THIS MONTH
Ira Panganiban Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR’S NOTE
SAYING GOODBYE
ur March issue was the last Autocar Philippines’ Managing Editor Earl Manalansan laid to bed for us. He passed away in the wee hours of April 7, 2021, from complications over the virus Covid-19. Earl was 52 when he was called by our Lord. It is always a sad time when we lose someone we cherish. For the past four years, Earl has been the heart and soul of Autocar Magazine Philippines. Being the Managing Editor, he was in charge of finalizing the content of the magazine. That was a lot of work. But Earl being Earl, he attacked his job with gusto. He enjoyed every coverage, every
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photoshoot, every test drive, every event he got his hands on. Earl loved cars and everything that went with it. Our managing editor is also a happy, loving, lovable person. He had this wonderful smile on his face, every time, all the time, for everyone. He was Mr. Selfie. He took so much selfies with everyone in every event, that it eventually became mandatory for us. It was actually a groufie, said one motoring journalist, because he was never alone in a photo, he always had a smiling crowd with him. I know we always say “it will be difficult to find someone like him.” It has become so cliché’ even if it is sincere. But we will find it hard
to find another Earl Manalansan. A man who always gave it his best, whether it is a cover shoot or a mandatory selfie. This Editors Note is a tribute to our Managing Editor. To thank him for all his hard work and devotion to our team. To recognize his contribution and all the effort he put into closing every issue. We know Earl is now cradled in the arms of our Lord Most High, peaceful at last. And as we lay this issue to bed, we also bow down our heads in sadness and prayer, for another good man we have lost to this pestilence. We cry to the Lord God that he be the last one, not only in our circle, but in the entire world. Amen.
❝ This Editors Note is a tribute to our Managing Editor. To thank him for all his hard work and devotion to our team. ❞ ✉ irapanganiban@wheelsph.com
2 AUTOCAR.COM.PH APRIL 2021
