The sudden death of prominent entertainment writer Nestor Torre, Jr. has left many in the showbiz industry stunned.
Nueva Ecijano entertainment chronicler Mike Herrera informed that Torre died early Tuesday morning at the age of 79
THIS is indeed one of the saddest stories written in the most recent history of Philippine entertainment.
The death earlier today of veteran movie, TV and stage writer, director, producer and erstwhile TV host Nestor U. Torre, Jr. stunned many in show business.
Nestor—popularly known with his moniker NUT—in singer-actress Isay Alvarez’s social media post died without mention of the cause of death.
Fellow movie journalist Nestor Cuartero said in his eulogy to his tukayo (namesake): “…he had been sidelined by a stroke in 2018 and had been confined in a care home somewhere in Marikina until he passed April 6.”
“He was a man of few words, yet when he wrote, the words overflowed and overwhelmed the reader. They were always on-point, not quite subtle, suggestive and corrective, like the critic that he was.
“We, his readers, have long been missing his writing, his often acerbic remarks, his witty, funny asides, especially during conversations,” noted Cuartero in his socmed spaces.
Nueva Ecijano entertainment chronicler Mike Herrera informed that Torre died early Tuesday morning at the age of 79.
Memories of Nestor started to pour in from his kith and kin and colleagues. Bibeth Orteza remembered him as a fantastic director in the film “Ang Isinilang Ko Ba’y Kasalanan?” (1977) from F Film Entertainment Exponent, Inc. with Laurice Guillen, Susan Valdez, Raquel Montesa, Cecille de Joya, Barbara Luna, Martha Sevilla and Odette Khan.
“He directed my first feature film, this man who didn't write his screenplays, stage plays and columns on the typewriter, no way on computers much later on, just doing all of them by hand, on yellow legal-sized pad. A loving son to his mama Isabel who passed just a teeny-weeny bit ahead of her son, I see him now having a major argument with Behn Cervantes, while Bibsy Carballo just keeps on rolling her eyes.
“Godspeed, Nestor U. Torre Jr., our favorite NUT!” shared Bibeth.
Young Critics Circle member Nonoy Lauzon praised the film as “acclaimed for an outstanding acting ensemble.”
Actor Doods Jimenez wrote in his Facebook page: “Thank you for musicale ‘Magsimula Ka’ from Actors Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (KAPPT).”
Filmmaker Adolf Alix, Jr. recalled his encounter as a neophyte screenwriter under Torre’s watch.
“He opened our eyes to the world of storytelling. I was only 17 when his scriptwriting workshop allowed us to explore and learn the ways of the craft. Thank you Sir Nestor Torre for helping us bring the best in us. Not only are you a great teacher of writing but you thought us great lessons on how to work in this industry and life and general.
Be among angels, Sir NUT!”
Before Torre suffered a stroke, he was editing the entertainment section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
He was also known to have directed other films as “Crush Ko Si Sir” and “As Long As There’s Music.”
NUT was also one of the founding members of the prestigious Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP).
He was also a TV cohost with Elvira Manahan in a pre-Martial Law ABS-CBN show, “Two for the Road.”
Here are random thoughts on Nestor in memoriam:
“…but you are going to a better place where you shall be with Benjamin, Lino, Tony, and rest of the gang. As Bibeth wrote ‘Godspeed!’ with much affection.”—Lingling Cervantes.
“Deepest condolences”—Sharmaine Arnaiz
“Pakikiramay sa pagdadalamhati”—Madlen MV Nicolas
“Haaaay, Ate Bibeeeeth…!—Adriana Agacaoili
“Oh my, napatay siya gali, Direk? Condolences”—Tara Illenberger
“Oh no! Rest in Peace, Sir Nestor”—Sari Dalena
“Sad to hear this…condolences”—Baby K. Jimenez
Tags: #showbiz, #obituary, #NestorTorreJr.