As a word, Mardy can mean awkward, uncooperative, bad tempered and whiney in English. But in French, Mardy means Tuesday–ergo, Fat Tuesday, which means a really happy party’s happening.
If I were to describe Mardy Pantaleon, I’d say he epitomizes Fat Tuesday more than the old English meanings for his name.
Mardy is one person who truly worked his way up. He started in ABS-CBN as a Production Assistant-cum-extra-cum-gofer-cum-all sorts of odd jobs. He was not satisfied with that–learning how to write, produce programs and acquiring that so-called nose for news. He was truly a gifted news person–with the ability to mix editorial and production elements to produce a great story.
When I first walked into the Sarimanok News Network, Mardy was one of the first to welcome me with open arms. He was not selfish and was always willing to lend a helping hand. It had come to a point when I and the rest of the relatively newbie reporters of SNN (now ANC) thought of Mardy and his wife Hiyas as surrogate parents.
Even when we were all moved to ABSCBN and were scattered to the winds, working with Mardy was a joy. He was funny–even under pressure. He knew what he was doing and even what the reporters were trying to do.
Sure, he was eccentric at times, but that was all part of what made Mardy loveable.
In business lingo, Mardy was a highly under-utilized prime asset. He had the capacity to do great things–had it not been for challenges that came his way.
Mardy Pantaleon passed away in the early morning of January 29th. He was only 39 years old. Mardy left behind his wife and 3 sons.
His dream for his sons–that they have the oppportunity to live better lives. Mardy was a simple person. He was very close to his sons.
He was only about 6 years older than me, and yet he seemed so much older and wiser. I don’t think I would have been able to excel had I not become close to Mardy.
So thank you Mardy for your gift of friendship.
May you find eternal peace and solace. Godspeed!
