. As her younger brother, Creative Programs Inc. president and now, G Diaries: Share the Love host, Ernie Lopez so beautifully puts it, "Now that I've seen all the different things that have happened since her death, [I remember] a Bible verse that says, 'Unless a grain of wheat falls and dies on the ground, it doesn't bear fruit. She held a master’s degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management.