Radioman Marlon Bellita signs off, 42

AFTER being in a coma for two weeks at the intensive care unit of Chong Hua Hospital, radioman Marlon Bellita passed away at 6 p.m last night. He was 42 years old.

The news reporter and anchorman of dyAB’s “Rated R” program was wildly popular  on the airwaves with  his wit and humorous delivery of news reports and commentaries.

When he was rushed to the hospital on Oct. 31 for a ruptured aneurysm, loyal radio listeners  followed  progress reports of his declining health and visited him in the hospital.

He never regained consciousness after the severe stroke.

He is survived by his wife Hazel and  three children aged 6, 10 and 15.

Shortly after news of Bellita’s death went out, his Facebook account was filled with words of condolence from fans and friends.

Ivy Maris Morrison posted: “my heart is sad to know that one of our local radio comedians in Cebu died, Sir Marlon Bellita… may your soul rest in peace… I will never forget those moments you made my afternoons so happy & made my stomach & mouth ache from laughter. Your talent on the radio will surely be missed. We will miss you. You will make everyone in heaven laugh with all your jokes.”

A page entitled “A Prayer  for Marlon Bellita” carried similar messages.

His TV network held a benefit show  to raise funds for his medical bills while colleagues in the the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists  were scheduled to hold another one on  Friday.

Elias Baquero, CFBJ president, said Bellita had helped countless of people in need of assistance over the years and was  a “big loss to Cebu media”.

Baquero said the fund-raising campaign for Bellita, and other critically ill media practitioners Bong Soriano of Banat News and photo correspondent Sammy Yncierto of Cebu Daily Newswould still push through.

Talisay City Councilor Romeo Villarante said the City Council would  pass a resolution recognizing Bellita’s work as a media practitioner assigned at the city.

Bellita was president emeritus of  the group Media in Cebu South (MICS) for those assigned to cover Talisay City and the rest of the first district.

A vigil wake will be held in Bellita’s  home in barangay San Isidro, Talisay City. Funeral details will be announced later.  Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus