Whenever I think of the late photojournalist Mandy Navasero, I remember the four tense days I saw her during the EDSA Revolution from February 22 to 25, 1986. The uprising, sparked by military defections, Cardinal Jaime Sin’s radio appeal and mass civilian protests, ended the regime of Ferdinand Marcos and drew admiration around the world.
A 1981 graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, Luz Amandolina Cruz Navasero, known as Mandy, was the only girl and fifth of seven children of Victor Laforteza Navasero Jr. of Los Baños and Leonora Almonte Cruz of Pagsanjan, Laguna.
Mandy began in public relations at Bank of America in the early 1970s. Her first break as a photojournalist came in 1976, when Philippine Panorama editor Levi Marcelo asked her to take a cover photograph for the Manila Bulletin’s Sunday magazine.
“Chelo Banal was very proud that there was now a woman photographer. At that time, the world of photography was dominated by men,” Mandy recalled. She earned an AB in English from Philippine Women’s University and a master’s degree in English literature from Ateneo de Manila University.
She later contributed photographs to major local and foreign publications and photographed prominent figures. They included actress Zsa Zsa Gabor; former Presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III; former Vice Presidents Noli de Castro and Jejomar Binay; public officials, military leaders, journalists, entertainers and civic personalities.
Her subjects also included journalists Eggie Apostol, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc and Mike Enriquez; entertainers Vic Sotto, Richard Gomez, Jaclyn Jose and Melanie Marquez; and political figures Loren Legarda, Raul Roco, Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon, among many others.
Before the EDSA revolt, Mandy was already covering street demonstrations against the Marcos administration for Mr. & Ms. magazine.
“Kasi, mayroon akong balls sa dibdib,” she once told me, expressing the courage she brought to her work.
“Noong EDSA revolt ay humarap kami sa mga tangke. Ginawa namin ito dahil mahal namin ang aming bayan. Masarap maging Pilipino,” she said. “During the EDSA revolt, we faced the tanks. We did this because we love our country. It is wonderful to be Filipino.”
She remembered praying sincerely with religious leaders and civilians: “Hail Mary, have mercy on us.” She added that being Filipino was something one could proudly proclaim to the world.
As a single parent, Mandy made time for her children, whom she considered gifts from God.
“Nag-iba ang estilo ng buhay ko. Umuuwi na ako nang mas maaga dahil nanay na ako,” she said. Her children attended Sunday Bible school and became responsible young people.
“I’m not a disciplinarian. I treat them like my friends,” she said. “When I don’t like what they are doing, they stop. They listen.”
Mandy once related that while riding in a taxi, her daughter Amanda Noelle innocently told the driver she was not afraid of her mother because “my mom is my real barkada.” Everyone laughed.
Despite the demands of photography, Mandy was a devoted mother.
A Birthday With a Cause
Singer-songwriter Carmela Charles recently celebrated her birthday by supporting a feeding program and school-supplies outreach for children at San Luis Central School in San Luis, Aurora.
“Birthdays remind us to count our blessings. Perhaps the most meaningful way to celebrate is by sharing those blessings with others,” said Carmela of Carmela Children Collaborative.
Farewell to TV and Radio Host Jobert Sucaldito
When I arrived at a funeral home in Quezon City for the first night of the wake for TV and radio host and writer Jobert Sucaldito, I saw many people from the entertainment industry. OOTD, or “Oras ng Opinyon, Talakayan at Diskusyon,” co-host Chaps Manansala welcomed me, and I later met the program’s friendly staff.
I extended my condolences to Jobert’s son, Carlo Bryan, and spoke with his sister, Sol Sucaldito, who lives in Baguio City. She said the family’s last video chat with Jobert was on July 13, 2026.
The Sucaldito siblings regularly prayed the rosary together through group video calls. On July 30, Jobert was unable to join and sent this message: “I won’t be able to join our rosary kasi erratic pa oras ko. Naghahabol ng tulog pag may chance. Di pa recovered sa anxiety. But don’t worry, lagi akong nagpi-pray for all of us.”
I was touched by his message. Sol described Jobert as caring, thoughtful, generous and kind. Tears flowed silently from her eyes as she spoke.
To the Sucaldito family, I extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of Jobert, a true and dear friend who supported my outreach activities for the elderly, children with cancer, persons with disabilities and children with special needs.
“Rizal 3000” at St. Scholastica’s College Manila
“Rizal 3000” will be presented on Aug. 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. at St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College Manila.
The play is a futuristic reimagining of national hero Dr. José Rizal, set in a time when humanity stands at the crossroads of truth, identity and freedom. In a world shaped by technology and transformation, Rizal’s ideals are reborn, challenging a new generation to remember who they are and what they must defend.
