Angelo Castro Jr., veteran journalist, dies at 67

*Another journalism icon dies. I’ll always remember him and Tina Monzon-Palma doing the late night news during the mid 90s, back when I was still in elementary. They delivered the news with class. No shouting, side comments, and sensationalized items. I will always miss those days.

Tributes from his friends, colleagues, and his avid viewers are now all over Twitter. Angelo Castro’s death reminds me of Peter Jennings, who anchored ABC World News in the US from 1979 to 2005. He also died of lung cancer.

From ABS-CBNNews.com:

Angelo Castro (1944-2012), dies of lung cancer. He was the long time host of The World Tonight

MANILA, Philippines – A pillar of broadcast journalism, Angelo Castro Jr., has succumbed to cancer.

The 67-year-old Castro passed away on Thursday at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. He had a long and courageous fight against lung cancer.

He is survived by his wife June Keithley and son Diego.

Castro is known for being the main man of “The World Tonight” since it returned on air on ABS-CBN in 1986 and moved to ANC in 1999.

He took a break only for two years until his return in 2011 due to illness.

His health, however, continued to deteriorate, forcing him to leave anew the show.

His wife, June Keithley Castro, recently appeared on ANC revealing both their fight against cancer. Keithley was diagnosed with cancer of the breast in 2009.

“No, he’s not well… My husband has always been a very handsome, macho, control freak… So I had to tell his doctors, ‘You know it’s very difficult for him now because it’s out of his hands, di ba? He can’t control it,’” Keithley revealed.

“I went to him and I said, ‘Okay, you can’t do this to the kids, ha.’ I told him, ‘You better fight.’”

Statement from Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda:

We mourn the passing of Angelo Castro Jr. For many years he was a calm and reassuring presence in the late evening news. His passing marks the closing of an era of gentlemanly broadcasting, where erudition and dignity were the hallmarks of news and current affairs.

Isagani Yambot, Inquirer publisher, dies of heart attack

According to reports by Rappler.com and GMA News Online, Yambot died of heart attack Friday night. His death came a week after he went a heart bypass surgery last week. He was 77. A lifelong journalist, Yambot served as the Executive Editor of Malaya before being tapped to be the publisher of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Isagani Yambot, 1934-2012 (photo from Rappler.com)

Here are some reactions to his death via Twitter:

Manolo Quezon (former Inquirer columnist) – “Mourns the passing of Isagani Yambot. Was first and foremost a journalist’s journalist, never jaded, always a perfectionist and a gentleman.”

Jing Reyes (head, ABS-CBN News) – Our condolences. He will be missed..

Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel – So sad abt d death of Isagani Yambot. condolences to his family, friends & colleagues. Prayers for his peace & consolation for all

Meanwhile, the Inquirer has released this brief statement:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our publisher Isagani Yambot. Gani as he was fondly called was instrumental in the success of the Inquirer. We are very grateful to all of his contributions and we applaud his passion and commitment to his work. We request that you join us in prayer for the eternal repose of his soul.

Statement from the Palace

In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte described Yambot as a “calm, cheerful presence not only in the newsroom and boardroom of his paper, but in every gathering of note among journalists and between media, civil society, and government.”

Valte noted that Yambot “was one of the links with the pre-martial law press who mentored a new generation of journalists to understand just how much a free press matters.” “The loss of his presence will be felt deeply by a nation that knows all a newsman can ask for, in the end, is this simple epitaph: he wrote it, as he saw it, with honest words and with his only master, the truth,” Valte concluded.

Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo dies of cardiac arrest abroad

UPDATE (8:00 PM)

Quoting former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, ABS-CBN’s RG Cruz reported that Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo has died after the life – support systems were removed from his body. “Support systems were pulled out already thirty minutes ago. My brother passed away already. I’m so sad,” the elder Arroyo said.

