Kapuso reporter Cesar Apolinario dies at 46

Cesar Apolinario, the longtime GMA-7 news reporter, has passed away today. He was 46.

In a statement Friday, the Kapuso Network said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Kapuso, Cesar Apolinario, Jr., who peacefully joined his Creator today, December 13, 2019.”

Apolinario, also the host of GMA News TV’s iJuander, was earlier diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer that is linked to the immune system. He was reportedly in critical condition since Wednesday.

Apolinario was one of GMA-7’s most sought-after reporters. Since joining the network in 1999 — beginning as a researcher, then later as producer — he had been part of many of its major news coverage, including five national elections.

Since 2012, he was also the co-host of the top-rating public affairs program iJuander, along with Susan Enriquez.

A passionate filmmaker, Apolinario also directed some well-known independent feature films, including the 2013 critically acclaimed Dance of the Steel Bars, starring GMA-7 actor Dingdong Dantes.

Apolinario is survived by his wife Joy and their children.

Read GMA-7’s full statement below:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Kapuso, Cesar Apolinario, Jr., who peacefully joined his Creator today, December 13, 2019.

An award-winning broadcast journalist, writer, and director, Cesar will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues, especially those in GMA News and Public Affairs and in the film industry, where he devoted the best years of his life.

A loyal Kapuso, his dedication to his craft as a news reporter, producer, and public affairs host will continue to serve as an inspiration to all.

We join his entire family and loved ones in praying for his eternal repose.