Oscar Obligacion, 86

MANILA, Philippines - Fondly known as Pantarorong and Kumang (because of his bad elbow, something he himself poked fun at in his TV shows and movies), Oscar Obligacion died Friday night, Feb. 26, of lingering illness. He was 86. Oscar suffered from a heart ailment and diabetes, and was undergoing dialysis for three months while confined at the hospital.

Together with Sylvia La Torre, Oscar co-hosted Oras ng Ligaya, an early-evening show on ABS-CBN in the late ’60s (lasting for more than 20 years). Sylvia is with Oscar (as an over-grown baby) in the photo, together with Doro delos Ojos who was so named because of his big eyes.

Oscar also appeared in movies produced by LVN Pictures, including Bakit Ako Luluha, Parola and Capas, all shown in 1949; Korea (1952, with Nida Blanca who won a FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award); Walang Takot and Alembong (with the late Lita Gutierrez in the title role), both in 1958; Tuko sa Madre Kakaw (1959); Tacio (1961); Sakay and Moy (1962); Magtiis Ka Darling (1963); The Jukebox Queen (1966); Boogie (1981); and Biyudo si Daddy, Biyuda si Mommy (1997), his last movie.

After he quit showbiz, Oscar and his wife, Myrna Anderson Quizon, lived in the States with their children.

JP Obligacion, one of Oscar’s grandchildren, texted friends about his lolo’s death with a passage from the Bible, “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart.” (Ecc 7:2)

“Lolo Oscar accepted and trusted Jesus,” added JP, paraphrasing another passage. “He has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)

Oscar’s remains will be cremated this morning. Memorial services are scheduled March 5, 6 and 7 at the Heritage Park, Taguig City. — RICKY LO