In a statement released by his family, it was announced that Mario Dumaual, a veteran entertainment reporter for ABS-CBN, passed away at 8:01 a.m. on Wednesday. The cause of his demise was septic shock, resulting from complications during his recovery from a heart attack. He was 64 years old.
For the past month, Dumaual had been undergoing treatment for a severe fungal infection at the Philippine Heart Center. Unfortunately, his battle with the illness came to an end. He is survived by his wife Cherie and their children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William, and Thessa.
The family plans to release details regarding Dumaual’s wake in the upcoming days, allowing friends, colleagues, and well-wishers to pay their respects.
Prior to his career as an entertainment reporter, Dumaual held various positions, including working at the Ministry of Agriculture, a financing company, and a shipping line. In 1982, he began his tenure at the Times Journal before eventually joining ABS-CBN after being offered a job while working as a columnist for Malaya.
Earlier this year, Dumaual was honored with a five-point brass star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the industry.
Here’s the official statement of the family of Mario V. Dumaual through his son Jose Miguel Dumaual:
“We are devastated to announce the passing of MARIO DUMAUAL – Papa to his wife Cherie and children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William and Thessa, wowo to his grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe and Tali; and Yayo to his siblings.
Mario who would have turned 65 on July 31, died at 8:01 an on Wednesday to septic shock. He had been battling a severe fungal infection, a complication during his recovery from a heart attack. He was confined for a month at the Philippine Heart Center.
Papa was strong, he kept fighting on overcoming the heart attack then a cardiac arrest. He would always say he wanted to go home because he missed us his family. But the infection overwhelmed his bidy’s ability to recover.
What comforts us is he knew that we were always with him, waiting for him and that’s home was wherever he felt our love. We also made it a point to let him know how loved he was by his friends in the industry and even kind strangers who have been offering prayers and help for his recovery.
Papa was our rock. We depended much on him. But he also nurtured us to become strong and able and be the best version of ourselves. Beyond us his family, we’d like to think he also left a legacy in entertainment journalism. He made us proud as Mario Dumaual, the reporter but ultimately more so as a devoted husband, father and granddad.
Our family will share details of Papa’s wake in the coming days
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