MANILA, Philippines - A truly outstanding man of letters is gone, felled but unbroken by illness.
Raul S. Gonzalez, writer, editor, educator, PR man and mentor to many now-accomplished writers, is gone at age 78.
At a young age, Gonzalez was already serving the government, and rose to become press secretary to President Diosdado Macapagal, whom he served loyally until the chief executive’s death.
He would later spend a long career of mentoring would-be writers and editors as adviser to the editors and staff of Dawn, the University of the East’s weekly student newspaper. Under Gonzalez’s guidance, the Dawn produced scribes who would later excel in journalism.
Outstanding Dawn alumni include the prolific The STAR’s Roman Floresca, Manuel Martinez, the Marcelo brothers Levi and Ding, the bilingual poet and prose writer Lamberto Antonio, poets Rogelio Mangahas and Teo Antonio, BusinessMirror editor Nonnie Pelayo, former Inquirer senior executive Sammy Señoren, Dennis Fetalino of People’s Journal, and many others who are too numerous to name here but who have placed themselves in senior and responsible positions in news media.
A few years ago, Gonzalez published a long-overdue collection of his writings/columns in book form under the title, “My Malacañang.†The title derives from his childhood years spent in the presidential palace during the time of Manuel Quezon, under whom Gonzalez’s father Arturo served as resident civil engineer. His writings take the reader from his thrilling and carefree days in Malacañang to the fearful times of the Japanese occupation.
“My Malacañang†also contains evocative narratives from Gonzalez’s travels, undertaken with President Macapagal and by his lonesome. The essays also include tender love letters to his wife Jean and sons Richie and Noel that were disguised as essays.
He wrote a column for various newspapers over the years, many samples of which are in “My Malacañang.†His style of writing is so special that isn’t easy to replicate, even by other writers who have become accomplished in their own right or write.
If the presidents (of the nation and of institutions) that he served had delivered scintillating speeches and papers, it was partly because of Gonzalez’s magical pen. He was so good at his craft that he was much sought after by aspiring orators.
And, besides writing inspiring speeches, he was also a public relations practitioner and guru who helped the organizations he served better promote their products or services.
Gonzalez was an excellent writer because he knew and loved language, especially its precision, always aware that specific words have specific meanings. He belonged to a rare class of English writers who put together words with ease and precision and joy.
Those who learned the craft of writing from him will best remember Gonzalez as the one who taught them not only the prose but also the poetry of writing, not only the grammar but also the grace of English, and not only the style but also the substance of writing. He encouraged them to write with an agile mind and an adept pen.
Over the years, those who passed under the portals of the Dawn kept in touch with Gonzalez. He was the glue that kept together the fraternity/sorority of Dawn alumni in touch and intact, creating camaraderie that continues to this day.
For the past five years, Gonzalez fought illness with his mind still vibrant and his sense of humor and irony alive. On May 15, his battle ended. But his memory and inspiration linger.
Gonzalez’s wake is at the Sanctuarium on Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.