Jess Vestil writes 30 at 76

Former ABS-CBN manager and United States Information Service public affairs specialist Jess Vestil died on Friday at 9:15 pm in Cagayan de Oro City after suffering from pneumonia brought about by complications of Parkinson's disease.

Vestil's daughter Vivian said that here father had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for over 17 years now and died of complications at a hospital in Cagayan de Oro.

He was born in Cebu City on July 8, 1929 and was married to Pacita, with whom he had eight children -Annabel, Nicolas, Remedios, Jane, Vivian, Raymundo, Gabriel, Victor and Albert.

Vivian said that he remembers her father as a very loving and honest family man who made several contributions in the Cebuano industry and in the field of media during his years.

Vestil became famous when he translated the Philippine National anthem into Cebuano entitled "Yutang Tabonon," which became official Cebuano version of "Lupang Hinirang." It is his lasting legacy for Cebu's culture.

He also wrote the screenplay of "Pit Senyor" in 1953 and his spiritual side made him brainchild the six o'clock prayer.

He also wrote several books and poems and has received about a hundred certificates of commendation and appreciation mostly from government agencies and civic organizations.

A former ABS-CBN manager and newscaster from 1962 to 1972. he was the production manager of the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation and chief announcer of J. Walter Thompson advertising Agency.

His first taste of media work was in 1949 at dyRC that later propelled him into acting, print, television, advertising, public relations and teaching. He had gained many honors like the Most Valuable Filipino awarded by Filipinas Foundation in 1988.

He appeared in more than 22 films both produced in Manila and Cebu and paired with famous actresses like Susan Roces, Caridad Sanchez and others.

His body now lies at the Cebu Rolling Hills Memorial Chapel in Mandaue while cremation is scheduled today after the 9:00 a.m. Mass to be celebrated by Fr. Emmanuel Non. - Jasmin R. Uy