Teban ‘humble despite rockstar status’

CEBU, Philippines — The late Julian “Teban” Daan remained “humble” despite reaching “rockstar status” as a radio personality during his years, said Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Teban, a veteran radio personality, former Provincial Board (PB) member and incumbent Talisay City councilor, succumbed to heart failure on August 21. He was 74.

Teban, who was well known by his radio name “Esteban Escudero” or “Teban,” was famous as a radio and stage actor. He starred in several radio dramas such as “Ang Manok ni San Pedro,” “Milyonaryong Mini” and “Goat the Wonderful.”

Garcia, who spoke at Teban’s memorial service at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall, also praised Teban for staying faithful to her wife, Provincial Board Member Yolanda “Yoly” Daan, despite the temptations of the entertainment industry.

“He remained faithful to the love of his life, Yoly. Despite the temptations in the entertainment industry, he remained a doting husband to his everlasting love,” she said.

Garcia said Teban was also a “loyal” friend.

Teban was Garcia’s runningmate when the later first ran for governor in 2004. But Teban lost to the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr.

In 2007, Teban returned in politics and served as PB member for three consecutive terms.

The governor recalled that Teban declined the post of acting vice governor when the former was suspended for six months in 2012 for usurpation and grave abuse of authority.

“He remained true and loyal to a friend,” said Garcia.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the camp of Sanchez. The complaint accused Garcia of hiring consultants without the Provincial Board’s authority and hiring employees for the Office of the Vice Governor.

For her part, Yoly said Teban was very dedicated to public service.

In 1982, Daan started his political career when he ran and won as barangay councilor in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay, back when Talisay was still a town.

Daan became a provincial board member of Cebu’s First District in 1995.

In 2016, after ending his three-year term as PB, he ran as Talisay City councilor. He ran for another term during the May 2019 elections and earned a fresh mandate to serve for another three years.

Yoly also reminisced during the service the “great bond” they shared as husband and wife.

“We are inseparable,” she said.

On the other hand, the PB has passed a resolution extending its condolences to Teban’s family.

“It is beyond question that the late Teban wholeheartedly devoted his life to the service of the Cebuanos and inspired his avid followers not just in Cebu but likewise in many parts of the country, hence, his untimely demise was greatly felt and considered a big loss by the public in general,” read the resolution.

The resolution was read by Vice Governor Hilario Davide III and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during yesterday’s memorial service. — KQD (FREEMAN)