Trigger warning: abuse, physical violence
A young woman with big dreams and an even bigger heart—that’s the Gina Lima her loved ones hold on to amid her passing.
There is a bitterness around how social media works. So many feel compelled to speak, but so few take the time to hear the voices of those who mourn.
While conversations online continue to amplify the sensitive issues surrounding her passing, the only hard truth here is that Gina’s loss has shaken her family, friends, and followers.
They wait for the official findings while trying to protect her memory from the noise unfolding around her.
What those who loved her want is a remembrance that is faithful to the Gina they knew.
And so, in honor of her memory, this piece gathers the parts of Gina’s life that reveal who she was: her personality, roots, and ambitions.
Vivamax model Gina Lima
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @ginakinslim_
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EARLY LIFE
Gina Lima was born on January 27, in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur.
Her birth year is uncertain—most likely 2002—making her 23 years old at the time of her passing.
Gina Lima turned a year older last January 27, 2025.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @ginakinslim_
She was the youngest of four siblings—two older sisters and one brother—and was known to be deeply close to her family.
One of her sisters, now a content creator, had recently been encouraging Gina to return home.
In a post dated September 13, Gina’s sister wrote: “I miss u na Gina Lima. Ikaw nlng jud layo sa atung mag egsoun. Kami upat nana mi dri Bayugan.
“Dri nka Bayugan puyo pud unta uy [pink heart emojis] amping dha pirmi sa Manila [kissy face emojis] #mysister #ourbunso”
AI’s English Translation: “I miss you, Gina Lima. You’re the only one far away from us siblings. The four of us are here in Bayugan.
“I wish you were living here in Bayugan too [pink heart emojis]. Take care always in Manila [kissy face emojis] #mysister #ourbunso”
Gina Lima (right) with one of her older sisters (left) who became the content creator behind Yra Yna’s Manggang Hilaw page.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Facebook | Yra Yna’s Manggang Hilaw
EDUCATION
Gina attended San Jose High School in Mauban, Quezon.
A throwback photo posted by her sister captures her as a majorette celebrating the school’s 23rd Foundation Day.
Young Gina Lima as a majorette in high school.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Facebook | Jennifer Lima
According to her Facebook profile, she later went on to study at STI College Sta. Mesa. Details about the course she took have not been made public.
CAREER
After leaving Agusan, Gina eventually settled in Quezon City, where she began building her career.
She was widely labeled online as a Vivamax artist, though her only credited role on IMDb is My Fairy Tail Love Story, which was headlined by Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador and produced by Regal Entertainment, not Vivamax.
Vivamax model Gina Lima
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @ginakinslim_
However, photographer Jhay Bernardo included her in a shoot held on March 29, 2025, and titled it “The Model Life Openshoot – Vivamax Edition in Antipolo,” suggesting she took part in Vivamax’s model-specific events and campaigns.
Outside of this, her Instagram shows numerous professional photo shoots, including promotional material for the herbal capsule brand Drivemax.
Gina Lima for Drivemax Brand
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @ginakinslim_
Gina also built a substantial online presence:
- TikTok: 1.4 million followers
- Facebook: 410,000 followers
- Instagram: 180,000 followers
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PERSONAL LIFE
Friends describe Gina as someone full of life, optimism, and ambition—someone who always dreamed of achieving more.
Gina Lima in a yacht.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @ginakinslim_
Many of the messages left on her Facebook wall after her passing spoke about her determination to “make it big” and create a better future for herself.
Just five days before she died, she reshared a post that read: “Dear self, in 5 years I’ll make you proud, I promise! [hand raised emoji]”
Her Instagram shows her love for travel, nightlife, and spending time with her closest friends over drinks, dancing, and late-night gatherings.
Gina Lima posing for still another photograph, a lifeline to the entertainment industry.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @ginakinslim_
One of her story highlights featured her trip to Singapore, where she visited attractions such as Universal Studios, Sentosa, and the iconic Merlion.
Prior to her death, Gina was said to be romantically involved with model Ivan Cezar Ronquillo.
At press time, Ivan’s social media accounts are deactivated or disabled.
GINA LIMA’S TRAGIC PASSING
Gina passed away on the morning of November 16, 2025.
Circulating posts from friends allege that Gina was found unconscious in a condominium unit and may have been the victim of foul play.
Online calls for #JusticeForGinaLima gained traction.
People revisiting Gina’s Facebook page noticed that, three days before her death, she reshared a post about a woman who survived in an abusive relationship with a partner who deliberately transmitted HIV to her.
Gina reacted to the post with a single emoji of a face holding back tears.
Before that, she shared another post that read: “Lord, kahit isang matinding plot twist lang before Christmas.
“Please yung tipong biglang may good news, may closure, may miracle, or kahit simpleng peace of mind lang.
“Something unexpected but deeply needed. Life’s been heavy, and a little twist of joy.”
Loved ones later responded to this after her passing, saying this was not the plot twist for which they had prayed.
Gina Lima in a promotional post.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @ginakinslim_
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UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Gina Lima’s possible cause of death
When TV Patrol reported the incident on November 17, 2025, Gina and Ivan’s names were not disclosed.
Ivan reportedly told authorities that they were together in his home when he noticed she was no longer breathing.
SOCO operatives inspected the residence.
According to police, there were no signs of struggle, but bruises were found on the victim’s thighs.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine whether physical harm played a role in her death.
Quezon City Police District–Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU) Chief PLt. Col. Edison Ouano told TV Patrol: “So far, wala pong nakita na strangulation o mga pasa na dahilan sa pagkamatay ng biktima.
“I-open natin kapag may doubt tayo kung may foul play or natural cause para malaman talaga.”
Ouano added that Gina had not previously reported being harmed by Ivan based on what her sisters told investigators.
Ivan cannot be classified as a suspect until the autopsy conducted by the PNP Forensic Group at Camp Crame is released.
Still, according to Ouano: “Kung makita doon na may foul play, maghahanap ang CIDU ng suspect kung sino ang responsible, possible ay homicide.”
He added that tablets and suspected kush were recovered, with laboratory results pending.
He reiterated that the investigation remains open until the full autopsy determines Gina’s exact cause of death.
Initial medical notes list cardiorespiratory distress as the cause.
Aftermath: Ivan Cezar Ronquillo’s death
Authorities have confirmed today, November 19, 2025, that Ivan Cezar Ronquillo has died.
La Loma Quezon City Police District Station Commander Lt. Col. Jose Luis Aguirre told DZRH News in an interview that Ivan died by suicide inside his home.
The 24-year-old model was reportedly rushed to the Quezon City General Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police noted that Ivan died in the same residence where Gina was previously found unresponsive.
Ivan’s father declined to speak publicly but maintained that his son was not responsible for Gina’s death.
Police say Ivan reportedly called his father for help after finding Gina unresponsive.
Shortly before his passing, Ivan briefly reactivated his Facebook account on the night of November 18, posting photos and videos from happier moments with Gina, including a clip showing her using a nebulizer.
“Mahal na mahal kita Gina hinding-hindi ko kaya na wala ka sa tabo ko at hinding-hindi ko kaya mabuhay na wala ka.
“Sobrang sakit na sa tabi pa kita nawala. Hayaan mo, susunod ako sayo ato makakasama na kita.
“Alam na natin satin dalawa na walang makakapigil sa pagmamahal natin.”
Ivan later uploaded photos of the scratches on his face, claiming they were caused by someone he identified as “Kevin Tan yg.”
Ivan wrote: “Kay kevin tan yg maraming salamat sa ginawa mo sa mukha
“justice narin bahala sayo at maraming salamat sa pag kalat maling impormasyon”