UPDATE (1:40 PM):

ABS-CBN’ RG Cruz reports that according to the former First Gentleman, “Iggy is brain dead or clinically dead but has not been pronounced as dead by doctors.” Iggy is still on life support, but it “could be taken out anytime.” The older Arroyo said’d he’ll issue an official statement at the proper time.

***

Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Isa Avendano reports that Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo has “succumbed to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment abroad.” He was 60. His remains would be brought to the country any day from now, his brother former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo said in an interview with DZIQ.

Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo has died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment abroad

He was on his third and final term in Congress. He was first elected in 2004, a year after he gained nationwide prominence when he went public to claim ownership of the mysterious Jose Pidal bank accounts. In a series of Senate inquiries held from August to September 2003, Senator Panfilo Lacson repeatedly stressed that the First Gentleman is the real owner of the bank accounts. He also scored the younger Arroyo for acting as a “fall guy.”

In an interview with ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau’s Rose Eclarinal last December from the United Kingdom, the younger Arroyo stated that he will not be able to return to country until January of this year upon the recommendation of his doctor, Professor Roger Williams of The London Clinic. He refused to elaborate on his medical condition, but he insisted that he is not running away from charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the sale of second-hand helicopters to PNP.

During the 14^th Congress (from 2007-2010), when members of the ruling Lakas-Kampi CMD still dominated the House of Representatives, Iggy Arroyo chaired the House Committee on Natural Resources. He was also the vice chair of the Committee on Government Reorganization. At the same time, he was a member of the following congressional committees:

Appropriations
Agriculture
Agrarian Reform
Public Works and Highways
Foreign Affairs
Trade and Industry
Higher Education
National Defense

He earned his degree in Business Administration (major in finance) from the University of San Francisco in 1974. He is survived by his three daughters Bianca Marie, Dina, and Alelu.

Related news:

Mike’s Brod: I am Jose Pidal (Philippine Star, September 2, 2003)

Curriculum Vitae of Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo

Facing the toughest challenge of my life

I have not been able to update this blog for five days already (seems like eternity, the cliché goes), and believe me, that is against my will. I may not know all of you personally, but I feel comfortable sharing tidbits of my life to you. Call me corny, but I feel that we’ve been friends through my several months of blogging here. I’d like to share something personal again (and this is not what I originally planned to write).

Last Friday afternoon, I experienced sudden stomach pains, particularly on the left side. It happened shortly I had lunch with three officemates at a famous chicken restaurant.  I stayed for an hour in our clinic. I felt better after taking antacids, but was advised by the company nurse to have an ultrasound soon. Having sudden stomach pains is not new to me. It happened in 2007, 2010, and just three months ago.

Since I am already feeling better, I decided to push through with a scheduled meet-up with a former officemate in UP Ayala Technohub. While waiting for her, the stomach pains returned. Suddenly, the phrase “agony of waiting” became literal for me. I had two options:  I will go home and ask my mother to take me to a hospital, or I’ll go straight to the hospital and let them straight there. I chose the latter. When my ex-officemate arrived, I asked her to accompany me to a Quezon City hospital where I was admitted early this year. Good thing she happens to live near that hospital in Cubao.

The usual urine and blood exams were administered to me shortly after I arrived. Since the pain disappeared, I was allowed to go home, but this time, I was told to have an ultrasound the following morning – which I did. In fact, I saw actress Susan Roces waiting for her turn in the elevator (too bad I didn’t have my camera with me!). This morning, the ultrasound results revealed that I have gallstones and this is the root cause of the repeated stomach pains I have experienced the past four years. The doctor recommended me to undergo an operation to have my gallbladder removed.

Though the operation isn’t a matter of life-and-death for now, the doctor stressed that it is the surest way for me to avoid the recurring stomach pains (and to avoid it from worsening). Much of the operation fees would be shouldered by my two health plans, and that isn’t really my concern for now.

When you get an extremely bad news, you need to stop for a while to think of its repercussions. On my way home, I thought of what might happen to me at least in the near term. First, when should I have an operation? The operation will require me to rest for at least a week. In that case, necessary arrangements will have to be made for me within the company. Will it affect my graduate studies? Will I be able to enroll on November 4 as planned? What about the things I plan to do, like interviews and write-ups?  It’s as if everything are suddenly in jeopardy.

Last week, I read that the late Steve Jobs refused pancreatic surgery for nine months. By the time he said yes, his cancer had worsened. Now, I am faced with the same dilemma. I want to take one step at a time.  I want to explore my options. For now, this quote from Mr. Jobs: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life…Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Lessons on leadership from Steve Jobs – a tribute

What a shock to know about Steve Jobs’ sudden death just this morning (Philippine time). Tributes poured in from the world’s who’s who: from United States President Barack Obama (“The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.”), Microsoft Corp. Chair Bill Gates (“For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”), HP CEO Meg Whitman (“He will be remembered for the innovation he brought to market and the inspiration he brought to the world.”), Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (“Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”), and many others.

Steve Jobs (1955-2011) - screenshot from Apple.com

Late last August, Jobs resigned as Apple CEO. Here’s his brief resignation letter:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee. As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role. I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Tribute to Steve Jobs from Apple.com

For all his leadership acumen and innovativeness, Jobs is totally aware of his limitations. In this letter, he indirectly acknowledged that his declining health (without dwelling on the specifics) has adversely affected his capability to meet his duties and responsibilities as Apple’s CEO. Just like any good leader, he not only thought about his legacy – he also made it perfectly clear that the company he founded will be able to march on even without him by nurturing potential leaders within his organization. All leaders must not only know when to relinquish power – he/she must also be able to guarantee continuity. This is another lesson we can learn from Steve Jobs.

Tribute from Apple, Inc: http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/

Obituary from CNN:

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/05/us/obit-steve-jobs/index.html?hpt=T1

Obituary from Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904875404576528981250892702.html

Thanks to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, I am now a published writer!

My first ever published story appeared in yesterday’s issue of the Sunday Inquirer Magazine. They retitled it to “Scout’s Honor.” I submitted it to the Philippine Daily Inquirer last July 27, or a day before our nation marked the Scout Memorial Day. This tradition was started 23 years ago by President Corazon Aquino as a tribute for the ill-fated 24-man Philippine delegation that was supposed to take part in the 11th World Scout Jamboree (1963).  The entire team, together with 28 other passengers and eight crew members of the United Arab Airlines Flight 869, died when the plane crashed into the Arabian Sea near Santa Cruz, India in the early morning of July 28, 1963.

 

My piece focuses on First Class Scout Roberto Corpus Castor, a member of that contingent. He was only 14 years old when the crash happened in 1963. I was able to interview his parents, already in their 90s, for this article. In my submission to PDI, I also included pictures I personally took. Although most of the public are aware about the said plane crash (I hope), the individual lives of the scouts who perished in the tragedy has not been written about at length in recent years. Given their age, it is important that we hear and write about their story now – before it is too late.

 

As they say, history is news if no one has written about it. It is no conincidence that my first published journalistic work is about an almost-forgotten historical event.

 

Here are the links;

Philippine Daily Inquirer: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/11285/scouts%E2%80%99-honor

Screenshot from the Philippine Daily Inquirer's website - notice my name there!

Yahoo! Philippines: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/scouts-honor-085008665.html

Screenshot from Yahoo! Philippines - notice my name there!

Yahoo! Singapore: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/scouts-honor-085008665.html

My Letter to the Editor of Manila Bulletin

(Note: I emailed them this letter last May 24 2011, or two days after the news piece I am talking about was published. It’s been ten days already, but the Manila Bulletin have neither acknowledged my letter nor revised their problematic news story. What is the point of publishing a corporate email address, then?)

