Goodbye, Tito Dougs!
The talent manager, who's famous for his "French exits," leaves showbiz for good.
Holy Mass was offered for him before his cremation last June 20 at the Heritage Park.
Uploaded: June 22, 2009
Douglas Cordovez Quijano became famous in show business as a columnist, talent manager, and star builder.
But to his alagas—a "mentor," "konsensiya," "mediator," "troubleshooter," among other qualities.
He also helped several companies—like Regal Films, Bench, and ABS-CBN—achieve what they are now.
Outside showbiz, he was a generous employer, "the best kuya," and a loyal and thoughtful friend.
He lived a colorful 64 years!
Photography: Elyas Salanga
During his last day, all his alagas trooped to the chapel as early as 9:00 a.m.
Among the early birds were Joey Marquez and his sons Jeremy (right) and Yeoj (middle).
Photography: Elyas Salanga
One of the topics discussed at Joey's table was the type and design of a mini-urn that would contain some ashes of Tito Dougs.
This golden-brass heart keepsake was one of the options.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
But Gelli wanted plain silver. "Parang locket siya na malaki," she said.
Each piece costs P3,000.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Richard Gomez arrived with his wife Lucy and daughter Jualiana a few minutes before 11:00 a.m.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Lucy dropped by the table of Joey and looked at the mini-urns. "This one is very Dougs. Puwede pang maging pendant," she said.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Afterwards, Lucy joined her husband inside the chapel. "Look at the bird, it's still there," Lucy told Richard.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Outside the chapel, there was a slight commotion. Annabelle Rama (right) started giving away Zorro fans and umbrellas.
The mom of Richard Gutierrez, who filed a 25-million libel suit against PEP and editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon (left), said: "Ayan, 'day, kahit kaaway kita, bibigyan kita ng pamaypay at payong para hindi ka mainitan."
Everyone present at the table said, "Uy, bati na ba sila?"
They didn't reconcile that day. But, at least, they made a small talk.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
The chapel lobby was lush and fragrant with funeral wreaths.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Antonio Aquitania, also a talent of Tito Dougs, was unusually quiet. He stayed in one corner and just observed people.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Maricel Laxa, who became one of Richard's leading ladies, arrived solo.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Anna Roces, a ward of Annabelle Rama, was also early.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Ynna Asistio came with her mom, Nadia Montenegro, and two younger sisters.
Tito Dougs used to be her manager, until Annabelle Rama spotted her and decided to take the 17-year-old actress under her wing.
In a previous interview with PEP, Ynna said, "Nag-usap naman po sina Tito Dougs at Tita Annabelle."
Photography: Elyas Salanga
The officiating priest announced that it was also the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. "Sasalubungin si Douglas ni Mama Mary," he said.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Necrological Mass began at 11:24 a.m.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Ryan Yllana read one of the gospels.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Juliana, the unica hija of Richard and Lucy, did the second reading.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Yeoj Marquez, the son of Joey and Alma Moreno, read a passage from the Holy Bible.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
During the Mass, a little butterfly alighted on the hand of Mark Quijano, the middle brother among Tito Dougs's siblings.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Janice de Belen to Tito Dougs: "I thank you for respecting my decisions...for understanding my want and my need for privacy. Thank you, for believing in me
and for allowing me to always be real to myself..."
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Peewee Quijano thanked the people who took good care of his Tito Dougs when he was still alive. He ended his speech with "I love you."
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Francis Suplanos was the talent manager's driver for 20 years. He described Dougs as a generous employer. "Nagbibigay po siya sa panggastos, minsan, gamot, pati pampaaral ng mga anak ko," he revealed.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Mother Lily Monteverde cried while delivering her eulogy. "I cannot imagine Regal without him," who's her dear friend of more than three decades.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Nadia Montenegro:
"I don't think
anyone could ever compare how good a man you were, how...you're easy to work
with. How selfless you were!"
From showbiz to motherhood to politics, Tito Dougs never withdrew his support from the former Regal baby.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Wendell Ramos was said to be one of Tito Dougs's "sakit ng ulo." A source said, "parati kasing late."
He was very composed while delivering his brief message, and was sincere when he said: "I am sorry."
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Dougs would usually greet his wards with a cheery "yes!!!" But every time he would see John Estrada, he would say, "Hoy!"
But the boy who grew up in Basilan didn't mind. He wouldn't be where he is now without his talent manager.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Richard was officially introduced to showbiz in 1985 via Inday Bote. "Nagsimula
sa pogi na hindi marunong umarte, natuto na lang," he chuckled.
More than two decades later, Goma became one of the most sought-after actor of his generation.
He shared several anecdotes about the man who discovered him that morning. And realizing that he'd never see Tito Dougs again, he wept.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Goma asked every one to give Tito Dougs a round of applause! "He deserves it!" he exclaimed.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
After Goma, it was Joey's turn.
The famous celeb couple listened intently to the eulogy of Tsong, nickname of Joey.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Then came the painful part...
The priest asked the people in the chapel to say goodbye to Tito Dougs for the last time. Gome cried earnestly.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Gelli de Belen, who was accompanied by husband Ariel Rivera and sons Joaqui and Julio, was also teary-eyed.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Unlike the previous nights, Jomari was more composed during Tito Dougs's last day.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
(Clockwise) The daughters of John Estrada and Janice de Belen, Moira and Kyla; The eldest son of Ariel Rivera and Gelli de Belen, Joaqui; and Nadia Montenegro's eldest daughter with former Caloocan Mayor Boy Asistio, Ynna.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Ces Evangelista will miss his constant buddy.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Tito Dougs eventually became a family friend of the Torreses.
Don Manuel Torres, the dad of Lucy, never missed a single night of the wake.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Pilar Pilapil also came to say goodbye to the well-loved talent manager.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Tyron Perez, a newbie under Tito Dougs's talent management compaby, sobbed when it was his turn to go near the casket of his manager.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Ogie Diaz also shed tears.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
After the tearful mass, camaraderie reigned in the chapel. Group hug!
Photography: Elyas Salanga
YES! magazine came up with a flash presentation showing the pistures of Tito Dougs.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Lucy, Richard, and John looked at the pictures and reminisced the good times they had with their manager.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
While the pictures were shown on the screen, Ogie Alcasid gave his a capella rendition of Tito Dougs's favorite song, "Grow Old With You" and the OPM classic, "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin."
Photography: Elyas Salanga
Ruffa Gutierrez was also present.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
The Gutierrezs—Annabelle, Eddie, and Ruffa.
Did the mom and daughter already kiss and make up?
Photography: Elyas Salanga
You led a well-lived 64 years in this world, Tito Dougs. Thank you for including us in your beautiful journey.
Photography: Elyas Salanga
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