'Pillar of the industry': Celebrities, journalists mourn death of veteran showbiz reporter Mario Dumaual

Celebrities and journalists paid tribute to veteran showbiz reporter Mario Dumaual, who passed away on Wednesday, July 5 at 64 years old.

Mario was confined for a month at the Philippine Heart Center after suffering from a heart attack and cardiac arrest. He died due to "septic shock," his family said in a statement. His severe fungal infection, a complication during his recovery, "overwhelmed his body’s ability to recover."

Here's how the entertainment reporter's friends in the local news and entertainment industry expressed their grief over his demise.

It’s Showtime host Karylle called herself "fortunate" to have known "such a kind, sincere and supportive man" in the comment section of his family's statement on Instagram.

Actor and politician Alfred Vargas described Mario as "a pillar of the industry, an excellent reporter, a defender of truth, and a true friend."

Actress Chynna Ortaleza echoed Alfred's description of Mario as a "pillar of the industry." She added: "To share a few minutes conversing with him was a privilege."

Filipina beauty queens Kylie Verzosa, Nicole Cordoves, and Hannah Arnold also sent their condolences to his family.

Media personality Christine Babao, meanwhile, looked back on their friendship as she expressed her disbelief over the news. “Sobra akong lungkot. Tears in my eyes. Masakit na wala ka na Pareng Mario, my dear dear friend… and my Star News Boss,” she wrote. “[D]i ako makapaniwala na wala ka na.”

TV5 entertainment reporter MJ Marfori, in a tweet, promised to keep Mario's "zeal for stories alive" after his death.

His ABS-CBN colleague Marc Logan recalled how kind and brilliant Mario was not just as a reporter, but also as a friend. “Alam ko kabisado ko at sigurado ako kahit nakapikit kayang umukit ni Kuya Mario ng isang obra ng pagbabalita. Masarap makinig sa kanyang mga kwento. Kapag siya ang tumipa. Bawat titik at baybay punong puno ito ng buhay. Mapalad ako na naka trabaho ang isang tulad mo,” he wrote. 

Mario was a seasoned showbiz reporter for ABS-CBN. He received the Joe Quirino Memorial Award at the 5^th EDDYs Awards in November 2022 for his valuable contributions to the film and TV industry in the Philippines. In January, he was awarded a five-point brass star on the German Moreno Walk of Fame in Eastwood City.