Tita Swarding passes away

Maridol Rañoa-Bismark
Showbiz columnist and radio personality Tita Swarding died of a long-term lung disease Sunday, May 12. He was 60. (Photo from his Facebook page)

Showbiz columnist and radio personality Tita Swarding died of a long-term lung disease Sunday, May 12. He was 60.

Tita Swarding (real name: Romulo Espena) was declared dead at the Quezon City General Hospital 12:24 a.m. after battling emphysema.

At the time of his death, Tita Swarding was hosting “Showbiz Chika with Tita Swarding” on DZRH.

He has been connected with the radio network for 40 years.

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Tita Swarding is survived by his wife Betchay and five children.

His youngest daughter Kariz likens Tita Swarding to cactus: “steady pero matinik sa impluwensiya niya sa mga tao.”

As a dad, Tita Swarding was a “complete package,” the 20-year-old Kariz added.

She also recalled how her dad wanted to have a new jacket made for his Sto. Nino image.

His remains will be brought to San Fernando Funeral Homes, Kaingin Road Quezon City.

Arrangements of the interment have yet to be made, pending the arrival of Tita Swarding’s son from abroad.