TV host Pepe Pimentel dies at 82

MANILA, Philippines – At around 10:30am on January 24, former television host Pepe Pimentel was found dead in the bathroom of his house in Quezon City.

Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedroso of the Quezon City police said 82-year-old Pimentel had a wound in his head when they found him.

While initial investigations point to the possibility that he slipped on the floor and suffered a fatal blow to the head, Pedroso, in an article on Inquirer.net, said Pimentel may have suffered a heart attack.

Pimentel had gone into the bathroom to take a bath. When he didn’t emerge 30 minutes later, his wife and their maid opened the door, thereby discovering him.

His mark on Philippine television

Pimentel began his TV hosting career as a host in the now-defunct GMA7 noontime show, “Student Canteen.”

He is most remembered for hosting the game show “Kwarta o Kahon,” which aired on RPN-9 from 1962 to 2000. His energetic hosting, gregarious sense of humor, and distinct voice that was alternately deep and gravelly ensured that he left a mark on Philippine television.

Filipinos came to love his fatherly hosting style which, in many ways, came to define hosting styles in Philippine game shows.

Ever the performer, Pimentel starred in movies as well, appearing in “Ang Babaeng Sputnik” in 1963 and in the 1985 film, “I Won, I Won: Ang S’werte Nga Naman.”

He went on to serve in local government, becoming Barangay Captain of Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City.

According to his nephew, Ramon Pimentel, the remains of the TV host will immediately be cremated. His ashes will be brought to Pinaglabanan Church in San Juan City where friends, family, and admirers may bid him farewell. – Rappler.com