Broadcast journalist Cesar Apolinario died on Dec. 13 after succumbing to lymphoma. He was 46.
He was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes in August, according to friends.
Apolinario was a senior news producer at GMA News, a resident news reporter for news programs 24 Oras and Saksi, and host of magazine program “I Juander.”
He earned his communication arts degree from the University in 1998.
Asst. Prof. Faye Abugan told the Varsitarian: “He was an exemplary student who worked hard for his Thomasian education.”
Apolinario worked as a fast food crew member in Bahrain to save up money for his studies.
“Cesar strived to always tell the truth and was a responsible broadcaster, producer and director. Super hardworking, masipag mag-aral and hindi nakakalimot. Even after he graduated, he would go back to the University to give back by sharing his talents and experiences.” Abugan added.
GMA News reporter Raffy Tima and former colleague Steve Dailisan expressed their condolences on social media, thanking Apolinario for being “a mentor and friend.”
Apolinario directed independent films “Banal,” “Estasyon,” “Dance of the Steel Bars” and “Puntod,” which won Indie Movie of the Year award in the PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 2009.
He won best director and best original story honors for “Banal” in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival. He was named Outstanding Magazine Program Host in the 2013 Golden Screen Awards for his hosting of “I Juander,” produced by UST alumnus Stephen Patricio.
In 2016, Apolinario was given The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni award.
Details of his interment have yet to be announced.
