Master Cinematographer Romy Vitug Passes Away at 86
Award-winning cinematographer Romy Vitug, known as the Legendary Cinematographer in the Philippines, passed away on Thursday, January 18, just a few days before his 87th birthday. His children, Dana, Dolor, and Vittorio, confirmed his demise through heartfelt posts on their respective Facebook pages.
Dana shared the sad news, expressing her love and admiration for her father. She posted a touching photo collage of Vitug, showcasing different stages of his life, including his younger days, his work as a cinematographer, and his time spent in the hospital. Dana requested prayers from the public and bid her father farewell, hoping to meet him again someday.
Dolor, on the other hand, honored her father by sharing their last photo together. The picture showed Vitug sitting on a hospital bed, with an oxygen tube attached to him. She captioned the post with a heartfelt message, stating that she wanted to remember him just as he was in that moment – her beloved Tatay.
Vittorio, the third child, shared a black-and-white photo of his father along with his birth and death dates. The simple yet poignant tribute conveyed the loss and grief felt by the family.
The cause of Vitug’s death has not been disclosed by the family, although it is known that he had been in and out of the hospital since 2020 due to his battle with megaloblastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Throughout his illustrious career, Romy Vitug showcased his exceptional talent as a cinematographer. Some of his notable works include “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak” (1978), “Salome” (1981), “Haplos” (1982), “Paradise Inn” (1985), “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit” (1991), and “Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal” (1992), among many others.
Vitug’s contributions to the film industry were widely recognized and celebrated. He received numerous accolades, including the Cinemanila International Filmfest lifetime achievement award in 2000, the Natatanging Gawad Urian in 2016, and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Hall of Fame award in 2019.
The passing of Romy Vitug is a great loss to the Philippine cinema industry. His talent, dedication, and artistry will continue to inspire and leave a lasting impact on future generations of cinematographers. As we bid farewell to this legendary figure, let us remember his remarkable work and the legacy he leaves behind.
[Image Source: Facebook/Romy V Vitug].
