Mahal (actress) explained

Mahal
Birth Name:Noemi Tesorero
Birth Date:29 December 1974
Birth Place:San Miguel, Catanduanes, Philippines[1]
Death Place:Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines
Height:91 cm
Years Active:1988–2021
Module:
Embed:y
Channel Display Name:MAHAL
Channel Url:UCdchakprcUBEhKXXPcnme_w
Genre:Vlog
Years Active:2020–2021
Subscribers:862 thousand
Views:84.1 million
Associated Acts:Mygz Molino
Silver Button:y
Stats Update:24 July 2022

Noemi Tesorero[2] (December 29, 1974 – August 31, 2021), known professionally as Mahal, was a Filipino actress, comedian, and vlogger. Noted for her childlike roles, she had dwarfism and was said to have a very giggly personality.[3]

Career

Mahal was made known when a newspaper article featured her and a policeman comparing her size to an ArmaLite assault rifle. She then went on to be featured by Inday Badiday in her talk show Eye to Eye,[4] before appearing regularly on television in 1988 through the noontime show Lunch Date.[5] Living with dwarfism, standing three feet tall, she was candid with her self-deprecating humor and embraced roles using her height to comic effect, or to fulfill demands of fantasy characters.

Mahal played the role of the elfin daughter in the 1991 film Anak ni Janice In the 2003 film Mr. Suave, Mahal along with Dagul, who also has dwarfism, took the role of parents of Vhong Navarro's character. She later starred in several TV shows, including Idol Ko si Kap and Bahay Mo Ba 'To?.

Mahal also ventured into singing with Allan Padua, better known as Mura, who also has dwarfism, with whom she formed a tandem in Magandang Tanghali Bayan.

Mahal changed her image to that of a daring and liberated woman in 2013. She had a tattoo and wore sexy outfits in TV guest appearances. She also answered interviews with sexual innuendos and was not shy to reveal her age. Mahal also started to accept sexy projects, like the indie film Gigolo.[6]

In an episode of Face the People, Mahal lamented about the mismanagement of Jethro Carrey, her manager, towards her career, and the alleged favoritism of the latter over his other newer talents.[7] [8]

She also guested in an episode of Dear Uge with Pokwang. Mahal also had some gigs at comedy bars in Manila.[9] She started a YouTube channel in July 2020, where she regularly posted vlogs with actor and YouTuber Mygz Molino.[10] [11] The channel garnered 500,000 subscribers at the time of her death in August 2021.[12]

Mahal featured in the 2021 television series Owe My Love. Due to the risk of COVID-19, her taping with Owe My Love was cut short.[13]

Weeks prior to her death in August 2021, Mahal received public attention for her reunion with Mura. One of her latest vlogs showed a behind-the-scenes of her last TV appearance on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,[14] where she visited Mura in Guinobatan, Albay.[15] Apart from visiting, Mahal provided some words of encouragement to Mura, along with some groceries and cash.[16]

Love life and rumored romances

Mahal became the subject of controversy involving her romantic life. She was known for being in a relationship with singer Jimboy Salazar, who died in 2015, and aspiring actor Aries Navarro.[17] She named Salazar as the most "plastic" person she met in showbiz.[18] She did not comment any further about Salazar when he decided to marry his boyfriend in March 2015 after coming out as gay.[19] At that time, Mahal was in a relationship with Jimmy Navarro, a widower.

On November 2, 2015, Mahal married Jobbie Hebrio, a butcher and merchandiser in a supermarket, at the Quezon City Hall. The marriage was witnessed by singers Mae Rivera and Kissa Kurdi, both close friends of Mahal, and city councilor Victor Ferrer, whose farm in Quezon City was where the wedding reception took place. Aries Navarro, not related to Jimmy, was not happy with the news when he heard about Mahal's marriage with Hebrio. He said Mahal fooled and cheated on him and that they were still together when Mahal secretly saw Hebrio. He also said that he often saw Mahal hiding from him when she was on the phone.[20] Mahal said that she was happily in love with her new husband and she asked Aries Navarro to leave her alone, to move on and be happy for her. She also said that she felt used by Aries Navarro. Aries Navarro said that he was happy for Mahal and that he had no other choice.[21] However, after two years of being together,[22] Mahal and Hebrio decided to split up.

Mahal said she was afraid to fall in love again due to her previous relationship with Hebrio and instead decided to prioritize helping her family.[23] However, in 2017, Mahal was rumored to have a new boyfriend, Sam Jacinto. But Jacinto clarified that they were just friends and asked the public to stop judging their relationship because Mahal was still married.[24] She also candidly disclosed that she had a crush on her Owe My Love co-star Joaquin Manansala. However, she maintained her professionalism at work.[25]

Mahal lived in Tanauan with Mygz Molino, an indie film actor. She had already lived with him in Marikina City, and after the taping of Owe My Love, Molino decided to live in his hometown Tanauan with Mahal. But before Molino decided to bring Mahal with him, he asked the permission of her mother and siblings.[26] However, some unknown relative did not approve of Mahal and Molino's tandem, accusing Molino of using Mahal for the vlog views to generate income. Mahal defended her decision to be with Molino.[27] Mahal and Molino had first met in a show in Abra in 2010.

