Image: Facebook/Mario Dumaual
After Mario Dumaual’s death was announced by his family, an outpouring of tributes came all over social media from celebrities and media personalities who worked with the entertainment journalist at certain points in his career.
Dumaual was honored by fellow journalists Ging Reyes, Marc Logan, Julius Babao, Christine Bersola, Gretchen Fullido, MJ Felipe, Ganiel Krishnan, Karen Davila, Bernadette Sembrano and Dyan Castillejo through their respective social media pages on Wednesday, July 5.
“Rest in peace, dear friend and fellow news warrior,” said Reyes, who regarded Dumaual as someone “synonymous with entertainment news.” “Our hearts are broken once again. This is a shock and a tragedy for us who are forever Kapamilya.”
“Alam ko, kabisado ko at sigurado ako, kahit nakapikit kayang umukit ni Kuya Mario ng isang obra ng pagbabalita. Masarap makinig sa kanyang mga kwento,” Logan spoke of the late journalist. “Kapag siya ang tumipa. Bawat titik at baybay punong puno ito ng buhay. Mapalad ako na nakatrabaho ang isang tulad mo.”
Babao, for his part, recalled how Dumaual was the kind of person who “does not show his wounds” despite the crosses he had to carry during his lifetime.
“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,” Babao stated.
Bersola recounted the many memories she had with Dumaual as she said, “Ngayon, kasama mo na ang mga stars sa langit. Isa ka na ring bituin sa langit.”
“The countless movie stars who have passed on, magkikita na kayo; stars who were close to you na na-interview mo at ang mga literal na bituin sa langit, shining brightly and waiting for you,” she added.
Fullido, Felipe and Krishnan looked back on some of the memories they made in the newsroom as well as the lessons the senior reporter left them.
Image: Instagram/@iamkarendavila
Image: Instagram/@iambernadettesembrano
Image: Instagram/@dyancastillejo
Celebrities John Arcilla, Ogie Alcasid, Pokwang, Kim Atienza, Jed Madela, Jugs Jugueta and director Erik Matti were among those who also paid tribute to the late journalist.
Rest in peace, Sir Mario Dumaual. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 You we’re always present in all my career milestones. Rest now…
— jedmadela ⁷ (@jedmadela) July 5, 2023
Rest in Peace, Sir Mario Dumawal.
You were always kind to me.
Pahinga na po. 😔🙏🏼
— ＪＵＧＳ Ｊｕｇｕｅｔａ (@jugsjugsjugs) July 5, 2023
Dumaual died on Wednesday, July 5, due to septic shock. According to his family, Dumaual had been battling a severe fungal infection, which was a “complication during his recovery from a heart attack.”
Dumaual passed away at the age of 64, weeks before his 65th birthday on July 31. His wake will be held from Thursday, July 6, until July 9 at the Loyola Memorial Chapels Commonwealth. /ra