Cherie Gil has spoken of her sadness over the passing of Rolly Quizon, calling the former actor her "first love."

Quizon, son of the late comedy icon Dolphy, died on Thursday, prompting Gil to remember in a heartfelt Facebook post their apparent closeness back when they were younger.

"He passed away . . . so soon . . . so young . . . reminding me of what once was . . . between us . . . I will never forget . . . the first experience, the life of wantonness, my first love," she wrote.

"If you only knew then . . . what you meant to me . . . until now . . . that moulded me . . . to who and what I am . . . I thank you Rolly. I always and will cherish you in my life," she concluded.

The post was screencapped by Pep.

Quizon, who was 59, had reportedly slipped into a coma after a stroke March 9, and had been confined at Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City.

Quizon was one of Dolphy's children -- 18 in total from different relationships -- who followed in the footsteps of the film icon. Notably, he was part of the long-running sitcom "John En Marsha" with his father, and starred opposite Vilma Santos in "Burlesk Queen."

The passing of Rolly comes only a week after the death of another son of Dolphy, Dino, who similarly joined showbiz for a time.

• Anak ni Dolphy na si Dino Quizon, pumanaw na