ABS-CBN statement on AJ Perez's death

"ABS-CBN sympathizes with AJ's Family on his untimely demise and urges everyone to pray for the eternal repose of AJ's soul and for the family and love ones he left behind," the network said in a statement read by Corporate Communications manager Kathy Solis over dzMM.

 

Perez, or Antonello Joseph Sarte Perez in real life, appeared in various commercials of companies and brands, Colgate, Pepsi, Sun Cellular, Ayala Land, and Globe Telecom. He popularized the phrase "ye-bah!" in the UFC Banana Ketchup ad.

ABS-CBN first spotted him in Milo commercial, where the 5'8"-tall La Salle Greenhils student showed off his basketball skills. He then underwent workshops and eventually became a member of ABS-CBN's circle of homegrown talents collectively known as Star Magic.

He was part of the cast of various movies, including "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo" and its sequel, "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo", BFF: Best Friends Forever, Ang Tanging Pamilya: A Marry Go Round," among others.

On TV, he was part of the teen-oriented program "Abt Ur Luv", and various television series, including "Lobo" and "Agua Bendita".

He played the main cast role in the recently concluded primetime drama, "Sabel".

On Sundays, he joined other ABS-CBN artists on the popular A.S.A.P. variety show where he is part of the boy group "Giggerboys."

Perez was born on February 17, 1993 to a Bicolana mother and Ilonggo father.

Eighteen-year-old actor and model AJ Perez was killed in a highway accident in Tarlac early Sunday morning, according to a report by radio dzMM.

Police said Perez was with his father and 4 others aboard an ABS-CBN van that collided with a Partas provincial passenger bus along McArthur Highway in Barangay San Julian, Tarlac.

 

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