Cebu broadcast icon Choy Torralba, 72

CEBU, Philippines — Veteran Cebuano broadcaster Cirse Francisco “Choy” Torralba passed away early yesterday morning due to a lingering illness. He was 72.

Panky Torralba, third of Choy’s eight children, said his father succumbed to liver cancer.

According to “Cebu Journalism and Journalism,” Torralba, host of radio dyRF program "Tug-ani'ng Lungsod," had his uncle Geronimo "Boy" Creer Jr. to thank for his broadcasting career, which spanned more than four decades.

In 1977, Creer convinced Choy, a business administration graduate of the University of Southern Philippines, to try radio work.

From a morning commentary program he handled over radio dyLA in 1981, Choy moved to an evening program of the now defunct radio dyFX. He moved to radio dyAR in 1994, returned to dyLA in 2005, then found a home in dyRF two years later.

Father Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD, DYRF manager, also said that for 16 years, Choy’s presence in their station was filled with fun and laughter.

“He was a tito, a father, and a friend to everyone in the station, from the staff to the management. We also extend our condolences to the bereaved family. Rest assured we are one with them in prayers,” he said.

“News of fellow broadcaster Choy Torralba's death yesterday shocked me. He was a good friend of mine and he was the one who introduced me to Flower Garden as another internet platform,” broadcaster Sam Costanilla, on the other hand, said.

Costanilla recalled that they used to work together during their dyLA years when he served as the station's news director and Choy was one of their hard-hitting commentators.

“Choy's unshakeable and unwavering pro-Marcos stance only showed his firm commitment to the political family despite criticisms from other sectors. I would miss his intelligent and witty analysis of events,” he said.

“As I bid farewell to you with a very heavy heart, allow me to say thank you Kuya Choy for the years of friendship. For all the advice and the funny conversations and for always having my back like a real brother in all the battles and skirmishes that we've been through. May you rest in peace in God's heavenly home,” said former Cebu broadcaster Ike Durano, in a Facebook post.

“Choy is a good and you can learn a lot from him as media veteran and a person. He will surely miss in media circle,” likewise said broadcaster Edward Ligas.

Ramil Ayuman, a special assistant of Mayor Michael Ramaa and former Apas barangay captain, also recalled how the Torralba family, especially Choy’s father, left an indelible mark in Apas, Cebu City.

“Pahuway sa dayon sir Choy Torralba. Ang pamilyang Torralba di na kalimtan sa taga- Barangay Apas,” he said.

Ayuman said Major Ramon Torralba, Choy’s father and former medical director of Central Command in the 1950s, was the one who created the name “Apas” when the barangay was formed.

“Tungod ang mga asawa mo-apas sa ilang sundalong bana sud sa kampo. Kini maoy hinungdan ang dalan duol sa Gate 1 sa Centcom gihangalan nga Torralba Street,” he said.

Panky said his father’s body now lies at the Sacred Heart Chapel in Cebu City and the wake will be until Saturday. — (FREEMAN)