Vicente Edgardo C. Bartilad

Editor-in-Chief, The Manila Bulletin

Muralla corner Recoletos, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines 1002

Dear Mr. Bartilad,

I am Mark Pere Madrona, a Masters of Arts in History student from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. I earned my degree in journalism from the same school April last year. I am writing this letter to call your attention regarding one of the stories the paper ran last May 22, 2011.

I am referring to the news article “Chit suspect under police custody” written by Jeffrey Damicog. The story can be found here: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/319273/chit-suspect-under-police-custody. The report tells about the surrender of Daniel Espinosa to police officials the previous day. He is the driver of the bus that rammed into the taxi where UP professor and veteran journalist Lourdes “Chit” Simbulan was riding in last May 13.

Chit suspect? What is that?

Prof. Simbulan used to remind our class to avoid confusing headlines. In this case, what does “Chit suspect” mean? The editors may have managed to shorten the headline, but what about the need for clarity in news reporting? It should have been “Driver in road mishap surrenders” or something like that. The said article also indicated that the fatal accident happened “on the night of May 6,” when it in fact happened a week later. And I thought journalists must always get their facts straight!

Respectfully yours,

Mark Pere Madrona

markpere2010@gmail.com

Tribute to Chit Estella-Simbulan, Aug. 19, 1957-May 13, 2011

I am updating this post to commemorate the first death anniversary of

Ma’am Chit

On our way home riding a jeepney one afternoon when I was in Grade Four, a bunch of people handed out to us and our fellow passengers free copies of The Manila Times. That was in mid-1999, and though I no longer recall where the distribution of these papers happened, I will not forget its main story: “Nasagasaan kami ng jeep ni Erap.” The piece goes with a cropped photo of the then President driving a jeep.

Because of the pro-Estrada sentiments in our family at that time, and because I am merely 9 then, I didn’t give much attention to it. I didn’t even set aside that give-away for posterity’s sake! I was only able to realize the importance of that moment many years later, when I was already a journalism student in UP Diliman. I learn the true story behind the paper being “ran over.” Estrada filed a Php 99 million libel case against the paper, and facing the prospect of a prolonged legal tussle against the country’s most powerful man, the paper folded up, and then changed owners.

One of the key figures in that event was the late Lourdes “Chit” Estella-Simbulan, Manila Times’ then-managing editor. As I took my first journalism class in mid-2007 (History of the Press, under Ms Evelyn Katigbak), I learned about that classic episode in Philippine media’s history. Over a year later, I’d be enrolled in one of her classes.

As a final requirement for that subject titled “The Newsroom,” students must produce a newspaper by the end of the semester. The class had its line-up of news executives, and I was the paper’s associate editor, or second-in-command. For reasons that already escapes me now, we named the paper “The Signum,” a name Prof. Simbulan later described as “innovative, creative, (and) interesting, though a bit strange.” All did not go smoothly, though.

Deadlines weren’t met, while some seemed uncommitted; printing the newspaper became a problem, too. There were moments of introspection and self-blaming, compelling the paper’s top three editors (including me) to write separate open letters via our online group. Weeks after that, Prof. Simbulan gave a detailed two-page critique of our work. Though she made some pointed comments like “some headlines were stretched disproportionately,” “not a very careful use of bastard layouting,” and “proofreading can be improved throughout the newspaper,” she was appreciative of the paper’s strong points, writing:

“The Signum was a good first attempt at a newspaper. Its choice of stories was good, the opinions were earnest. Although it had its fair share of technical lapses, the substance made up for these. The newspaper had heart. “

That was a vindication for the efforts our entire class exerted for that output. I would’ve wanted to take other classes under her, but she went on study leave on my senior year. I remember gleefully answering a two-page “test” about Philippine history as part of her graduate studies research late 2009. Nevertheless, we still got to exchange pleasantries whenever I see her around the campus, or during her lunch meals with my thesis adviser Prof. Yvonne Chua.

