Before death took him away, Facebook and dancing were the two latest hobbies of Press Secretary Cerge Remonde to temporarily escape the hassles of his job in government.

Remonde, a native of Cebu province, had tweaked his Facebook account almost every night, uploading his thoughts and pictures to catch up with family and friends.

Ballroom dancing was another interest he pursued once a week as a way to take away stress as well as keep fit, according to close Palace aides.

On the eve of his death, Remonde even uploaded a status message on his Facebook account, thanking the Lord for the beautiful and wonderful blessings in his life.

Several pictures of his recent trip to Cebu for the Sinulog festival, poetry reading with friend Atty. Romulo Macalintal, and dancing lessons with some journalists were also posted on Remonde’s Facebook account.

“Lord thank you for your infinite love that meets our every need and provides all the beautiful and wonderful things we experience in life. Release our hearts and minds from fear and worry,” Remonde wrote before 7 PM Monday in his account.

“Fill us with your peace as we learn to fully trust in your providence. Help us to do all that we are capable and the rest, we entrust unto you,” added Remonde, who had 221 friends on Facebook.

It turned out to be his last shoutout on Facebook, his farewell to family and friends. Remonde, a journalist and a public servant, died shortly before lunch yesterday due heart attack. He was 51.

Remonde was a cheerful warrior who was always excited about life despite the difficulties of his government post.  A devoted husband, a beloved colleague, and man of compassion, Remonde was never known to shirk away from challenges (he braved an anti-government protest rally in Mendiola and ended up being heckled) and nevery shy to admit faults (he took the blame for the President's low popularity ratings).

Press undersecretary Maribel Dario recalled that Remonde was giddy over posting updates and pictures on Facebook during their last encounter last Monday night.

“He was busy updating his Facebook. He even told me to check out the photos he posted,” Dario said before she left the Palace that night.

Remonde was also learning how to dance recently, even hiring an instructor at the Palace once a week. Journalists were invited to join the dancing lessons every Friday at Remonde's office.  “He also loves to dance. He was eager to learn to dance as part of keeping wellness,” Dario said.

Dario expressed sadness over the death of Remonde, remembering him as the “best boss” she ever had.

Bubut Velasco, executive secretary of Remonde, also mourned the sudden loss of her boss. “He was very kind, generous. He loves cheering up people when they are down,” she said in between sobs.

Former Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo also grieved over the abrupt demise of Remonde. “He was a dear friend and a mentor to her and his generosity of spirit and kindness will be fondly remembered and cherished by all whose live she touched,” she said.

Former Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, for his part, said he would miss Remonde’s wit, humor and friendship. “My amigo, Cerge, was devoted to whatever job was assigned to him and did it with a passion. He was the consummate media man who knew how to relate with the working media,” he said

“I would miss our singing Frank Sinatra songs during our out-of-of town trips, always ending our sessions with “My Way,’” the former Palace official said.

Jose Isabelo of National Broadcasting Network Inc (NBN-4) said his close friend, Remonde, was loyal public servant until the end.  He said Remonde thought of running for congressman in Cebu or even a senator in the upcoming elections but decided to stay in the Arroyo government instead.

“He wanted to help the President. He did not want to leave her,” said the tv executive who accompanied Remonde in Cebu last weekend. During the Sinulog festival in Cebu, Isabelo said Remonde even prayed for the President’s welfare as she winds up her tenure.

Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas president Herman Basbaño said Remonde’s death was not only a big loss to the broadcast industry but to the country as well. Remonde served as KBP chairman for six consecutive terms before joining the government.

“One of his many accomplishments with KBP is to institutionalize training of its provincial chapter officers.

With what he initiated the KBP now has a good crop of future leaders. The KBP leadership and its members will definitely miss him,” Basbaño said.

Remonde’s remains will lie at the Heritage Park in Taguig City until Wednesday and will be taken to the Palace the next day. On Friday, his remains will be flown to Cebu where he will be buried on Sunday.