Stars and colleagues remember Mario Dumaual

Celebrities and colleagues from the industry paid homage to the late ABS-CBN entertainment journalist Mario Dumaual who passed away on Wednesday. He would have turned 65 on July 31.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) said that the veteran TV Patrol Star Patroller cemented his legacy as a well-respected entertainment reporter, noting he was honored with a five-point brass star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame early this year for his contributions to the industry.

“He was a constant supporter of FDCP’s programs and initiatives for the local film industry. The FDCP extends its deepest sympathies with the family and loved ones of Mr. Dumaual,” the national agency for film said in a statement.

Showbiz celebrities such as Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano, Matteo Guidicelli, Sarah Geronimo, Karylle, Jed Madela and actor-senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. also extended their sympathies to veteran journalist’s bereaved family and loved ones.

“May you find strength and comfort in this heartbreaking and difficult time,” Bong said and cited Mario’s legacy in the industry.

“Rest in eternal peace, Mario. Dalangin namin ang lubos mong kapayapaan sa iyong paglisan sa mundo.”

Past and present ABS-CBN journalists also paid tribute to Mario.

During the wake at the Loyola Memorial Chapels and Crematorium in Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City on Friday, some became emotional when they delivered their respective eulogies for the late reporter. They noted how hardworking he was and would put the welfare of others first before his.

Mario’s former desk editor Cheryl Cornel cited his excellent and polished writing, and how he would submit his stories always on time.

Charie Villa, on the other hand, noted how Mario “never asked for anything” and how “content” he was at work.

“Hindi siya maingay. Trabaho lang siya ng trabaho,” she said and added that Mario was “always there to help our colleagues.”

Younger TV Patrol Star Patrollers like Ganiel Krishnan expressed how thankful she was for her “Tito Mario” whom she considered as her mentor in covering showbiz. She also recounted how Mario would constantly check on her during assignments.

Mario’s cameraman and production team likewise mentioned how he became a friend and a father figure to them, more than being co-workers.

Obet Serrano, Marie Lozano, Dyan Castillejo and other Kapamilya colleagues also paid their respects.

“Wala ako sa industry kung wala si Mario,” said Obet.

“He was very strong and brave,” described Marie of Mario. “He taught me everything about my job. He was always sharing… He was always thinking of others… He was always the father that I admired. He was such a good man.”

Angelique Lazo, who’s been credited for bringing Mario to ABS-CBN, said in a social media post: “So long, my dear old friend. We had the best of times (and sometimes the worst) covering stories and doing interviews during our Star News days together…”

“I will miss you and your friendship. Go now with the angels. You have earned not just your star but your wings as well.”

Journalists from other networks also shared their fondest memories of Mario.

GMA’s veteran showbiz reporter Lhar Santiago said that he and Mario knew each other since 1987. “Paano naging matalik na kaibigan ang isang Kapamilya at isang Kapuso? Nagsimula yung friendship namin ni Mario kasi nag-TV Patrol po ako nuon. Magkasama po kami ni Mario nung 1987 bago ako nalipat sa GMA,” he said.

Even though Lhar moved to GMA, their friendship remained and even became stronger because they were always together in coverages.

“Nagkwekwentuhan, nagsha-share ng mga kung ano anong mga stories na pwedeng gawin. Hindi po kami naging madamot sa isa’t isa. Para kaming walang taguan pero may respetuhan,” the Kapuso showbiz reporter shared.

“Kung meron siyang story na alam kong kanya yun, I’ll respect. Kung meron akong story na alam niyang gusto ko talagang gawin, irerespeto niya… Because very personal yung aming professional relationship.”

He also recalled how concerned Mario was about his health. “Lagi akong pinagsasabihan ni Mario nung naospital ako last year, ikaw kasi puro food supplement lang ang iniinum mo, hindi ka umiinum ng mga maintenance…

“Pagka-tinatanong ko siya, dapat magpa-check up ka. Magpatingin ka. Pero hindi naman ginagawa hanggang sa nangyari na nga ito.”

Lhar said that it’s not easy to accept the death of Mario. “Hindi po madaling tanggapin na yung sparring partner hindi ko na makakasama. Pero yung pagkakaibigan namin, nandito na yun. Nasa puso na yun. Hindi mawawawala. At para sa akin, yung pamilya po ni Mario, tinuturing ko na pamilya ko na rin.”

TV5 entertainment reporter and The Philippine STAR entertainment columnist MJ Marfori also grieved over the loss of their “mentor.”

She posted on Facebook: “A difficult send-off to a mentor, showbiz family and friend. We will miss you dearly Tito Mario. Thank you for everything. We’ll keep your zeal for stories alive. We promise you that.”

TV5 anchor Julius Babao penned a message for his good friend, saying, “Losing a good friend is never easy. Mario Dumaual just like many of us had crosses to carry during his lifetime.

“But whenever we see him, he’s the kind that does not show his wounds. He was always jolly, happy, and sometimes naughty, specially when we are in our ‘Maritess’ mode.”

“Today, we grief for his passing. Tomorrow, let us celebrate the wonderful life of one of the pillars of the entertainment media.

“A family man, a hardworking man and a great human being. Our deepest condolences to Cherie and the family. Please include him in your prayers everyone. Rest in peace pare,” he added.

The internment of the late entertainment journalist’s remains will be this Sunday afternoon at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.

He is survived by his wife Cherie, children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William and Thessa, and grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe and Tali.

According to the official statement released by his family, Mario, who would have turned 65 on July 31, had been battling a severe fungal infection, a complication during his recovery from a heart attack.

He was confined for a month at the Philippine Heart Center. He died on Wednesday at 8:01 a.m. due to septic shock.

“Papa was strong, he kept fighting on, overcoming the heart attack then a cardiac arrest. He would always say he wanted to go home because he missed us, his family. But the infection overwhelmed his body’s ability to recover,” the statement said.

“What comforts us is he knew that we were always with him, waiting for him, and that home was wherever he felt our love. We also made it a point to let him know how loved he was by his friends in the industry and even kind strangers who have been offering prayers and help for his recovery,” it added.

The senior reporter’s family described their “Papa” as their “rock.” “We depended much on him. But he also nurtured us to become strong and able and to be the best version of ourselves. Beyond us his family, we’d like to think he also left a legacy in entertainment journalism. He made us proud as Mario Dumaual, the reporter, but ultimately more so as a devoted husband, father, and granddad.”

Mario studied at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He previously worked at the Ministry of Agriculture, a financing company and a shipping line. He became part of the Journal Group of Companies in 1982 before he was invited by TV Patrol entertainment news anchor Angelique Lazo to join ABS-CBN, where he would eventually spend more than 30 years of his life.

In a statement, ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN News honored how their “star” reporter became an institution and pillar of the entertainment industry in his over three-decade career.

“Batikan at mahusay na mamahayag, mapagmalasakit at mabuting kaibigan at dakilang asawa, ama at kapamilya, isang saludo at pagpupugay sa iyo, Mario,” the statement read.

“Thank you, Kapamilya for your contribution in the industry.”