Bobby Nalzaro, 58
VETERAN JOURNALIST Pablito “Bobby” Nalzaro passed away on Thursday, March 17. Friend and fellow columnist Eddie Barrita confirmed to Sunstar Cebu that Nalzaro’s death was due to multiple organ failure. He was 58.
Nalzaro, known to many as “Super Bob,” was among the anchors of GMA Regional TV’s Balitang Bisdak, where he had been a mainstay since 1999. He also served as station manager for Radio GMA Cebu, and anchored a daily commentary program at Super Radyo dySS-AM.
In addition to broadcast work, Nalzaro also wrote a column for Superbalita, SunStar Cebu’s Cebuano-language paper.
The Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC), in a tribute to Nalzaro, related the journalist’s role in the establishment of the Cebu Journalism and Journalists (CJJ) Media Gallery at Museo Sugbo. He also contributed to the council’s street-naming initiatives to honor late journalists, and supported the Cebu Media Legal Aid, the CCPC added.
“Bobby achieved the kind of success that eludes most others: he earned the trust of a vast and loyal audience,” CCPC executive director Pachico Seares said in a statement.
“A loyal Kapuso, his dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all. We pray for his eternal repose,” GMA said on Thursday.
Throughout his career, Nalzaro faced no less than 30 libel complaints, and was harassed and threatened for his journalism.
Nalzaro hailed from Dipolog City in Zamboanga Del Norte. In 1980, he began his media career in Zamboanga City as a reporter for print and local radio. He moved to Cebu City in 1987.
The broadcaster was first admitted to a hospital in December 2021 after suffering a mild stroke. Nalzaro’s last two columns for SunStar Cebu both saw print in January 2022.
