NAGLULUKSA hanggang ngayon ang buong Philippine Journalists, Inc. sa pagpanaw ng Editor in Chief nito na si Augusto ‘Gus’ Villanueva sa edad na 83.

Sa gitna ng pagdadalamhati, isang malaking pasasalamat ang gusto naming iparating sa aming boss chief. Or call this as my personal tribute to his contributions in the field of journalism. He started as a sportswriter at the age of 17 way back in 1955. Until, he became the editor of Times Journal in 1972. He was also one of the brains of People’s Journal and People’s Tonight which were established in 1978 and 1979, respectively. Patunay na haligi siya ng Journal Group of Publications. Naging pangulo din siya ng Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).

Hindi siya naging madamot sa kanyang kaalaman sa pagsusulat. Naalala ko noong unang encounter ko sa kanya dahil pinaramdam niya na welcome ako as a columnist sa People’s Journal. Madalas niya akong sabihan na huwag akong titigil sa pagsusulat. Lalo na nang sampahan ako ni Nonito Donaire ng libel case. Needless to say, Sir Gus as EIC was included in the case. Pero parang wala lang sa kanya. Mukhang nasanay na siya dahil siguro sa dami ng libel case na binato sa kanya.

Walong taon ang itinakbo ng aming kaso. Hindi ito naging madali pero sa gabay at suporta ni Sir Gus, napagtagumpayan namin ito. I remember his words: “influential people usually intimidate writers so don’t be intimidated.” He told me to be truthful in my writing. His words of wisdom were very inspiring and motivating. At ‘yun ang mami-miss ko. Para akong nawalan ng mentor.

While at it, I would like to extend my gratitude to my legal team albeit late. Thank you, Atty. Carlo Cajucom, Atty. Dake Mandocdoc. Atty. Maureen Macaraeg, Atty. Ma. Stela Regina Lazaro of GULAPA & QUICHO LAW. Special thanks din kay Atty. Jocelyn Cruz of CRUZ LAW FIRM. At siyempre, salamat sa humawak ng aming kaso – Presiding Judge Liezel A. Aquiatan of RTC Branch 205 Muntinlupa City. Nais ko rin pasalamatan ang aking Entertainment Editor na si Eugene Asis sa patuloy na pagsuporta sa aking pagsusulat.

Finally, thank you, Sir Gus. May your soul rest in peace.

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AUTHOR PROFILE

Joey Aquino