Mico Palanca died on Monday, December 9, 2019 in San Juan City. He was 41 years old.
The news was confirmed by his family through PEP.ph. While most known for his work in show business, Palanca was also a businessman.
From his start as a teen heartthrob to becoming a primetime actor, he has made more than 30 appearances on the big and small screens. Here's what you should know about the actor.
He comes from a family of actors.
Born on February 3, 1978, Palanca is the son of race car driver Bernard Palanca, Sr. and Pita Revilla. His maternal grandfather was Armando Goyena, an actor and '50s matinée idol. Goyena appeared in several notable films including Prinsesang Basahan, Hawayana, Tia Loleng, Virginia, and Isabelita.
Through Goyena, Palanca is part of the Revilla acting dynasty. You may know of his brother Bernard as an actor, but Palanca also counts two of his aunts Maritess and Tina Revilla as movie stars. Other relatives in showbusiness include Bianca Araneta and Lexi Schulze.
He got his start by starring in primetime dramas.
In 2000, Palanca starred in a supporting role in the teen drama series Tabing Ilog as Perry. From there, he was cast in Pangako Sa 'Yo and then starred in multiple movies before going back to television with a recurring role in Ang Panday.
He had a highly publicized relationship with Bea Alonzo.
Reports of Palanca and Bea Alonzo's relationship date back to 2003. They reportedly met while working together on It Might Be You. In a 2006 interview, the actor said: "We were working together, tapos even after when our show ended, we would still keep in touch. We never labeled whatever it is we have now. We're more than friends. We're dating, but it just started happening more and more these past couple of months. We've been seeing each other a lot more."
Palanca was the actress' first boyfriend, and the relationship ended in 2008.
He has over 32 acting credits under his name.
View this post on InstagramIpaglaban Mo staring @dominicroque ,@miko_palanca , and Ms. Tetchie Agbayani! #IMlola
After 15 years with ABS-CBN, Palanca signed a contract with GMA Network in 2012. He then appeared as a freelance actor in multiple networks in television shows such as Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala, Ang Probinsyano, and most recently Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit. His last movie was in 2006 in Shake, Rattle & Roll 8.
He passed away at age 41.
On the 9th of December, Palanca passed away in San Juan City. Read the official statement released by his family below:
We are extremely saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved brother, Miko Palanca. The whole family is grateful for the incredible outpour of love and support that has been coming in today. As of now, we would like to respectfully request for privacy as we go through this very difficult time. Again, we appreciate all the love and support—thank you so much.
—Pita, Lisa, Bernard, Erika, Martin and Santi
