Tributes pour in for Maurice Arcache, veteran lifestyle columnist and Manila society's 'dahling'

Veteran lifestyle columnist and Manila society's "dahling" Maurice Arcache passed away on Feb. 17 at 89.

His long-time partner, photographer Alex Van Hagen, told ABS-CBN News that Arcache passed in his sleep in his residence around 2 in the morning.

Arcache was popular for being fully in the know about the country's rich and famous. He was the creative genius behind the column "My Lips Are Sealed" of The Philippine Star, where he was chronicling the colorful events of local high society and fashion.

He had a segment titled "Arcachat" in ABS-CBN's TV show "Oh No, It's Johnny!" hosted by Johnny Litton. In his segment, Arcache gave viewers social and etiquette tips.

His two-day wake is being held at the Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City until Sunday, Feb. 19.

Tributes have since poured in from Arcache's friends in the media industry and Manila's elite, who remember him as a dear pal delighting many with his warmth and iconic term of endearment, "dahling."

Comedian and host John Lapus, for one, recalled how Arcache would brighten up his day at work at the Giraffe Bar and Grille in Makati, with a bottle of beer.

"Kada sayaw ko, sa ibabaw ng table sa Giraffe, may dumadating na isang bote ng alak galing kay Maurice Arcache. Rest in Peace Maurice," Lapus tweeted.

Actor and director Manny Castañeda wrote in a Facebook post, "Maurice Arcache, you're one of a kind and cannot be replaced. May you Rest in Peace."

Another friend of Arcache who would miss the beloved columnist's thoughtfulness and concern is Tatler editor Anton San Diego. He wrote, "To Maurice, my heart breaks not knowing I won't be able to hear your voice, asking what's happening or what are you doing today? Thank you for the years of friendship and all the memories I will treasure of our time together. They were priceless! You are a great friend, a legend and the funniest man I know. God bless you and rest now...No more sadness. You are in a much better place Love you, Mau"

Metro Society editor-in-chief Raul Manzano took to Instagram to express how much he will miss his legendary pal.

"The end of an era and the passing of a legend. I love you and I will miss you so much. Rest in peace my dearest Maurice and cheers!" Manzano captioned his post.

Meanwhile, PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanna Ramirez shared happy memories of Arcache reciting a poem about love and letting go. "Rest in peace, Palangga! he loved to recite this poem to me with feeling. 'Love is like a bird. If you hold it too tightly it will die. If you love it, let it go. If it doesn't come back to you, it was never yours in the first place,'" Ramirez said.

Fashion and lifestyle blogger Ingrid Chua-Go remembered Arcache as a "wonderful soul" with entertaining "tidbits" and a "sincere heart" she is thankful for having spent time with.

"Aww Maurice. Heard of your passing and am so saddened. Very grateful to have known a kind, genuinely friendly and wonderful soul like you, in this crazy Manila society peppered with disingenuous people... You were one of a kind, always one with juicy tidbits but also one with a truly sincere heart. Your presence and laughter are sorely missed. Rest in peace. #mauricearcache,"  Go posted on Instagram. 

Mags Cue, former Chairman of Mutya ng Pilipinas and owner of MAGS clothing line, said that she will forever remember Arcache as he was a friend who paved the way for her popularity.

She wrote in a Facebook post, "My dahling, I am so sorry for all my shortcomings just got so busy but I will never forget you because you are one of the reasons why people know me, its because of you and your wonderful stories about me. I owe you a lot and I will love you forever my Palangga, you rest well in heaven."