Tita Swarding, 60

Tita Swarding Photo from facebook.com

MANILA, Philippines – It was a sad Mother’s Day in the home of Tita Swarding.

A flamboyant, fiery and fearless radio announcer, Tita Swarding passed away due to complications from emphysema, at 12 midnight, May 12, according to wife Beatriz Espeña.

He was 60.

She told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a phone interview: “He was so happy last night. Laughing and joking around with the kids. He was looking forward to celebrate Mother’s Day with his grown children and apos.”

Tita Swarding, or Romulo Espeña in real life, is survived by his wife, five children and five grandchildren.

“There’s one more grandchild on the way. One of my daughters is pregnant,” said Beatriz.  “We will miss him. He was a good man. A generous friend.”

He joined show biz over four decades ago, his wife recalled. “He worked in broadcasting for 43 years. He started as a technician in Super Tunog Pinoy.”

Jun Nicdao, Sherwin Alfaro and Morly Alinio—colleagues in Manila Broadcasting Company, where he last worked as radio show host—confirmed the news with the Inquirer.

Recalled talent manager Dennis Adobas: “I remember him for his trademark loud laughter.”

He costrarred with actor-stylist Fanny Serrano in Neal “Buboy” Tan’s indie film “Tarima” in 2011. Serrano recalled that shooting their scene was fun. “It was improvisational. I was so touched because he said that he was excited to share the scene with me,” said Serrano.

Wife Beatriz said that his boisterous persona was just for show. “At home, he was quiet and reserved.”

Wake is at San Fernando Funeral Homes, Balintawak, Quezon City. Funeral is set on Thursday at Holy Cross Memorial in Novaliches.