Dina Marie Villena, 51

Veteran sports editor Dina Marie dela Cruz Villena passed away early yesterday morning at the Medical Center Manila due to complications from cancer. She was 51.

The eldest daughter of photographer-turned-sportswriter Ric dela Cruz, Villena has been in the sports media all her professional life, covering major events such as Marlboro Tour, the games of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and international spectacles like the SEA Games and Asian Games. She became sports editor of Pilipino Star Ngayon in the early ’90s, a post she held till her death.

Always full of energy and trusted by her peers for her sincerity and fierce loyalty, Villena never lost hope in her battle with cancer which began two years ago. Although she often went on leave for treatments, she made it a point to be in the thick of the action when it mattered the most.

While covering the 25th SEA Games in Laos last December, she even attended personally to the needs of a very sick colleague who had to be flown home for an emergency operation.

Everything looked well for Villena until mid- January when she began experiencing severe head pains. She was hospitalized three days before Valentine’s Day and never recovered.

Villena was survived by her husband Rolly, daughters Lani, Leslie and Lorraine, only son LJ, and granddaughter Kish.

Her remains lie in state at the Don Bosco Charity Chapel along Pasay Rd. in Makati City. Interment will be announced later.