Taxi drivers also bid farewell to Bellita

Taxi drivers had their own silent farewell for the late  Cebu radio broadcaster and comedian Marlon Bellita.

Dozens of taxis yesterday accompanied the  funeral cortege that delivered his remains to his home station in ABS-CBN Central Visayas in  Jagobiao, Mandaue City and then to residence in Talisay City.

Others stopped by the road as  drivers waved goodbye when  the convoy passed.

“You don’t have to cry because many people loved your husband,” TV anchor Leo Lastimosa told Marlon’s widow  and children during a short tribute aired live  by ABS-CBN.

Ferdinand Mañus, dyAB reporter, said  taxi drivers loved to listen to Bellita crack jokes and deliver comic dramas on air using his voice to portray several characters in his program “Rated R”.

“If they listen to Marlon, they would  forget their frustrations with their passengers who would even laugh with them,” said Mañus, who worked with Bellita for five years.

A benefit concert was held last night by media colleagues at the Cebu City Police Office grounds to honor Bellita.

Several showbands, including the Newsbreak band composed of  active media practioners performed.

Bellita’s fans, including  taxi drivers crowded in the North Reclamation Area and the road in Cebu Technological University (CTU), Cebu City where the convoy passed.

ABS-CBN Cebu employees in  white shirts waited for his remains  to arrive at 7:20 a.m.  along with fans.

A  five-hour tribute program  ended at nearly 1 p.m.

White balloons were released as the funeral cortege reached  his home in sitio Kawayan barangay San Isidro, Talisay City.

Bellita’s radio program “Rated R” which runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m  was interrupted by  a  TV Patrol Central Visayas newscast aired at 5 p.m.

Bellita’s program has been temporarily replaced  with “Rated R, James Spider Kaka style.”

But broadcast colleagues who consider Mañus wit and comic flair on air a marvel said he was one of a kind.

Mañus noted that the popular anchor, who suffered a severe stroke on Oct. 30 and fell into a coma, died at 6 p.m., about the same time  he signs off on his  radio program.

Bellita was  41.