News:
Goodbye to one rare, true talent
By Marinel Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:36:00 10/14/2008
MANILA, Philippines—His last television program had a happy-ending finale on Friday. Less than three days later, Khryss Adalia, director of the hit GMA 7 series “Ako si Kim Samsoon,” succumbed to colon cancer.
 “For months, he fought a gruelling battle,” said Jojo Atienza, Adalia’s long-time partner. “This morning, he said he was tired and didn’t want to fight anymore.”
The cancer was diagnosed on Aug. 20. Adalia, also a respected theater actor and director, opted for alternative medicine, after reportedly being advised against undergoing chemotherapy. On Oct. 11, he was rushed to the UST Hospital after he complained of difficulty in breathing. At 7:30 a.m., he died of “severe complications arising from pneumonia.” He turned 62 on Oct. 2.
“He was a true professional. Actors respected him,” said “Kim Samsoon” program manager Rams Chavez. “He didn’t want to stop working until he could no longer get up.” Adalia shared directing chores with Dominic Zapata.
Claire Adalia, his sister, told Inquirer by phone on Monday that Khryss was first confined at UST Hospital on Aug. 17 due to severe back pains. “A series of tests confirmed that he had stage 4 colon cancer. But he took the news well. He said he was grateful for his short time here.”
In September, Chavez asked Gina Alajar and Soxy Topacio to pinch-hit as second-unit director on “Kim Samsoon.”
Chavez and Adalia also worked earlier on the Kapuso shows “Love to Love” (2005-2006), “Magic Kamison” (2007) and “Mga Mata in Anghelita” (2007).
Adalia’s remains lie at the Chapel 8 of Funeraria Paz on Araneta Avenue in Quezon City. Cremation is set on Saturday after the 11 a.m. Mass.
Khryss is survived by his mother Crisanta and siblings Ding, Neneng, Nonong, Peter, Lelec, Claire and Eric. Adalia’s father died of cancer in 1998.
Adalia was also known for directing the GMA 7 prime time blockbusters “Te Amo: Maging Sino Ka Man” (2006), “Bakekang” (2004), and the Q11 talk show “Moms” (2008).
As a movie actor, Adalia appeared in “Orapronobis” (1989), “Live Show” (2000) and, most recently, “My Monster Mom,” which will have a special screening on Thursday, 8:30 p.m., at the UP Film Center—proceeds of which will go to his family.
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