Television host Boy Abunda became emotional as he shared more details about the passing of veteran entertainment journalist Jobert Sucaldito, revealing that one of his late friend’s final wishes was for him to be the first person informed of his death.
Speaking during the ‘Today’s Talk’ segment of ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on Monday, Aug. 3, Abunda confirmed that Sucaldito’s family personally notified him of the veteran columnist’s passing.
“That is true. They informed me yesterday that he has passed away. It was very difficult,” Abunda said.
The “King of Talk” explained that Sucaldito had long entrusted him with a deeply personal request regarding his funeral.
“I’ll just give context on why he wanted me to be the first to know. He would always tell me—he called me ‘Sir.’ ‘Sir, when I die, I want a proper burial,'” Abunda recalled.
Fighting back tears, Abunda said he had made a promise to fulfill his friend’s wish and immediately conveyed that commitment to Sucaldito’s son, Carlo.
“I promised to do that. Sinabi ko [kay Carlo] na bibigyan natin nang maayos na paalam, maayos na libing, ang iyong ama.”
He also extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
“Kaya sa lahat ng pamilya at kay Carlo, kay Brian, kami ay taos-pusong nakikiramay.”
Abunda described Sucaldito as one of his closest and most loyal friends in the entertainment industry.
“We are mourning. He was very close to me. He was very, very protective of me and I will miss him.”
“I cannot find a more loyal friend than Jobert. I will always remember him.”
According to Abunda, citing information from Sucaldito’s son Carlo, the veteran entertainment columnist died of cardiac arrest.
Sucaldito reportedly collapsed inside his room and hit his head. He was found unconscious by a household helper and rushed to the Philippine Heart Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Abunda also disclosed that Sucaldito had been hospitalized last month after doctors discovered that two of his arteries were blocked. Although physicians recommended that he be admitted to the intensive care unit, Sucaldito reportedly declined, saying he still felt capable and preferred to return home.
Meanwhile, director Chaps Manansala said Sucaldito had also been confined at Providence Hospital in Quezon City for nearly a month due to anxiety and sleep deprivation.
The news of Sucaldito’s passing was announced on Aug. 2 through the Facebook page of his online program, ‘Oras ng Opinyon Talakayan at Diskusyon’ (OOTD).
“Sa aming mga minamahal na manonood at tagasuporta, lubos po naming ipinapaalam na ang aming pinakamamahal na Nanay Jobert Sucaldito ay mapayapang pumanaw ngayong Agosto 2, 2026,” the statement read.
