News of Douglas Quijano's death last June 13 stunned everyone in local showbiz. Talents, managers, and writers, gathered to share with one another memories of Tito Doug's charisma that touched them all.

Yesterday, June 14, Showbiz Central interviewed some close friends of Douglas, who shared their experiences with the late talent manager.

THE EARLY YEARS. Born on July 24, 1944, Douglas Cordovez Quijano was the eldest of six children. In the late 1960s, he became a columnist and writer. Joining him during his writer years at the Daily Star was none other than fellow talent manager Lolit Solis, who shared an anecdote.

"Maganda pagkauwian na, e, tatanungin ni Douglas, 'Magkano pera mo?' 'Twenty pesos. Ikaw Dougs?' 'Twenty rin! Huwag na tayo sumakay ng jeep. Bumili na lang tayo ng banana-q 'tsaka Sarsapsarilla,'" Lolit narrated.

Sarsapsarilla was a popular soda pop then. Carrying their food, Lolit and Douglas walked from Port area to Legarda. "Ganun kalayo!" laughed Lolit.

In terms of personality, Lolit admitted that Douglas indeed was the nicer person. "Si Douglas si Mr. Amity, ako naman si Ms. Amityville! Sabi nga ni Douglas, 'Kaya lang naman ako mukhang mabait kasi salbahe si Lolit!'"

As a manager, Douglas first handled Tirso Cruz III, who was handled by Tirso's uncle Joey Cruz, who in turn was the first manager of Tirso's love team, Superstar Nora Aunor. After that, Douglas helped Mother Lily Monteverde establish what is now Regal Films.

Douglas also set up the production outfit Sine Filipino amd handled the reigns as producer for MAQ Productions. He also served as a consultant for YES! magazine and PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). He is also a founding member of the Philippine Artist Managers Inc. (PAMI).

Douglas took on much responsibility over the years, although he established himself best as a talent manager. For that he became a showbiz icon. Aside from the big stars he made famous, he also made time for the stars of teeny-bopper groups like the Guwapings to shine.  

TRIBUTES. Among Tito Doug's wards was Anjo Yllana, who recalled, "Sa aming mga talents niya, e, strict siya. Halos lahat kami sa tingin ko professional, kasi number one sa kanya 'yan, e. Pag trabaho, trabaho. Hindi lang yung on time. Pag nasa trabaho ka, ayusin mo ang trabaho mo. Hindi puwedeng pabandying-bandying ka. Hindi puwedeng late ka."

Another of Douglas's talents was William Martinez who shared, "I was doing Manila by Night and I walked out kasi may kissing scene with Bernardo Bernardo. I went to Douglas's house and sabi ko, 'Dougs, ayoko.' Sabi niya, 'Gusto mo mag-artista? Bumalik ka.' I realized na oo nga pala. I went back to the set and I kissed Bernardo Bernardo because Douglas told me, 'Kung gusto mo mag-artista dapat nasa puso mo.' That's how Douglas is."

For Nadia Montenegro, Douglas was a father since she could tell him everything that happened in her life. "Kapag siya ang nagsasabi, alam kong tama," she said.

Aside from his talents, Douglas also earned the respect of his peers and writers, including YES! magazine and PEP editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon, who described Douglas as "completely thoughtful."

Ms. Maglipon related, "One time we were in, I think Palawan, and we heard news that Boracay was burning. My daughter during that time was in Boracay. Pero si Dougs, hindi ko alam na noong nalaman niya na nasusunog ang Boracay at nandoon ang anak ko na si Pat [Patricia], ang ginawa pala, e, kung sinu-sino ang tinawagan at sinu-sino ang pinagbilinan na alam niyang nasa Boracay at ipinagbilin ang anak ko."

GELLI & MARK. Showbiz Central was able to get hold of Gelli de Belen and Douglas's brother Mark Quijano,who were at the talent manager's wake yesterday, June 14. SC host  John "Sweet" Lapus asked them  to share some of their experiences with Douglas.