The overcast skies showered rain on the family and friends of Louella Yap Chiu as they laid her remains to rest at the Cebu Memorial Park (Cempark) yesterday.
Among those in attendance was Chiu’s actress daughter Kim Chiu, who arrived from Thailand to be with her mother for the last time. The 50-year-old Louella died of an aneurysm last June 23.
The convoy bearing the elder Chiu’s remains left the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Nivel Hills, Cebu City for a Mass at the St. Therese Parish in Lahug.
Kim’s father William and her four siblings led the mourners garbed in white to the church.
Kim arrived at the church a few minutes after clad in white pants, white sleeveless polo and white footwear.
She removed her sunglasses revealing her swollen eyes when she entered the church.
Kim arrived from Thailand where she did a commercial shoot that was contracted two years ago.
The church was surrounded by police who kept onlookers and fans at bay while the service was held.
In his homily, Fr. Ronaldo Paulino asked the family to thank their mother for the last time before she rests in peace.
He said she deserves to be at peace after she suffered from her ailment at the hospital.
After the Mass, the convoy traveled to the Cebu Memorial Park through the Cebu I.T Park route as suggested by a Feng Shui expert.
Louella’s remains were taken to a lot at the far end of Cempark, where the family said their last goodbyes.
Chinese customs like burning some of Louella’s belongings and Louella’s picture carried by her eldest son were performed.
White flowers were tossed into the vault and white balloons were released. Correspondent Carine Era Asutilla