Radio personality Eddie Ilarde passes away at 85

The whole GMA Radio family is mourning the death of legendary radio host and former senator Eddie Ilarde.

Based on the report of Manny Vargas on Super Radyo dzBB, the former Student Canteen host passed away at his home in Makati on Tuesday, August 4. He was 85.

One of Kuya Eddie's relative, Laila Magistrado Ilarde-Ramos confirmed the death of the radio broadcaster via her post on Facebook.

GMA News pillar Arnold Clavio took to Instagram to mourn the death of his colleague in dzBB. He recalled his fondest memories about him, when they worked together at DWIZ.

He wrote, “Isa sa naging unang trabaho ko sa DWIZ noong 1987-1989 ay ang isalang ang recorded program ni dating Sen. Eddie Ilarde na 'Kahapon Lamang' kapag araw ng Sabado. Dahil ako rin ang standby anchor, nakatutok ako sa kanyang programa.

“Magsisimula sa komentaryo tungkol sa dapat na maging aksyon ng gobyerno sa kanyang mamamayan. At sa pagitan ng mga klasikong awitin (ang alam ko ay may sarili siyang studio ng mga lumang plaka) at mga balitang pang-agham at iba't ibang hamon sa buhay ng mga Pilipino.”

The award-winning Unang Hirit host got the chance to work with former senator Ilarde again on DZBB. Arnold also remembered when he joined their Christmas party in 2017 and said that Kuya Eddie has remained humble throughout the years.

“Hanggang sa muli kaming nagkasama sa @dzbb594 . Sa tuwing Christmas Party ng radyo, dadaan siya at babati. Sandaling makikisaya. Huli siyang dumalo noong 2017. Napaka-humble. Mild manner.

“May sense of humor. Ramdam mo na mahal na mahal niya ang radyo. Kuya Eddie, ang tawag sa kanya ng karamihan, napakasakit kapag permanenteng nagsa-sign off ang isang brodkaster.

“Kamusta mo ako kina Armand Roque, Jaime Dela Rosa, Manang Rose, Lito Villarosa, Bobby Guanzon, Ding Gajeloña at Ka Paeng Yabut. Maligayang paglalakbay. Maraming salamat. Mabalos!”

GMA News reporter Oscar Oida commented on Igan's tribute post for the seasoned radio host and shared that he grew up listening to him.

Senator Ilarde's daughter, Liza Ilarde also posted an emotional message for her father on Facebook, where she enumerated some of her dad's achievements as a public servant.

Liza also admitted that it was more painful to lose their dad, just weeks before his 86th birthday.

Still, it was comforting for all of them to know that they are not facing this difficult ordeal alone, because of the prayers and support they have received.

Our deepest condolences to the family of veteran radio host and senator Eddie “Kuya Eddie” Ilarde.

Maraming-maraming salamat sa mga magagandang alaala, Kapuso!