Writer Raul Rodrigo passes away

Writer and historian Raul Rodrigo died early Monday, according to his colleagues in the journalism and martial arts community who took to the Internet to express their sadness. An announcement on the Facebook page of Aikido Philippines read: "It is with deep regret and sorrow that I have to inform all of you that Mr. Raul Rodrigo, a leading figure in Aikido in the Philippines, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in the early hours of this morning, Monday, January 30, 2012." The cause of his death was not immediately known, although he had reportedly complained of chest pains the night before.  The 46-year-old writer was a well-known Aikido instructor, historian of the Lopez clan, and author of books such as “Kapitan” and “Undaunted: The Lopez Legacy.”   According to Rosan Cruz of Lopez Holding’s Corporate Communications department, the wake for Rodrigo will be held at Chapel 5 of Loyola Memorial Homes in Commonwealth, Quezon City starting at 7 pm Monday. Interment is scheduled on Feb. 4, she added. Friends and colleagues sent condolences to the writer’s wife, Nancy, and his two daughters.      A former classmate, Ana Tanjuatco-Perez, said, “Just learned of the untimely passing of ADMU Coll'85 batchmate Raul Rodrigo. Praying for his eternal repose & for the family he left behind.”   Journalist Glenda Gloria tweeted, "Rest in peace, Raul Rodrigo. Such a shock. He was our opinion editor at the Manila Times under Gokongweis. Decent, bright man.”   Other friends said that Rodrigo’s death came as a shock because he appeared to be physically fit.   Business columnist Boo Chanco tweeted, “…he is such a fitness guy... a blackbelt no less.”   News executive Charie Villa said on Twitter “…He was fit! 46 pa lang. Well, he is in a better place now. Bye for now Raul Rodrigo, a Lopez historian.” - Amanda Lago/YA, GMA News