'Chicks to Chicks' actor Chito Arceo dies
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Leah C. Salterio
Posted at Jul 08 2019 03:20 PM | Updated as of Jul 08 2019 05:37 PM
MANILA — Chito Arceo, best remembered for his role in the sitcom "Chicks to Chicks," has passed away, according to a family member.
The former actor died on Monday morning, his daughter Karen Arceo announced in a Facebook post.
"Ramoncito Capili Arceo, known to family and friends as Chito, peacefully joined our Creator this morning," she said, without giving details of the cause of death.
The wake will be held at the Sampaloc and Yakal Chapels of the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque starting Monday night, Karen added.
"Please join us, his family in praying for his eternal repose. Thank you very much for all your kind messages of condolences," she said.
Arceo rose to fame in the '70s as part of the top-rating primetime sitcom "Chicks to Chicks," where he made viewers laugh as the playboy Chiqui. In fact, the term "manyakis" (sex maniac) was said to have been coined for Arceo's popular character in the sitcom.
In real life, however, Arceo was said to have been one of the nicest and well-behaved gentlemen in the entertainment industry.
In "Chicks To Chicks," Arceo shared stellar billing with the likes of Freddie Webb, Nova Villa and a bevy of sexy, beautiful actresses that included Carmi Martin, Shiela Israel, Lorraine Schuck and the late Maria Teresa Carlson.
It was the late Ading Fernando who originally directed "Chicks To Chicks." However, after the director passed away, Johnny Manahan took over from the director's chair and continued working on the decade-long sitcom.
In 2018, Arceo and his wife, Carmen, marked their golden wedding anniversary and they renewed their vows surrounded by their children and the people close to them.
At the reception held at Solaire Hotel, son Ian Arceo lovingly offered a toast to his parents who "achieved so much." The younger Arceo expressed how blessed they were for having "strong parents who stayed with each other" despite the many challenges, through thick and thin.
Webb, who played Arceo's brother-in-law in "Chicks To Chicks," attended the Arceos' golden wedding reception and paid tribute to the couple for staying together through good and bad times.
Webb recalled the experience of working in "Chicks To Chicks" that was later re-titled "Chika Chika Chicks," was "tremendous." He further stressed that Arceo was "a good man" that was why "a lot of people love him."
Apart from being a TV and film actor, Arceo was also seen on the big screen. One of his memorable film appearances was in director Pablo Santiago's "Annie Sabungera" (1982), which topbilled superstar Nora Aunor, with Ace Vergel, Marilou Bendigo and even balladeer Rey Valera.
Arceo eventually worked as a top sales and marketing executive in almost all networks, from then BBC 2 (before the station reverted back to ABS-CBN), IBC 13, RPN 9, ABC 5 and GMA 7.
He stopped working after he suffered a stroke.
Chito Arceo, obituary
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