Obit

Rodolfo Reyes, 80

FOUNDING MANILA STANDARD PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Rodolfo Reyes died Thursday, April 14. He was 80.

Reyes started his journalism career in the pre-martial law Manila Times. From the Times, he moved to various other media organizations including the Manila Chronicle and later on to ABS-CBN, where he served as executive vice president. He also served as general manager of GMA-7 In 1987, Reyes founded the Manila Standard. (“Standard founder Rod Reyes, 80,” TheStandard.com, April 15)

Reyes was best known for his undercover work which resulted to a special report that exposed the illegal drug network in Malabon. Reyes won the Journalist of the Year Award for that report, and was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in 1961. He also received several other prestigious awards and grants, including a Nieman Fellowship from Harvard University and a Presidential Medal from former President Carlos Garcia. (“Journalist, former broadcast executive Rod T. Reyes writes ’30’ -,” GMANews.com, April 15)

Reyes also served as press secretary for former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada.

News of his passing was announced by Joel Egco, President of National Press Club, quoting the information from former Standard reporter Lolit Acosta. “Just got this from Ms. Lolit Acosta. Sad news. Farewell to a highly-respected journalist. Former Press Sec.  RODOLFO T. REYES finally went home to be with the Lord. He expired around 9:37pm earlier,” Egco wrote in Facebook post.

Reyes is survived by his wife Vivina, children Theresa Alvarez and Jun Jun, and six grandchildren.

 

Jun Lingcoran, 46

VETERAN RADIO REPORTER AND COMMENTATOR Jun Lingcoran died Friday, April 8. He was 46.

Lingcoran  was a reporter for ABS-CBN for two decades and  covered the Senate beat for several years. He was the anchor of “Radyo Patrol’s” Balita Linggo and also served as the head of DZMM reporters for three years. On March 2015, however, Lingcoran was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March 2015.  (“DZMM reporter Jun Lingcoran passes away,” ABS-CBN.com, April 8, 2016)

Family and colleagues mourned the passing of the seasoned newsman. In a DZMM tribute aired Apr. 10, radio reporter Angelo Almonte lauded Lingcoran’s passion for his profession. “Nakabisado ko na rin ang ugali ng batang ‘yan… Nakikita ko ang dedikasyon niya sa trabaho; ‘yung sinseridad niya para isulong ang pagiging isang magaling na journo,” said Almonte. Another former colleague, Marlo Dalisay, remembered how Lingcoran was not only a good reporter but also a good friend. “Si Jun kung maalala nyo ay tahimik lang, pero kung ituring ka ay parang kapatid,” Dalisay recalled. (“DZMM pays tribute to Jun Lingcoran,” ABS-CBN.com, April 10, 2016)

 

Doug Banks, 57

RADIO HOST Doug Banks died Monday, April 11. He was 57.

Banks was a longtime fixture in Chicago radio and television. He started his radio career in his high school radio station in Detroit. He was noticed by a local radio station and given a late-night weekend show. He later worked for radio stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. At the peak of his career, he worked for WVAZ-FM. He also appeared in a news feature show “190 North” on WLS-TV, an ABC affiliate in Chicago.

Banks died at his home Monday due to complications from Diabetes.

His passing was mourned by the local radio industry in Chicago. IheartMedia Chicago Market President Matt Scarano remembered Banks as a great broadcasters, “Doug’s impact on our industry and Chicago was monumental. He will be missed by our city, his fans and his family members here at V103,” Scarano said. (“Chicago radio personality Doug Banks dies at age 57,” Observer-Reporter.com, April 12, 2016)