Cipriano Roxas, veteran journalist; 76  

CIPRIANO S. Roxas, a veteran newspaperman who was at the helm of several broadsheet papers in his prime, passed away on Friday afternoon. He was 76.

Roxas left behind daughters Anne and Olivia, son William Lancelot (Billy Boy), siblings Margarita R. Manahan, Alicia and brother Jose Jr.. and partner Jo Efa.

He joined his late wife Mary Achaval, deceased father Jose Roxas Jr., and mother Margarita Spurlin-Roxas and brother William.

Following his wishes, there will be no wake.

Instead, a Mass was held Sunday, January 31, at Funenaria Paz Superior de luxe Chapel along Araneta Ave, Quezon City, at 3:30 p.m. His remains were cremated after the Mass.

The family announced that there will be a “Gathering of Zip Friends” which will be announced.

Roxas went to Far Eastern University where he received a degree in AB English.

Roxas, one of the most colorful personalities in Philippine journalism, started his newspaper career as a “mechanic” in the composing room of pre-Martial Law Manila Times, then promoted to reporter of the Variety Magazine of the paper which he would eventually lead as executive editor in 1999 when it changed ownership from the Roces family to Reghis Romero to Mark Jimenez and eventually Dante Ang, present owner.

Roxas was business editor of the Philippines Herald and press attaché to Washington, bureau chief of the Philippine News Agency covering Los Angeles, USA and Toronto, Canada.

Roxas would later get appointed executive editor in the then government-controlled Journal Group of Publications.

He was long-time editor of The Manila Standard and was also a broadcast industry talent as host of a television commentary “Times Four” in the early 1990s.