Alex Dacanay writes ‘30’

ALEXANDER “Alex” Dacanay succumbed to myelofibrosis - a rare kind of leukemia – on Monday at the National Kidney Institute. He was 71.Dacanay, a six-year stalwart of Nikkei and veteran of media outlets such as WHO and Panorama magazines, had been in and out of hospital for several months. When he retired from the industry, he went on to teach English Literature at his alma mater, the University of the Philippines. A gifted bass singer, he also did stints with the Madrigal Singers, which also counted as a member comedienne Nanette Inventor, and a media chorale.

A chess player, he also covered the sport for government radio. He reported on the 1978 World Cup in Baguio City, which saw Anatoly Karpov pitted against Viktor Korchnoi.Dacanay is survived by spouse Barbara Mae Dacanay, also a journalist, and their children Nadine, Nikos Lexis, Kim, Camille and Nicole, sons-in-law Adee Mendoza and Graciano Fiorillo and grandchildren Banaue, Roja and Daniele.Details of the wake have yet to be announced.