Journalist Gamos laid to rest

MALOLOS, Bulacan — At 9 a.m. last Saturday, mourners including Manila, Bulacan and Pampanga-based journalists, filled the residence of the late Ben Gamos for their final farewell before taking him to the Barasoain Public Cemetery here.

Gamos passed away peacefully in his home in Barangay Sumapang Matanda last Monday morning. He was 85.

Family, friends, and colleagues said Gamos was a man of integrity. He lived his life to the fullest by sharing his talent to persons interested to become a news writer. He was a good family man and a follower of God.

As a news writer, he remained honest, fair and responsible.

Gamos was also a stringer of the Associated Press and worked as a correspondent for the Journal Group of Publications (Times Journal, People’s Journal), covering the Central Luzon beat.

Before joining the Journal Group, he worked as a defense reporter of the now defunct Manila Chronicle.

Gamos, fondly called by peers as “Mang Ben,” was a lifetime member of the National Press Club of the Philippines and the Pampanga Press Club, and one of the founding officers of the Bulacan Press Club.

His dedication to work endeared him to many public servants, police and military officers like President Fidel V. Ramos, former PNP Chief and now Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., and retired Gen. Edgardo Aglipay to name a few.

His long-time colleague, Pampanga-based journalist Bong Z. Lacson, once wrote in his column: “Sa kanyang pagkahirang bilang “Newspaperman of the Year” sa Gitnang Luzon noong Araw ng Konstabularya, labis ang ating kagalakan. Sa paggawad ng parangal kay Mang Ben bilang tanging mamamahayag ay masasabi nating ginawaran din niya ng ibayong halaga ang dangal na iginawad sa kanya. Yaon bang sa Ingles ay ‘He gave value to the honor bestowed upon him.’”

Gamos is survived by his sons Percival, Gabriel, and Emilio; daughters-in-law Flor and Beth; and grandchildren Aldrin, Gabrielle and Paul Angelo. (Freddie C. Velez)