Philippine Go Spotlight: Noemi Tesorero “Mahal Being Mahal Herself”

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The comedian, Noemi Tesorero also known as “Mahal”, is famous for her petite frame and contagious laugh.

On Tuesday, August 31, Mahal, whose true name was Noemi Tesorero, died. COVID-19 had been detected in the comedian.

Generations of Filipinos who grew up watching her on TV and in films from the 1990s mourned her death. The decidedly petite Mahal makes a great imprint on Filipino showbiz, remembered for her stature, contagious giggle, and contentious love life.

Mahal was the eldest of four children born in Virac, Catanduanes. Romy Tesorero, her father, was a jeepney driver who ran the Cubao-Divisoria route. When she came to popularity, she was able to provide for her family, allowing her siblings to complete their education.

It was her sister Irene that informed Pep of Mahal’s death and provided facts about what had occurred. Irene currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio, where she owns and operates a restaurant. Another sibling works as a police officer in Palawan. On August 5, just a few weeks before Mahal, their father died.

Her grandmother, who adored Mahal, gave her the nickname that would become her screen name.

Dwarfism caused Mahal’s tiny stature and infantile voice, which were emphasised in films and shows in which she performed for comic effect.

In 1988, Mahal made her debut on the noontime variety show Lunch Date, and she rose to prominence during the 1990s. She became a regular cast member of the noontime show Magandang Tanghali Bayan in 1990.

She went on to star in the films Last Two Minutes (1990) and Anak ni Janice (1991), further solidifying her stardom. She is arguably best known for her portrayal of the amiable alien Kokey in the 1997 fantasy film of the same name.

Her most recent TV production was the 2021 GMA series Owe My Love, which starred Lovi Poe and Benjamin Alves, while she also appeared on the August 1 episode of the sitcom Dear Uge.

The comedian was also well-known for her tumultuous love life. She became connected with musician Jimboy Salazar in the 1990s, and despite their brief engagement, Mahal would be associated with him throughout her career. Jimboy passed away in 2015 as a result of pneumonia.

Aries Navarro, an aspiring actor, began dating her in 2013. Their romance was only disclosed in July 2015, albeit she married another man months later, a supermarket butcher named Jobbie Hebrio. She announced their divorce in April of 2020.

Her love life remained a mystery till the end – Mygz Molino, the model and indie actor who was a consistent fixture in her vlogs, was rumored to be her lover. While the two supposedly lived together, he claimed their connection was completely platonic.

Mahal launched her YouTube channel in July 2020, and it has already amassed 517,000 subscribers. Fans were invited into Mahal’s life through films in which she would give room tours, challenges, pranks, and cookery demonstrations with Mygz.

In one of her most recent vlogs, Mahal reunited with her former co-star and love team partner Mura, paying him a visit at his house in Albay and carrying food and other necessities for his family.

“Pag nawala ako sa mundo, mayroon akong konting tulong sa iyo,”

Mahal remarked.

In Loving Memories of Naomi ‘Mahal’ Tesorero. Deepest Condolences to the Bereaved Family.

– Philippine Go