MANILA, Philippines: The entertainment industry mourns the loss of veteran entertainment writer, editor, and esteemed film critic, Mario Bautista. At the age of 77, Bautista peacefully passed away in his sleep, as shared by his daughter Hani in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Hani expressed her grief and gratitude for her father’s love for updating people and his passion for words. She reminisced about how he would be the first person to send her a daily greeting at 5 a.m., a tradition she will dearly miss. Despite the prayers for his healing, Bautista’s passing reminds us that sometimes, the Lord has other plans.
It was Bautista’s wish to go peacefully in his sleep, and now he can be reunited with his beloved wife. Hani requested prayers for the eternal repose of Mario Escobar Bautista, emphasizing the profound impact her father had on their lives.
The news of Bautista’s demise has deeply saddened his colleagues in the entertainment world. The Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) was the first to pay tribute to him and extend condolences to his family.
In a heartfelt statement, SPEEd acknowledged Bautista’s indelible contributions to the field of entertainment journalism, which have left a lasting impact on local entertainment, film, and television. His reviews and opinions have played a crucial role in raising the creative quality of the industry for many decades.
The group honored Bautista with the Manny Pichel Award for Excellence in 2021, recognizing his passion for storytelling and dedication to his craft. They join the industry in mourning the loss of this remarkable individual and express their thoughts and prayers for his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Bautista’s career in entertainment journalism spanned over three decades, during which he had the privilege of previewing both local and foreign films before their scheduled broadcasts on popular programs such as “Million Dollar Movies,” “Sinagtala,” and “Bahaghari.” He also contributed to the production of TV shows like “Magmahal ay Langit” and the sitcom “Pamilya Kontra-Partido.”
His expertise and influence led to invitations to write entertainment columns and reviews for renowned publications such as People’s Tonite, People’s Journal, Times Journal, and The Philippine Daily Express. Bautista’s reputation continued to grow, and he became a regular columnist for various magazines, including Jingle Extra Hot, Movie Flash, Intrigue, Expose, Fame, Hot Copy, Parade, and People’s.
Bautista’s talent extended beyond the written word, as he showcased his skills on television. He co-hosted the show “Let’s Talk Movies” alongside Armida Siguion Reyna and Behn Cervantes, where they engaged in insightful discussions about the film industry. Additionally, Bautista delivered his film reviews on air for “The Big, Big Show.”
Mario Bautista’s legacy as a respected entertainment writer and film critic will continue to inspire and influence future generations. His dedication to his craft and passion for storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. As we remember him, let us cherish the memories he created through his words and the impact he had on Philippine entertainment.
Source: The Manila Times
