Actor Jerome Ponce grieves the loss of his youngest brother, Jesus Omboy Porciuncula, whose passing was announced by their family earlier this week.
Jerome’s mother, Gema, confirmed Omboy’s death through a Facebook post. The family has yet to disclose the cause of his passing.
“It is with great sadness that we share that my beloved son, Jesus Omboy, is now with our Heavenly Father. We know that many of you were part of his life and shared memories, laughter, and friendship with through the years. As we grieve this heartbreaking loss, we ask that you keep him and our family in your thoughts and prayers,” Gema wrote.
On June 14, Jerome took to Instagram to share his own grief over losing his youngest brother, posting a series of photos of them together, including childhood snapshots of Omboy.
In his tribute, the actor expressed both his love and the deep bond they shared.
“Boy.. mahal kita sobra, maaabot ko rin rank mo.. hintay lang
GGWP (Good Game, Well Played.)” he wrote in his caption.
Following Jerome’s post, messages of sympathy quickly poured in from fellow celebrities, friends, and fans who extended their condolences and support to the actor and his family during this difficult time.
“Condolences brother… 🙏🤍,” wrote fellow Be Careful with My Heart actor Marlo Mortel.
“Much love to you and the fam brother! Grind time! 🙏🏽,” added Sigabo actor Eric “Eruption” Tai.
“Heartfelt condolences 💐,” wrote impersonator and host Chino “Tita Krissy Achino” Liu.
“WE LOVE YOU. Andito lang kami. YAKAP 🤍. Prayers from all your finities,” one fan commented.
Jerome has long been vocal about the close relationship he shares with his siblings, particularly with Omboy, whom he previously described as the sibling he felt closest to.
In an earlier interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Jerome opened up about how proud he was knowing his youngest brother looked up to him and saw him as someone worth following.
“Pinaka-close ko sa family, my youngest brother. Siya kasi ang nakikita kong better version of me as early as now kasi, I mean, I’m not his dad pero naglu-look forward siya sa lahat ng ginagawa ko. Lahat ng ginagawa ko, gusto niyang gawin. And sobrang wala nang sasarap sa isang taong gustong umidolo sa ’yo, hindi lang umidolo kundi to be a better version of you. Pero hindi lang para higitan ka but, you know, kung ano man ‘yung kulang siya ‘yung gagawa.”
“So nakikita ko ‘yun, like siya ‘yung nakakaiwas sa mga bagay na dapat iniiwasan ko,” he continued.
Their bond, according to Jerome, was strengthened through the many simple moments they shared together, from playing games and enjoying sports to conversations where Omboy would seek advice from his older brother.
“So talagang may mga times na tinatanong niya ’anong dapat kong gawin dito’. Humihingi siya ng advice. Lahat ng laro na gusto, as simple as laro, sports, gino-go niya, nagtatanong siya, ‘Kuya sama ako’, tapos biglang naririnig ko, ‘Kuya ang saya pala maglaro nito.’”