Ai-Ai delas Alas is impressed by Molino's unconditional and genuine love of Mahal.[28] Previously, Mahal was rumored to be interested in Jed Salang, the former husband of delas Alas.

Scandal

During an appearance on the morning radio program Good Times in 2007, Mahal admitted to spreading a scandalous video a few years earlier.

Personal life

Mahal was the daughter of Romy Tesorero and her stepmother Josefa.[29] Her grandmother gave her the nickname "Mahal", which later became her stage name in her career. She has a sister based in the United States who owns a restaurant in Cleveland and a brother who is a policeman stationed in Palawan. Her family is well-off and she was not required to work. However, Mahal insisted on working instead.

In an episode of Tunay na Buhay, Mahal shared her motto, which was to keep on smiling despite the problems life throws at you.

Death

On August 31, 2021, Mahal died in a hospital in Batangas. According to her sister Irene Tesorero, she died due to gastroenteritis and COVID-19. She had pre-existing conditions, including hypertension. Because of dwarfism, she was considered to be at high risk for COVID-19.[30]

Rosanna Roces, Inday Garutay, Brenda Mage, and Jerald Napoles[31] were among the first celebrities to mourn for Mahal. Owe My Love co-stars and close friends Ai-Ai Delas Alas and Kiray Celis were surprised to know of the sudden demise of Mahal.[32] Netizens[33] and other celebrities took to social media to express their grief.[34] [35] When Mura found out about her death, he was in disbelief at first and dismissed the reports as fake news.[36] [37] Mahal and Mura were former on-screen tandem for almost two decades.

The siblings of Mahal dismissed the rumors that they are blaming Mygz Molino and her manager for her death. Instead, they were even thankful for their efforts exerted to revive Mahal until the very end.[38] [39]

Her remains were cremated in Batangas. After her cremation, her family brought her urn to the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul Shrine in Quezon City.[40]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
1989 Last Two Minutes
1990 Small and Terrible Flower Girl (uncredited)
1991 Anak ni Janice
1997 Kokey Kokey
2003 Mr. Suave Rico Suave's mother
Utang ng Ama Nuno sa punso
2007 Pasukob Flower Girl
2010 Shake, Rattle and Roll 12 the Mamanyiika (uncredited)
2012 Id'Nal (Mapusok) Aling Belen
2013 Gigolo

Television

Year Title Role
1988 Eye to EyeHerself
Lunch DateHerself
1998–2005 MTB Herself (co-host)
2000 Idol Ko si Kap
2004 Bahay Mo Ba 'To?
2005 SiS
2012 Gandang Gabi, Vice! Herself (guest)
Sarah G. Live Herself
2013 Toda Max Isabelita
Banana Nite (Ihaw Na! segment) Herself
Face the PeopleHerself
2014–2016Ismol FamilyBig Boss
2015–2016
  1. ParangNormal Activity
Tiyanak / Nuno Girl
2017 Full House Tonight Various
2019–2020 One of the Baes Queen Floribeth Higantes
2020 Tunay na Buhay Herself
2021 Owe My Love Mini Divi
Dear Uge Dyosa
The Boobay and Tekla Show Herself (guest)
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Herself (last TV appearance)

Discography

Singles!Year!Title!Album!Label
2003Ayoko Na Sa' YoMag Otso-Otso Tayo BayanStar Records
Cutie Cute, Cute
Mahal At Mura
Cutie Cute, CutePinay Pie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Notes and References

  1. Mahal. Sa Baryo na ito pinanganak si Ate Mahal. This is the barrio where Mahal was born. MAHAL (channel). fil . 2024-03-28 . Youtube. Sa bayan ng obo ang lupang sinilangan ni ate mahal... [(Barangay) Obo (San Miguel, Catanduanes) is the birthplace of Mahal...].
  2. News: Comedian Mahal dies . September 1, 2021 . Rappler.
  3. News: August 31, 2021. Comedienne Mahal dies at 46. August 31, 2021. ABS-CBN News. en.
  4. Web site: Basil. Timmy. September 5, 2021. Basil: Mahal, Tatay Remigio idungan og lubong karon. September 20, 2021. Sunstar. English.
  5. Web site: Viernes. Franchesca. Comedienne Mahal passes away. August 31, 2021. GMA News. August 31, 2021 . en.
  6. Web site: Mahal posts message on Jed Salang's alleged Facebook account; changes image from sweet to sexy. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl.
  7. Web site: November 21, 2013. Mahal decides whether or not she should retire from showbiz. September 17, 2021. LionhearTV. en-US.
  8. Web site: Mahal laos at matanda na raw. September 17, 2021. Philstar.com.
  9. Web site: Ago. Annesayain #shortestpeople • 3 Years. June 23, 2018. Bizarre Files: Top 5 Shortest People In The Philippines. August 31, 2021. Steemit. en.
  10. Web site: Comedian Mahal dies. August 31, 2021. Rappler. August 31, 2021 . en.
  11. Web site: Team PUSH. Mahal, pinasok na ang pagiging vlogger. Mahal, entered the realm of being a vlogger. August 31, 2021. Push. tl.
  12. News: Sarao . Zacarian Gavin . Comedienne-actor Mahal passes away at 46 . September 1, 2021 . INQUIRER.net . August 31, 2021 . en.
  13. Web site: Mahal hiwalay na sa lalaking pinakasalan niya noong 2015, Araw ng mga Patay. Mahal separated with the man he married in 2015, Day of the Dead. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  14. Web site: Diminutive comedienne Mahal dies at 46. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  15. Web site: August 31, 2021. WATCH: The final appearance of Mahal. August 31, 2021. Manila Bulletin. en-US.
  16. Web site: In final TV appearance, Mahal reunited with Mura on KMJS. August 31, 2021. GMA News. August 31, 2021 . en.
  17. Web site: Mahal marries non-showbiz boyfriend on All Souls' Day. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  18. Web site: Comedienne Mahal makes confessions in DJ Mo's "Forbidden Questions". August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  19. Web site: Mahal on ex-boyfriend Jimboy Salazar's wedding plans with his male lover: "Wala na akong pakialam dun.". Mahal on ex-boyfriend Jimboy Salazar's wedding plans with his male lover: "I don't care about it anymore". August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. en.
  20. Web site: November 5, 2015. Mahal's ex-BF cannot accept her forever. August 31, 2021. LionhearTV. en-US.
  21. Web site: November 3, 2015. Ex-boyfriend has message for newlywed Mahal. August 31, 2021. ABS-CBN News. en.
  22. Web site: Mahal finds a new love. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  23. Web site: Mahal, posible kayang ma-in love kay Mygz Molino?. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. en.
  24. Web site: Dwiz 882. Mahal, may bago nang boyfriend?. August 31, 2021. DWIZ Mas Todong Lakas. en-US.
  25. Web site: Mahal, kinagigiliwan ng Owe My Love co-stars niyang sina Jason Francisco at Joaquin Manansala. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  26. Web site: Mygz Molino, hindi apektado ng maling paratang sa kanya ng mga kamag-anak ni Mahal. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  27. Web site: Mahal, ipinagtanggol si Mygz Molino laban sa kanyang mga kamag-anak. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  28. Web site: Ai-Ai delas Alas, naiyak sa "unconditional love" ni Mygz Molino kay Mahal. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  29. Web site: Admin. Mahal passes away at 46. August 31, 2021. The Summit Express. August 31, 2021 .
  30. Web site: Iglesias. Iza. August 31, 2021. Comedienne 'Mahal' dies due to Covid-19. August 31, 2021. The Manila Times. en.
  31. Web site: Severo. Jan Milo. Mahal dies at 44. August 31, 2021. Philstar.com.
  32. Web site: Ai-Ai delas Alas at Kiray Celis, hindi makapaniwala sa pagkamatay ni Mahal. Ai-Ai delas Alas and Kiray Celis, can't believe Mahal's death. August 31, 2021. PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc.. tl, en.
  33. Web site: Geli. Bianca. Netizens grieve Mahal's death, remember her "last mission" with Mura. September 3, 2021. www.gmanetwork.com. en.
  34. Web site: Severo. Jan Milo. 'Paalam, aming Mahal': Celebrities, netizens mourn comedian's passing. September 3, 2021. Philstar.com.
  35. Web site: Celebrities mourn the passing of Mahal. September 3, 2021. GMA News Online. September 2021 . en.
  36. Web site: September 1, 2021. Mura, may mensahe para sa kaibigang si Mahal. September 3, 2021. ABS-CBN News. tl.
  37. Web site: Mura shaken by the death of Mahal. September 3, 2021. PEP.ph. en.
  38. Web site: September 4, 2021. Mga kapatid ni Mahal nagpasalamat kay Mygz; itinangging sinisisi nila ito sa nangyari sa kapatid. September 5, 2021. INQUIRER.net. en.
  39. Web site: Log In or Sign Up to View. September 5, 2021. www.facebook.com. en.
  40. Web site: Mahal's remains cremated, wake to begin this Friday. September 3, 2021. GMA News Online. September 3, 2021 . en.