Big names in the local entertainment industry mourn the death of movie and television talent manager Douglas Quijano who passed away at his rest house in Lucban, Quezon province at about 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13. He was 64. 

Some of his wards in his decades-long career are Richard Gomez, John Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Gelli de Belen and Wendell Ramos.

TV host-actress Gelli de Belen, said to be one of Quijano’s favorites, remembers him to be a “fair and objective (manager).”

“If you want sound advice, if you want (to know) the real deal, if you want to learn about things without embellishment, siya ang kakausapin mo. He won’t ell you ‘Ang galing-galing mo’ (but he’ll tell you) pag may decision (to be made), the pros and cons and lets you decide.”

Actor Richard Gomez who called entertainment TV show “Startalk” from San Francisco, USA, described Quijano as one who has helped a lot of people.

“Sana God would bless his soul dahil madami siyang natulungan na tao. I pray for his peace. Nakakalungkot na nawala si Douglas nang bigla-bigla. Sana tahimik na siya sa kinalalagyan niya ngayon,” Gomez said.

He added that he had always advised Quijano - said to be a diabetic who had a heart condition -to watch what he ate.

“But he’d always tell me na he’s very active dahil lagi siyang nag-tra-travel. Yon na daw ang form of exercise niya,” said Gomez who will be flying back to Manila with his wife Lucy Torres on June 15 for Quijano’s wake.       

Actor Richard Gutierrez whom Quijano represented for several endorsement deals, described Douglas as a “family friend” and a “calm and collected (person).”

Entertainment editor-TV host Ricky Lo said Quijano helped him on making arrangements for his show on GMA 7.

“Inayos niya lahat, mula sa pagdamit (sa akin) hanggang sa sweldo. Wala na akong inasikaso. Ginawa niya ito (para sa akin) as a labor of love for a friend,” said Lo.

Talent manager-TV host Lolit Solis said she is saddened by Quijano’s demise, adding that Quijano knew how to live, “to enjoy life.” 

“He has been my friend since 1968. He was the one who convinced me to shift to entertainment journalism. He was there when I got married, when I gave birth and when my parents died. My first trip abroad was because of him. Pag nakaaway mo si Douglas, tiyak ikaw ang may kasalanan dahil napakabait na tao yan,” she said.

According to entertainment writer and talent manager Ces Evangelista who was with Quijano during his final moments, Quijano felt an itch on his legs late afternoon Friday.

He asked to be brought to his doctor to have it checked, but refused to go to a hospital after the consultation.

On the way back to his rest house, Quijano complained of feeling cold so he had the aircon in his van turned off. Quijano retired to his room at 8 p.m. after drinking coffee.

Evangelista added that he and a helper checked on Quijano several times that night and early morning the next day through a window that looked into his room.

At 9 am, June 13, Evangelista saw Quijano in a prone position on the floor beside his bed. Quijano’s driver, who was called to go check on Quijano up close, confirmed that Quijano had died.

Evangelista said that the doctor who examined Quijano said he died of a stroke.

Quijano’s body is being transported to Manila as of press time. His wards say they are making arrangements for Quijano’s wake to be at Heritage Park in Taguig City.