Adios, Super Bob!

Super Bob has left a void in the radio industry that is difficult to fill. His name will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he has touched, whether ordinary people or fellow broadcasters and journalists. His service spanned several decades.

Super Bob was like so many probinsyanos who sought greener pastures in the city. He once said that he came to Cebu City in slippers. Passionate, dedicated, and courageous, Super Bob endeared himself to his thousands of listeners. His style of commentary showed that he minced no words in his defense of the poor and the marginalized.

He received several awards for his hard work. It is noteworthy that he excelled in radio, television, and print. That was not an ordinary accomplishment for a mediaman.

There is no doubt that he irked not a few people in power. He was once physically attacked. He faced libel charges. Despite all these, he remained undaunted.

Super Bob’s commentary was always sufficient in both form and substance. He had an authoritative voice, perfect for a broadcaster, and did substantial discussions on-air. Indeed, he has carved a name for being a hard-hitting broadcaster yet with great sense of professionalism.

He had strong words on air against those who were subject of his commentary, but he maintained his professionalism. He never used lewd, sexually vulgar, or obscene language that could degrade the broadcasting profession. He followed the standards of broadcasting, something that the new generation of broadcasters should emulate.

I once had the opportunity to work with him. He was the production manager of radio station dySS of RGMA then. He and the late Susan Perez Aliño, the radio station manager then, were the ones who hired me to join their network.

As my boss, he was dedicated and hardworking. He was a good leader. He was sometimes strict to make you a good employee, but he had the time to mingle with his people occasionally.

And when I got so busy because of my Law study, I offered to resign. He encouraged me to stay and reduced my workload so that I could put all my energy on my radio program which was rating well then. He certainly knew how to put the right people in the right job.

Many could also attest to the humility of Super Bob. He reached out to people.

Our last encounter was in a private hospital. I was watching my father in the hospital that time when I met him at the elevator. He was being transported in a hospital bed. He told me that he had just undergone a dialysis.

He sent me a text message after that, inquiring on my own concern, particularly of our patient. Last February 25, we exchanged text messages. He said, “Hello Atty. Musta papa nimo? Discharged na? Ako dia pa intawn diri. Kumbati gihapon. Good luck.” I answered him in the positive and gave him encouraging words. I told him I would include him in my prayers.

I also requested Fr. Roberto Ebisa, KBP president, to offer prayers for Super Bob. Father Ebisa told me that he would certainly call up Super Bob right after our conversation.

That’s how great Super Bob was; he remained thoughtful even if he was fighting his own difficult battle.

Rest in peace, Sir Pablito “Super Bobby” Nalzaro.