Gil Aducal Morales (Ate Gay)

Gil Aducal Morales, known to generations of Filipino television and comedy bar audiences as Ate Gay, died on November 1, 2026, at the age of 55. He was born on August 12, 1971, in Tondo, Manila, and built a decades long career as a comedian, television host, singer and actor whose signature act was an affectionate impersonation of the actress Nora Aunor, a routine that gave him his stage name, a nod to Aunor's own nickname.

Ate Gay rose through the Manila comedy bar circuit before becoming a familiar face on Philippine television, where his impersonations, quick banter and warm stage presence made him a mainstay of the country's variety and gag show scene. He was also known for mentoring and performing alongside younger comedians, including his well documented connection with the comedian Boobay, whom he met in 2009 as Boobay was starting out in stand up comedy. Over the years Ate Gay became one of the recognisable personalities of Philippine comedy, remembered by colleagues and fans for his wit and his generosity toward newer performers.

In September 2025, Ate Gay disclosed publicly, in an interview with the television newsmagazine Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He spoke candidly about the diagnosis and continued to make public appearances and share updates with fans as he underwent treatment, with his family later thanking the public for prayers, emotional support and financial assistance during his illness. In October 2026 he held what was described as a living funeral, a celebration of life gathering with family and friends in Laguna, sharing the occasion with followers on social media as a way of marking the time he had left.

In the final days before his death, Ate Gay's condition worsened sharply. His family had disclosed that he was in critical condition and on life support after suffering septic shock, acute respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia, and a stroke, complications that followed his ongoing battle with cancer. He died on November 1, 2026, with his family saying he passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones.

News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes across Philippine entertainment circles. His family announced the passing in a statement posted to his official Facebook page, and fellow celebrities, including Heart Evangelista and Tuesday Vargas, were among those who publicly mourned him. He is remembered by many in the industry and by the public as an entertainer whose impersonations and comic timing brought laughter to audiences across the Philippines for decades.