Dan's Legacy

It has been exactly two weeks today since news of the sudden death of GMA-7 reporter Dan Campilan reached me. Admittedly, I don't know him personally. Still, the news affected me because I have followed the career of Dan since he started with Bombo Radyo Cebu in 1999 until he eventually became a Kapuso in 2004. The first time I heard him on air I already knew he was going places because his reporting style was catchy and his audio was very engaging. And when I finally saw him on television I was convinced that he had a very promising broadcasting career; his facial expression while reporting had so much sincerity and he really had that look of maturity, sensibility and credibility. If you just examine his resume, you will not be surprised if a year or two he would have become a news anchor because he got what it takes to be one. He was a source of pride for Cebu, an inspiration and solid proof that "poverty is not a hindrance to success."

Having attended the necrological services last Saturday deepened my admiration for Dan. He was not only his family's breadwinner but he was a dear friend to many who have nothing but good memories of him. He was that shy college student at Cebu Institute of Technology taking up Bachelor of Science in Computer Science who played Michael Archangel in a stage play. He was that aggressive Bombo reporter who unselfishly shared his knowledge to neophytes who wish to follow his footsteps. He was that active and well-principled member of the League of Filipino Students, who was never afraid to go the extra mile in the name of justice, equality and truth. He was an emotional poet, a passionate writer, a responsible son and model brother. In short Dan Campilan lived a good life worthy of emulation.

But really some good things never last. And truly life is too short for someone like Dan who has touched and inspired many that you can't help but ask why him and not the bad eggs in society? But then again, the religious in us would reply that there is reason for everything and God knows what he is doing for the best for everybody. The good thing about Dan's death, if I may say so, is that he left a good image to the society that might have been cruel to him in those times when he was still struggling and surviving to make a name for himself. Certainly Dan will be greatly missed by people close and dear to him. But when loneliness engulfs them, they could surely rely on the good times and memories they shared and by that they will realize Dan has never left them after all. Yes, he's gone physically but his good deeds will surely make up for that absence.

My only regret is that I never got the chance to meet Dan in person when he was still alive. Actually he was already on my list because I always wanted to know everybody who has conquered imperial Manila in a positive way. The first and last time I saw Dan alive was two years ago during the first ever Kapuso Day at SM Cebu. He was standing at the back of the crowded conference hall while I was talking to Susan Enriquez. In my mind I was telling myself, I'll interview him later on but the next thing I knew he was already gone because a coup plot was reportedly brewing in the capital that time.

Nevertheless, that's the legacy of a Dan Campilan-he climbed up the ladder of success, made an impact, and inspired many even in his short-lived life. May he rest in peace!

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So much for the sob story. Let me now share this exciting tidbit about another Kapuso reporter in the person of Lalaine Go of GMA-7's "Balitang Bisdak." Remember my column about how Starstruck avenger Dion Ignacio was literally starstruck by Lalaine to the extent that he asked for a photo opportunity with her after interviewing him at SM Cebu sometime in 2005?

Well, let's just say that Dion's admiration for Lalaine has been rekindled when the two of them met again last Saturday at the Talisay City Hall. Lalaine was tasked to interview him for "Balitang Bisdak's" showbiz segment. And guess what? Dion immediately remembered Lalaine, even telling her that their picture is still stored in his mobile phone and that he looks at every now and then. According to him, he has missed her so much. To make the story short, Dion asked for

Lalaine's number and they are now textmates.

He updates her of his activities and tells her, she is the type of woman he wants to be with. Beautiful Lalaine could only smile in amusement, telling him how "bolero" he is, and to which he insists he means what he says. The funny side is that Dion asked Lalaine when she is going to Manila so that they could watch movies together. This prompted fellow reporter Cecil Quibod to react, "Moadto ra kag Manila para motan-aw mo'g sine? Paet ana niya oy." Sorry to say Dion, but Lalaine has already declared that she wants a non-showbiz boyfriend. Age also matters to her, as she finds Dion very young for her. But who knows really? A thrilling twist might surface and they could end up as lovers in due time. After all, they are both single and free.

But that love affair could wait for Lalaine's priority is to be good in her duties as a promising reporter of "Balitang Bisdak." She may look fragile and delicate because of her mestiza features but believe me, she is tough inside and has a go-getter attitude.

Her dream coverage? "I want to cover different places, discover different cultures and traditions and get exposed to different people. I also like covering calamities and tragedies

nga maka-challenge nako. In this aspect I know I'll grow, learn and realize many things." Aggressive in a way, she wanted to cover the Guinsaugon landslide earlier this year "but GMA7 preferred a male reporter kay delikado daw. Eventually I was able to visit the site during my Holy Week coverage in Southern Leyte. It was memorable for me because I wanted to see for myself what transpired there after hundreds of lives were lost. I got to talk to the survivors who lost not only their homes but families as well. It made me realize that my problems and difficulties are too little compared to them, who had lost their loved ones. It made me thank God even more for all His blessings and the simple life that I have."

Lalaine said she is still happy where she is now and with the people she works with. But she is open to re-assignment in Manila anytime should the opportunity come. For now she is learning and absorbing everything that would be of great use to her if and when she'd be reporting for national television. " Mas maayo if ever naa nay opportunity sa Manila ready na

gyud ko I-assign everywhere. Some people think sayon atong job pero dili baya lalim di ba? But the challenge is here. Nice kaayo ang feeling that you learn so much from government to politics, from the rich businessmen and from the simple balot vendor."

Now, don't judge Lalaine for her pretty looks, because if you do, she already has two ready replies for you. One is a joke, "may lang pretty ko, ikaw di," and the other is a serious answer, "we learn a lot through our experiences. For me nga nagsugod pa lang, I know I still have a long, long way to go. I still have a lot to learn. But we all go through the same process. Walay nisulod og media nga mayng laki na. Each day is a challenge. There are times masayop, dili jud malikayan. But the more you learn in it and you would eventually become a better media practitioner.

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Are Filipinos "tsismoso" by nature? Is there a positive side to being "tsismoso" or does it only invite trouble? How important is tsismis in media? How true is it that tsismis is only concocted to catch attention? Who could benefit from it? All these and more as Cebu's talk icon hosts his top rated show "Jud Morning" tomorrow at ABS-CBN. Watch and learn. Most importantly watch without batting an eyelash because I'm one of the guests (hehehe, pagbigyan mo na), along with my soul sister Maria Niza Mariñas and Cebu's original Queen of Intrigues, Banat Hugyaw's veteran columnist Manay Kriss Relatado.

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Watch also ABS-CBN's Carlo Aquino and GMA-7's Rhian Ramos in a mini-show tonight at Gaisano Main at 6pm and 8pm at Gaisano Countrymall in celebration of the latter's 13th year anniversary. See you there! React@ [email protected] or text me at 09286252596.