Entertainment Journalism Stalwart Mario Dumaual Passes Away
Veteran broadcaster and entertainment stalwart Mario Dumaual died on Wednesday, July 5, at the age of 64, his family confirms.
"We are devastated to announce the passing of Mario Dumaual," his son, online journalist Miguel Dumaual, says. "What comforts us is he knew that we were always with him, waiting for him, and that home was wherever he felt our love. We also made it a point to let him know how loved he was by his friends in the industry and even kind strangers who have been offering prayers and help for his recovery."
He adds: "Papa was our rock, we depended much on him. But he also nurtured us to become strong and able and to be the best version of ourselves. Beyond us his family, we’d like to think he also left a legacy in entertainment journalism. He made us proud as Mario Dumaual the reporter, but ultimately more so as a devoted husband, father, and granddad."
On June 5, 2023, the veteran entertainment reporter suffered a heart attack and rushed to a hospital, where had remained in critical care.
“It’s been a difficult week, but we still have much to be grateful for. Papa suffered a heart attack last Monday and remains under critical care today, three days on,” Miguel said in a Facebook post at the time. "But he can now at least tell us, during the few times he’s given his phone while isolated, that he misses and wishes to be with us."
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The journalist was said to have succumbed to septic shock after being confined at the Philippine Heart Center for a month. Sources close to the family say that Dumaual suffered from a fungal infection in the central line of his heart. Another trip to the Intensive Care Unit led to kidney dialysis sessions. The infection reportedly caused internal bleeding and rendered the reporter unresponsive.
Dumaual was a pillar of showbiz journalism. The long-time ABS-CBN journalist reported under TV Patrol's Star Patrol for close to two decades. He would become an elder statesman for reporters like MJ Felipe and countless others. He was a friend to the stars, too.
The reporter was also tapped to host a few events here and there. Most notably, he hosted pageants like Miss Earth and Binibining Pilipinas. He was previously honored with a brass star in the German Moreno Walk of Fame in Eastwood City, Quezon City. Dumaual was a recipient of the Joe Quirino Memorial Award last year, as well.
Tributes poured in for Dumaual, too. Among those who spoke of him was former ABS-CBN News Head Ging Reyes, who called him "kind-hearted" and "true to his core." He was said to have kept a low profile, working behind the scenes and mentoring young reporters, she explained.
"If we needed someone to get access to a hard-to-reach actor or movie star, we’d have Mario do the work. Whenever we wanted an exclusive story or needed a veteran to handle a sensitive topic, Mario was the man," Reyes says in a statement. "He wrote and covered every aspect, and knew every nuance of Philippine show business, including its intersection with politics. He embraced its glamour and glitter but wasn’t blind to its mess and imperfections."
She notes: "Many of his friends and fellow reporters had moved on or pursued other things but Mario stayed with us in ABS-CBN. Thank you for everything… I will miss you terribly, Mario. You are irreplaceable!"
Dumaual is survived by his brother Yayo, his wife Cherie, his children Miguel, Maxine, William, and Thessa, and his grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe, and Tali. Details of his wake will be announced soon.
