British correspondent died poor, knew the Philippines by heart

Remember Barry Riddel? The very lovable and hard-driving British journalist who covered Malacañang and the Senate as a correspondent of Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) for over 40 years?  He died last Dec. 10 from cardiac arrest. He was 76.

Barry is fondly remembered by his colleagues and peers as that white-bearded journalist, always clod in an unkempt polo barong and lugging a “banig tampipi” and unstoppable with his comments and questions in press conferences and other media events.

Barry died impoverished.  He had no known family or relatives in the Philippines.  He had nothing and left nothing because all he had was his weather-beaten laptop and great love for the poor Filipino children for most of whom he spent most of what he earned.

It was learned from the British Embassy in Manila that his family has waived any right and interest to claim his remains.

Up to Jan. 28, Barry’s remains were in Funeraria Floresca in Paco.  His remains have now been cremated through the help of the NHK and a few friends who are also arranging a decent interment for him in a columbarium. Manila Mayor Estrada has offered help.

Barry lived in the Philippines long enough to know it by heart and love it.  Let us always remember him.

—IKE C. GUTIERREZ,

Office of Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada, ike_gutierrez12 @yahoo.com.ph