VETERAN entertainment writer, editor, and respected film critic Mario Bautista passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 77. His daughter Hani shared the sad news on a Facebook post, revealing that Bautista peacefully died in his sleep.
“No more pain, Dad. I don’t want to write something like this at all, but it would be a disservice to him if I didn’t because he loved updating people. He loved words so much he made a career out of it. Daddy is the first person to send me a daily greeting at 5 a.m. I am going to miss starting my day like that,” she wrote.
“Thank you all for storming heaven with prayers for Dad’s healing, but it is not meant to be. Just when we thought all his vitals were stable, Daddy died in his sleep this morning. The Lord has other plans. Dad always taught us, God is in the driver’s seat, and we as passengers have to follow and accept because He always leads us where we are meant to be,” she said.
“I believe Dad got his wish because he has always said he wanted to go peacefully in his sleep. And now he also gets his other fervent wish, and that is to be with my mother. Please join our family in praying for the eternal repose of Mario Escobar Bautista. Thank you,” Hani added.
A significant loss in the industry, Bautista’s demise saddened many of his colleagues in the entertainment world.
The Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) was the first to pay tribute to Bautista and extend condolences to his family.
In a statement, the group of entertainment editors said, “His indelible contributions to the field have left an enduring impact not only in local entertainment journalism but, more so, in film and television, where his reviews and opinions have helped in raising creative quality for many decades.
“SPEEd, whose members honored their beloved ‘Tito Mario’ with the Manny Pichel Award for Excellence in 2021, joins the industry in mourning the loss of a remarkable individual whose passion for storytelling and dedication to his craft will be remembered fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May he rest in peace,” the group added.
Bautista’s illustrious career in entertainment journalism spanned over three decades. He began his professional journey in 1965 at Channel 5, the flagship station of The Manila Times, where he joined the film programming department.
In this role, he had the opportunity to preview both local and foreign films before their scheduled broadcasts on programs like “Million Dollar Movies,” “Sinagtala,” and “Bahaghari.” His expertise and passion for the industry led him to contribute to the production of TV shows such as “Magmahal ay Langit,” directed by Celso Ad. Castillo, and the sitcom “Pamilya Kontra-Partido.” By the time the station ceased operations due to the 1972 Martial Law, Bautista had already become the head of the film programming department.
In 1976, Bautista received an invitation to contribute film reviews to “TV Guide” under the editorship of Rod Reyes. Subsequently, he was welcomed as a member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, an esteemed body that presented the Urian Awards.
Bautista’s expertise and influence expanded, leading to invitations to write entertainment columns and reviews for prominent publications such as People’s Tonite, People’s Journal, Times Journal, and The Philippines’ Daily Express. He became a regular columnist for various magazines, including Jingle Extra Hot, Movie Flash, Intrigue, Expose, Fame, Hot Copy, Parade, and People’s.
Mario Bautista’s contributions to the world of entertainment journalism will always be remembered. His passion for storytelling, dedication to his craft, and insightful reviews helped shape the creative quality of the industry for many decades. As we mourn his loss, let us celebrate his legacy and the impact he made on Philippine entertainment.
Source: The Manila Times
