Obit

ENRIQUE ROMUALDEZ, 92

MALAYA BUSINESS Insight executive director Enrique “Pocholo” Romualdez passed away February 28 at the Medical Center Manila. He was 92.

Romualdez was editor of several papers including the Daily Express, Taipan Magazine, and the Manila Times.

His first job was with the Philippines Commonwealth, then the leading Catholic-oriented newspaper in the Philippines, followed by short stints in the old Manila Post and the Philippines Herald after World War II.  He later joined the Manila Times as a sportswriter.

After pursuing a master’s degree in Northwestern University, he returned in 1952 to work with then Manila Times publisher Chino Roces in the makeover of the paper. He worked with the Times until 1968 when he resigned to work in a government office.

In 1972, Romualdez was asked by fellow journalist Johnny Perez to organize the Philippines Daily Express. He spent the next 15 years trying to give a gentler, kinder face to martial law. The Daily Express closed in 1987.

In 1989, he was invited by then Malaya publisher Jake Macasaet to join the paper. He had since been with Malaya, turning down several offers from other newspapers.

Romualdez is survived by four children, their spouses, and twelve grandchildren.