Me with Prof. Lourdes “Chit” Estella-Simbulan

I once kidded her (outside the UP College of Mass Communication building) that the only way she’d be my professor again is if I’d stay in UP beyond April 2010, my graduation date. She said she hopes that I’ve already graduated by then, and humorously quipped, “and with a job!” She emceed that year’s college graduation rites, and right after the ceremonies, I went up the platform of the UP Film Center to … have a photo with her. She gladly obliged, and now that she’s gone, that picture became all the more priceless to me.

I asked if she has a Facebook account. She said yes, but I was never able to search it. Months later, we saw each other again in the college. I came to ask for a recommendation from Prof. Chua about my application for MA History last August 2010. After greeting her, she ribbed me: “Mr. Madrona, I thought you already graduated!” Of all my journalism professors, she’s the only one to call me that way. It is saddening to note though that that encounter was the last time I saw her alive.

Paying my last respects to Ma’am Chit

I called Prime Funeral the morning after Professor Simbulan’s death, but I was told by a personnel there via phone that her remains had been transferred to Arlington Memorial in Araneta Avenue. I went straight there after work (I rendered overtime service for my company that day).  I initially thought that Arlington is just walking distance from the Araneta Ave.-Quezon Ave. intersection. I was mistaken since another jeepney ride is needed.

Once I am finally inside the memorial chapel. I immediately approached Mr. Roland Simbulan, whose face is recognizable to me having attended some of his talks before. He’s accommodating even to those he did not know personally. The former UP faculty regent and foreign policy commentator understandably refuses to speak to the media. I proceeded to take a look at my departed journalism professor. She’s wearing a Filipiniana, similar to the one she wore during last year’s graduation rites.

I saw CMC dean Dr. Rolando Tolentino (he surprisingly still recognized me), college secretary Dnilo Arao, journalism department chair Marichu Lambino, and Professors Luz Rimban and Lucia Tangi. I also saw former dean Dr. Georgina Encanto’s name in the guestbook. I stayed for about 40 minutes.

On my way out of Arlington’s Felicidad chapel, I approached Mr. Roland Simbulan to say how proud I am to have been once under his wife’s mentorship. The appreciative widower told me: “Chit lives on through students like you.” The important lessons in journalism integrity and professionalism that she emphasized to us will be her biggest legacy, but Mam Chit is irreplaceable.

Paying my last respects to AJ Perez (1993-2011)

Antonello Joseph "AJ" Sarte Perez, 1993-2011

I’ve always wanted to see and meet Antonello Joseph (AJ) Perez in person. This afternoon, I got the chance to see him up close – not during one of his promotional shows, but during his wake.

I traveled for over an hour to pay my last respects to him. His remains lie in Christ the King Parish in Greenmeadows Avenue, Quezon City. As I mentioned in my post last Sunday, I’ve been his supporter since I first watched him in Star Magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv way back late 2006. He was only 13 then. I remember tuning in to the show early to see the credits for me to know his name. I only became certain about it when I bought that year’s issue of Star Magic Catalog.

Through the next four years, I’ve watched closely many of his other projects, like Boystown and Lobo, as well as his guest appearances in various TV shows (including GMA 7’s Maynila). I like him, and it is an understatement. He made it to my annual hottest guys list for three years.

Me at AJ Perez' wake (notice his self-made video in the background)

I was fortunate enough to be allowed to get inside the room where his coffin is. As to be expected, AJ’s family and friends filled the area. I was not allowed to take pictures inside the room, though I managed to have some shots taken outside it. There are two TV monitors where the behind-the-scenes of AJ’s stint as a judge in Showtime is being shown, with himself narrating the footages.

Even for less than a minute, I was able to stare at him. Clad in white polo, a black suit, and a necktie, he remains gorgeous even in death. Too bad he won’t be able to thank me for my compliments. Nor can I ever shake his hands. And I will miss receiving daily messages in my Friendster account from his account there. My heart bleeds for this fallen angel.

Home page of AJ Perez' Friendster account (click image)