Michael Alan Hamlin, managing director of strategic marketing communications firm TeamAsia

MANILA, Philippines – Author and strategist Michael Alan Hamlin, managing director of strategic marketing communications firm TeamAsia, passed away on Saturday night after battling cancer. He was 60.

“Mike Hamlin passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on March 9 at 7:15 pm. He was 60, after bravely fighting cancer for several months,” TeamAsia said on its Facebook page on Sunday.

Hamlin has authored or co-authored books and many articles on management, branding, and strategic marketing communications. His most recent books were “High Visibility: Transforming Your Professional and Personal Brand,” and “Marketing Asian Places.” He also writes a weekly column for Manila Bulletin and a monthly column for ComputerWorld Philippines, and is a regular contributor to The Washington Times opinion page.

His commentaries have also appeared in The Wall Street Journal Asia, CNN International and the South China Morning Post.

Hamlin studied Asian Studies at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, and took his Master’s in Liberal Studies at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma.

Hamlin, who worked closely with the country’s IT and BPO sectors, was mourned by industry colleagues on Sunday.

“I first met Michael back in 1999, when he did PR work for us at Great Plains Philippines. He was a trusted adviser when I ran Microsoft Business Solutions, and an even closer adviser since I started Gurango Software in 2003, where he served as a director for the past four years. I am proud to be your friend. God bless you,” wrote Gurango Software founder Joey Gurango.

Joey Alarilla, social media editorial head at Tribal DDB, wrote, “So shocked and saddened to find out that Michael Alan Hamlin of Team Asia has passed away. He was a good friend and mentor to so many in the IT industry and to different generations of journalists. Rest in peace, Mike, and thanks for everything.”

“Sad to learn that one of my industry idols and sometime columnist Michael Alan Hamlin has passed away,”:wrote entrepreneur Heinz Bulos, CEO and creative director at Learning Curve Inc.

“Godspeed, Mike. Thank you for all the beautiful and wise words. They will always inspire,” wrote Gillian Virata, senior executive director of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines.

In lieu of flowers, Hamlin's family requests that "he be remembered by supporting the 'My Dream in a Shoebox Campaign,' where he spread joy to thousands of kids as Santa Claus since Christmas 2009."

Shoebox donations are welcome during the wake, which will be held at the Loyola Memorial Chapels in Paranaque until Tuesday, TeamAsia said.

Final inurement mass and rites will be held on Sunday, March 17, at the St. Therese Columbarium at Villamor, Pasay City.