MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine dance community continues to mourn the loss of one of its most influential figures, veteran choreographer Anna Feliciano, who passed away from a heart attack on October 23 at the age of 65. Amidst the outpouring of grief and tributes from dancers whose careers she shaped, one message stood out for its raw sincerity and poignant reflection: a public yet deeply personal farewell from her former husband, Mel Feliciano.

Mel Feliciano took to his personal Facebook page on Wednesday, October 29, to bid a final goodbye to his ex-wife. His message was a moving blend of gratitude and apology, reflecting on their shared history and the difficult but ultimately valuable lessons that emerged from their separation. The post quickly resonated across social media, offering a candid glimpse into the complexities of a relationship that had concluded but never truly dissolved.

“Forgive Me”: A Father’s Reflection

In his heartfelt message, written in Filipino, Mel expressed a profound sense of thanks for the personal growth spurred by their breakup, particularly in his role as a parent.

“Paalam ANNA gusto ko malaman mo at sinabi ko sayo na salamat ng nagkahiwalay tayo marami akong natutunan bilang isang AMA salamat sa pag alaga kay rupert tama man o mali ang paghhiwalay natin PATAWAD,” he wrote.

Translated, his message conveys a powerful sentiment of self-reflection and closure: “Goodbye, Anna. I want you to know, and as I’ve told you when we broke up, that I’m thankful because I learned a lot of things as a father. Thank you for taking care of Rupert. Whether or not we did the right thing in separating, all I can say is forgive me.”

This public acknowledgment of regret and forgiveness transcends a typical obituary note, suggesting that their separation, while painful, served as a catalyst for their individual development. Mel specifically highlighted his growth “as a father,” indicating that the welfare of their child, Rupert, remained the focal point of their post-divorce relationship and his enduring gratitude towards Anna.

Presence, Privacy, and Divine Plan

Mel’s post also provided details about his presence during the wake and offered a spiritual perspective on their life together. He stated that he and his family had been fully supportive of Anna, remaining present throughout the solemn proceedings, a commitment that underlined the enduring bond of their blended families.

“Ang lahat ng ito ay plano ni lord mula unang araw hanggang last day nandon ako d ako nagpost ng kahit ano gusto ko MOMENT MO YON at salamat sa mga dancers nag effort para sumayaw sa wake mo MULA SA PAMILYA KO AT SA PAMILYA MO LUBOS AKONG NAKKIRAMAY [we’ll] pray for ur soul,” he added.

This segment translates to: “All this is part of God’s plan. From the first day [of the wake] until the last day, I was there. I did not post anything. It was your moment. Thank you as well to the dancers who made an effort to dance at your wake. From my family to yours, I want to express my deepest sympathy. We’ll pray for your soul.”

Mel’s decision to refrain from posting until after the wake concluded speaks volumes about his respect for Anna’s memory, prioritizing her dignity and the family’s private mourning over public display. He consciously shielded the event from social media scrutiny, allowing the focus to remain solely on honoring the departed choreographer. His belief that their relationship and its conclusion were part of a “Lord’s plan” provides a final note of acceptance and peace regarding their shared journey.

💃 The Last Dance: A Choreographer Honored by Her Own

Mel Feliciano’s post further highlighted one of the most poignant moments of the wake: a collective final tribute performed by the dancers who had flourished under Anna’s tutelage.

Anna Feliciano was a pillar in the entertainment industry, particularly known for her energetic and creative routines on television. Her credits include the staging and choreography for numerous shows, most notably the production numbers on the now-defunct game show “Wowowin.” Her influence extended deeply into the community, leading various dance groups and mentoring countless professionals.

As revealed by Mel, several prominent dancers—including SexBomb member Jopay Paguia—paid their final respects by performing an energetic routine at the wake. This heartfelt, improvised performance served as a fitting and emotionally charged “last dance” for a mentor whose life was dedicated to movement.

Anna’s daughter-in-law, April, shared a clip of the emotional performance on Facebook, captioning it simply: “Huling sayaw para sayo ma (This is our last dance for you, mom).” This act underscores the deep affection and professional reverence the dancers held for Anna, treating her not just as a colleague or boss, but as a guiding maternal figure, or “Ma.” Their final performance was a vibrant celebration of the life and creative energy she brought to the world, a powerful contrast to the solemnity of the wake.

The Legacy of a Legend

Anna Feliciano’s sudden death from a heart attack at the age of 65 on October 23, as confirmed by her family, sent ripples of sadness through the local entertainment scene. Her career was defined by innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence in televised dance. She was celebrated for her ability to create routines that were not only technically sound but also instantly memorable to the viewing public.

The dual tribute—a respectful, apologetic farewell from a former spouse acknowledging their personal journey, and a dynamic, celebratory dance from her professional proteges—perfectly encapsulated the full, multi-faceted life of Anna Feliciano. She was a mother, an ex-wife, and a creative force whose impact transcended personal relationships and became indelibly etched into the history of Philippine show business.

As her former husband concluded with a promise of prayer for her soul, the synchronized movements of her dancers provided the final, graceful punctuation mark on the life of a woman who taught the nation how to move.