Thomasian film critic Mario Hernando, 68

Renowned Thomasian film critic Mario Hernando passed away on Sept. 5 at the age of 68 after a bout with bone cancer.

Hernando was said to have been found unconscious by his brother in their home in Quezon City the morning he died, and was rushed to Capitol Medical Center, where doctors pronounced him dead.

A former managing editor of the Varsitarian in the 1970s, he taught film criticism to journalism students in the University in the late 1990s.

In 1983, he assumed the post of managing editor in Ang Pahayagang Malaya and became the editor of Weekend Malaya, the paper’s weekend magazine.

He was a board member of the Movie Television Review and Classification Board and founding member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, an organization of film scholars and critics that holds the annual Urian Awards, considered the most prestigious film awards in the Philippines.

Hernando’s cousin Ruben described him as a “genial” person who treated everyone fairly.

“Mario was not just a cousin, he was more of a brother [to me]. Despite his busy schedule, he was always a genial, concerned person. [H]e treated us with warmth every time we met. He will be sorely missed, not only by his friends, but by his family and relatives [as well],” he said in an interview with the Varsitarian on Sept. 7.

Veteran journalist and journalism instructor Nestor Cuartero recalled Hernando as a helpful person to his younger colleagues.

“He was generous in sharing his knowledge about journalism, film and life lessons… He was a fun person who loved socials,” Cuartero told the Varsitarian.

Hernando’s cremated remains will be interred on Sept. 9 at the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Quezon City.