ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN News mourn the passing of veteran entertainment journalism Mario Dumaual.
In a statement, the network said that Mario has been an important part of the ABS-CBN news team in the last three decades. The network said that Mario became a pillar of entertainment news reporting and an esteemed mentor to his colleagues.
“Mario made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry with his reliable reporting and countless exclusives.
He was always there to chronicle the highlights in the family to the Filipino audience. We will miss a good friend and an even better journalist,” Senator Grace Poe said in a statement.
Mario was 64 years old. He suffered a heart attack last month and has been hospitalized since then.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of Mario Dumaual — Papa to his wife Cherie and children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William, and Thessa; Wowo to his grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe, and Tali; and Yayo to his siblings,” one Mario’s family members posted on his Facebook account.
“Mario, who would have turned 65 on July 31, died at 8:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5 due to septic shock. He 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,” the family statement read.
“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 infections overwhelmed his body’s ability to recover,” the statement added.
Celebrities also mourn the death of the veteran journalist.
“Rest in peace, Sir Mario Dumaual. You ‘re always present in all my career milestones. Rest now,” singer Jed Madela said.
“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 especially when we are in our “Maritess” mode. Today we grieve 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,” broadcaster Julius Babao said.
