EDDIE ILARDE, TV AND RADIO ICON, PASSES AWAY AT 85

He was the voice of many generations

- KRIZETTE CHU

Even in his last days, former Senator and TV host Eddie Ilarde couldn’t help but give advice.

The iconic radioman asked radio stations to play more music as the pandemic raged worldwide.

“Everything in the electronics and print media is about coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19), and while it’s a welcome thing to know what’s going on, too much of it is psychological poison,” the late lawmaker said in April, urging radio stations to devote one hour to just music.

A cultural icon credited for the phrase “Dear Kuya Eddie” and “Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie,” the erstwhile public official, who also served as congressman and councilman, was legendary for his ’60s radio program “Dear Eddie,” which put on spotlight the everyday life and concern of the ordinary Filipino.

Quoting the World Health Organization, Ilarde, who became famous for dispensing advice in his radio show, said, “This global health crisis has given rise to a feeling of confusion, paranoia, and anxiety, which should be addressed, [and] levels of loneliness, depression, alcohol and drug use, and suicidal behavior are expected to rise.”