Broadcast journalist Cesar Apolinario signs off at 46
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2019 10:30:00 +0000
BROADCAST journalist and film director Cesar Apolinario died on Friday. He was 46.
The journalist’s last post on his Instagram page showed him in hospital clothes and a book on his lap.
The news of his death was first tweeted by former colleague, Steve Dailisan.
“Rest in PEACE, mentor and colleague @CesarApolinario,” Dailisan said in a now-deleted tweet. “No more pain just LOVE and lasting happiness in the arms of God.”
Before his death, Apolinario was a reporter and a senior news producer of GMA News. He had also co-hosted the lifestyle program I Juander, alongside Susan Enriquez.
Born on May 11, 1973, Apolinario graduated with a Mass Communications degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
According to his Facebook page, Apolinario first worked with Radio Philippines Network (RPN-9, now CNN Philippines), for the public service program, “HelpLine sa 9”.
Apolinario later moved to GMA in 1999 initially for the documentary, I-Witness. In 2001, he won a silver medal for the program in the New York Festival. That year, he also became a contributor for CNN.
He later ventured into film in 2007, as he wrote the script for the film “Banal”, which became a Metro Manila Film Festival entry on the same year and for which he won best director and best story.
Tributes from colleagues
In a statement, GMA Network was “saddened” by Apolinario’s passing and condoled with his family and loved ones.
“An award-winning broadcast journalist, writer, and director, Cesar will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues, especially those in GMA News and Public Affairs and in the film industry, where he devoted the best years of his life,” the statement read. “A loyal Kapuso, his dedication to his craft as a news reporter, producer, and public affairs host will continue to serve as an inspiration to all.”
Apolinario’s GMA colleagues have paid tribute to the journalist on Twitter.
“He was more than a colleague, he was a friend,” reporter and TV anchor Raffy Tima tweeted. “There are no words. Godspeed and rest in peace, @CesarApolinario.”
“Still in denial, hirap paniwalaan,” (hard to believe) tweeted reporter Dano Tingcungco. “Pero kailangan tanggapin, at ipaalala sa iyo na mahal na mahal ka namin at mamiss ka namin, @CesarApolinario.” (But we have to accept it and remember that we love you and we miss you.)
“Cesar Apolinario, Rest in Peace,” wrote GMA personality Arnold Clavio on his Instagram, accompanied with a two-minute long video, filled with Apolinario’s pictures, including singing “A Whole New World” with his daughter. “Enjoy your journey bro.”
“Paalam kumpareng Cesar Apolinario Jr.,” GMA host Kara David said on her Instagram.
“Salamat sa mga alaala, salamat sa mga kuwentuhan, salamat sa pagkakaibigan. Hindi ka namin malilimutan. Kami na ang bahala sa iyong mga anak. Itutuloy namin ang pangarap mo para sa kanila. Pahinga ka na pare. Salamat. Mahal ka namin.” (Thank you for the memories, the stories, and the friendship. We won’t forget you. We’ll take care of your children. We will continue their dreams. Rest, my friend. Thank you. We love you.)
“Sir Cesar has been cheering the [UST] Tigers this season with so much zeal I did not even know his health was failing,” wrote Llanesca Panti. “Salute to a competent, committed and compassionate Thomasian journo. May you rest in peace, Sir.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and friends of kuyang Cesar Apolinario,” tweeted former reporter Hadji Rieta.
“Will finally share what’s heartbreaking news for many journos,” tweeted journalist Inday Espina Varona. “Godspeed, @CesarApolinario, a senior journo loved for his generous spirit and professionalism up and down across media hierarchies.”
Apolinario is survived by his wife, Joy, and children Remus Cesar, Athena Joyce and Sophia Ysabelle. ARIC JOHN SY CUA