Jessy Mendiola spoke up on the ongoing TikTok trend of visiting the grave of the late heartthrob Rico Yan.
Photo: Jessy Mendiola | Emmanuelle Joy Bungay and Dexter Mendoza
For context, clips from the actor’s popular films way back in the ’90s have resurfaced on social media, particularly on TikTok, bringing nostalgia to his fans and attracting new admirers.
A new trend soon emerged, with netizens recording and taking photos of themselves visiting his resting place at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque. Videos showed them lingering near his tomb, caressing the nameplate, and even hugging it, which sparked discussions online.
Screenshot from Trending Chika PH/TikTok
Several netizens, including Jessy, called for respect for Rico’s grave. In an Instagram Story, she shared an article about the TikTok trend and voiced her frustration over it.
“Wala na ba magawang matino ang mga social media addicts? Konting respeto naman sa namayapa na at pati na rin sa pamilya ng yumao. Susme [Are social media addicts don’t have anything good to do? Have a little respect to the departed and his family],” she lamented.
Screenshot from Jessy Mendiola/Instagram
“Lahat na lang ba para sa likes, followers, and views? Nakalimutan na yata ng mga tao ang salitang ‘respeto.’ Wala nang decency [Is everything just for the sake of likes, followers, and views? I think people have forgotten the word ‘respect.’ There is no decency anymore],” she added.
Netizens continue to slam the trend, and those calling his grave the “new tourist spot” of the Philippines. Some reiterated that there’s nothing wrong about visiting his grave and remembering him as long as they’re not doing it for clout or content.
Screenshot from Facebook
Rico passed away in March 2002 due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, resulting in cardiac arrest. He was 27 years old.
He starred in hit films “Got 2 Believe,” “Flames: The Movie,” and “Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita” with his former on-screen partner and girlfriend, Claudine Barretto.
ALSO READ: LOOK: Claudine Barretto Uncovers Old Love Letter, Says It’s From Rico Yan
