Veteran showbiz reporter Mario Dumaual passed away this morning on July 5, 2023.
Talent manager Wilbert Tolentino, a close friend of Dumaual, revealed the news on social media, breaking the heart of many fans and celebrities who knew the showbiz reporter.
It can be recalled that Dumaual was rushed to the hospital last month and put under critical care.
“I am very saddened with the passing of one of the pillars in entertainment journalism in the country, Tito Mario Dumaual. Thank you for the coverage of every pageant stories related to me and to my queens and kings, many times. From my pageant journey to Mr. Gay World Philippines and my Herlene’s journey to Bb. Pilipinas,” said Tolentino.
Aside from Tolentino, celebrities including Jugs Jugueta, Jed Madela, and Jobert Sucaldito paid tribute to the veteran showbiz reporter who also became a mainstay on TV patrol.
Dumaual family revealed that the reporter ended his battle with a severe fungal infection that caused heart problems.
“Papa was strong, he kept fighting on, overcoming the heart attack then a cardiac arrest. He would always say he wanted to go home because he missed us, his family. But the infection overwhelmed his body’s ability to recover.” the family statement read.
“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.” they added.