In this Philippine name:for natural children, there is no middle name nor paternal family name, but the surname is Belmonte.

Helena Gerard Belmonte (February 21, 1986:– March 20, 2014) was an American-born Filipina model and socialite. She was best known for her magazine covers, most notably a MEGA cover with Kim Chiu. She was the daughter of Lorraine Belmonte, the editor-in-chief of Appe*e Magazine and Vice President and Creative Director of the Mega Publishing Group.

Belmonte shocked the Philippines when she committed suicide by jumping from a building.

Life

Belmonte's grandfather was a heart surgeon who emigrated to America and performed some of the first open-heart surgeries. After growing up in the US, Belmonte's mother decided to move back to the Philippines to acquaint the young Helena with the country's culture.

Belmonte went to elementary school and high school at Saint Pedro Poveda College. She then transferred to Brent International School.

At 19, she began her modeling career, appearing in commercials and magazine covers. She also pursued a career in acting, living in Los Angeles and taking a course at the New York Film Academy.

Belmonte's godmother, Sari Yap, stated that Belmonte suffered from bipolar disorder.

Death

Belmonte committed suicide by jumping from the 28th floor of a building in Ortigas, Pasig. She was 28 years old.

References