CALIFORNIA – One of the pioneers of broadcasting giant ABS-CBN and considered one of the fathers of Radyo Patrol passed away last week in Burbank, California.

The roots of Philippine broadcasting and ABS-CBN can be traced back to Nestor "Nitoy" Escano.

Escano passed away last August 16 in Burbank.

Escano was a radio announcer in the 50s and later became an executive of Chronicle Broadcasting Network (CBN).

When Chronicle merged with Alto Broadcasting System (ABS) in 1956, Escano joined the ABS-CBN family.

His career took off and he became head of ABS-CBN Radio.

Radyo Patrol

In the late 60s, Escano was part of the team that created “Radyo Patrol”.

“Radyo Patrol” would eventually become the mobile broadcasting model of ABS-CBN and the name of its 24-hour radio news program.

Escano met and married Dollie Alonso, a former Miss Philippines second runner-up in 1971. They were married for 36 years and have 3 children.

“He would carry the whole conversation. He's just very interesting. Me being a listener, he was a talker. We were a good match," said his wife.

Martial law

After serving ABS-CBN for 20 years, martial law cut his career short. Escano was forced into retirement and exile in the United States.

He and his family spent time between Virginia and Los Angeles continuing to work for the Lopez family's export business.

“It was a simple life. We were starting from scratch. We started raising our family here,” Mrs. Escano said.

His wife said they always longed to return home.

In 1992, they went back to the Philippines. Escano, then retired, would serve regularly as a consultant for ABS-CBN.

Artistic side

Escano proved that there was more to him than a broadcaster-turned-executive.

He tapped into his artistic side and acted in a handful of movies, even appearing in a cameo role in "Eskapo," the film based on Geny Lopez's escape from prison.

He also wrote songs, including the inauguration song for his close friend former President Joseph Estrada.

“He loved to act. When he was in school, he was telling me he would join school plays. So acting was in his blood. He told me if he can do one thing aside from media he would act,” said Mrs. Escano.

Even during retirement, Escano always kept up with ABS-CBN's news broadcasts. He was always willing to help, mentor, and consult.

Health problems

However, his final years weren't the best. He developed nasal-pharynx cancer as a result of smoking. The man once known for his radio broadcasts had lost his voice.

After moving to the US for treatment in 2006, he eventually developed dementia and Alzheimer's. The media man barely remembered his days in the media.

"Along with that voice went way the social skills. So he'd just be there. He'd nod, you'd see him smile, you would feel his presence but it's just the voice wasn't there anymore," said his son Bertrand.

Despite the health problems, doctors said Escano died of natural causes. His family is still mourning the loss but continues to remember him as a pioneer and a patriot.

“When I look back on his life and what it all sums up to and what he spent it for is for his fellow country. He did it to serve his countrymen through reporting the truth,” said Bertrand.