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| Vanessa Aumentado, Marisa Cartoneros, Rep. Edgar Chatto, Balilihan Mayor
Pureza Chatto and Chatto and Veloso families have fond memories of
veteran journalist Ricky Lo. |
"Kumusta na ang society chronicler ng Bohol?"
That
was how veteran entertainment editor and TV host Ricky Lo greeted me
everytime we saw each other in Bohol and some instances at The
Philippine Star Office in the Port Area in Manila.
Sir Ricky was one of the few journalists whom I looked up to as my idol, mentor, and friend.
Ricky
Lo is Ricky Lo. He was revered and feared in the industry that his
"Funfare" was the column to be in. To be mentioned in his column (which I
was mentioned countless times) meant pride or humiliation, depending on
how he chose to write about the celebrity.
I
am his fan forever. In fact, his "Funfare" column was the first section
in the paper I read first. For generations, many Filipinos got their
fix of the day’s entertainment news from him.
As
a Funfare contributor until 2014, I missed Sir Ricky’s call and text
asking for showbiz scoop since there were many celebrities who visited
Bohol.
"Leo, totoo ba nandiyan ba si ___? Kasama si ___?" he asked.
He encouraged me to write articles and even gave me tips.
Even
when I started my column "True" in the now defunct “The Bohol Sunday
Post” for years (and transfered to The Bohol Chronicle with my "Bared"
and later to "VRS"), I usually compare my style of writing as similar to
that of Ricky Lo that it earned me the monicker the "Ricky Lo of
Bohol."
When
my articles were published in The Philippine Star, he kept my cheques
in his wallet until he could give it to me personally.
The
year 2009 was my most memorable year with Sir Ricky. He was in Bohol
for a vacation with his friend and fellow journalist Raoul Tidalgo. (He
was a family friend of the Veloso, Chatto and Castillon families). We
spent the day talking about the ins and outs of showbiz, blind items and
sundry and we laughed out hard.
Sir Ricky was very instrumental in promoting Bohol to the world in his widely read column in the Star.
We
exchanged text messages as I gave my feedback on "Star Talk" , where
he was one of the mainstay hosts. Then, "Showbiz Stripped" which
metamorphosed into "The Ricky Lo Exclusives" that lasted for almost four
years.
One
time, I decided to visit him at the Philippine Star at the Port Area
Manila. He and other staff members (former associate entertainment
editor Maridol Bismark, Jerry Donato and Bum Tenorio) were busy for the
deadline. But Sir Ricky had time for a chit chat. The good part was I
didn't left the office empty handed! Sir Ricky gave me some pasalubong
items including his book "Conversations with Ricky Lo" which became my
guide on how to handle interviews and write feature stories.
Sir Ricky was all that — and more.
 |
| Your VRS with veteran journalist Ricky Lo. |
Several years ago, I pitched about the plight of child star Rebecca "Bikay" Lusterio (who starred in Muro Ami and Panaghoy Sa Suba where she won several accolades including Best Child Actress and Best Supporting Actress) who wanted to study in college.
Bikay
told me she might not be able to go to college due to financial
constraints. At that time, she had a brother who was still studying in
college and she felt she maybe an additional burden to the family if she
wished to pursue her dreams.
Bikay helped her poor family and financed her way through high school by selling seashells on Alona Beach.
I
told Sir Ricky about it and he wrote it in his column. Several
scholarships were offered to Rebecca who preferred to study at Colegio
de San Juan de Letran as a full-time academic scholar until she
graduated in college.
"Magsulat
ka Leo about Bikay. Daming nakagusto sa story niya," he told me. He
admired Bikay's natural acting, humility and unassuming ways.
And everytime I wrote about Bikay and her activities, Sir Ricky was always kind to give space in the paper.
When
Bikay graduated in college, she went to Philippine Star to personally
thank Sir Ricky for all his kindness. Sir Ricky told me he was touched
by Bikay's gesture.
That
was Sir Ricky. With him, it was always kindness and friendship. He was
that generous, very giving in every way, whether with his time,
materials things and friendship.
Thank you Sir Ricky.
You will always remain in our hearts and you will be constantly thought of with fondness and deep love.
Rest in peace Sir Ricky, Gan Eden welcomes you.
* * *
Thanks
for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at
leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
