Eddie Ilarde

Ilarde was born in Iriga, Camarines Sur. He moved to Manila after high school, where worked as a bootblack and a newspaper vendor until college.[1] He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Far Eastern University.

While in college, he had won in an oratorical contest and drew the notice of a radio executive.[1] He found work in various radio stations in Manila, and soon was among the most popular radio hosts of the 1950s. His shows during that period aired over DZBB, DZRH and the Lopez-owned DZXL.[1] From his advice program Kahapon Lamang were formed the popular catchphrases Dear Kuya Eddie (later, the title of one of Ilarde's subsequent programs) and Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie ("Very painful, Brother Eddie"; later became the title of the theme song performed by Roel Cortez).

Ilarde co-hosted on DZXL with Bobby Ledesma and Leila Benitez the noontime variety show Student Canteen, which they would continue to host when the program was brought to television in 1958.

Ilarde first ventured into politics in 1963 when he was elected as councilor of Pasay City.[1] Two years later, as an independent candidate, he defeated the incumbent congressman of the 1st District of Rizal and was elected to the House of Representatives. During his service in the 6th Congress, Ilarde served as Chairperson of the Committee on Fishing Industries.[1]

Even though an Independent, Ilarde found himself in frequent agreement with the Liberal Party, which included him in its senatorial slate for the 1969 elections. With re-electionist President Ferdinand Marcos successfully leading the Nacionalista Party slate, Ilarde fell over 300,000 votes shy of election to the Senate. Having given up his seat in the House to run for the Senate, Ilarde ran again for the Senate under the Liberal Party banner in the 1971 elections. Ilarde, along with the other members of his party's senatorial ticket, was injured in the bombing at Plaza Miranda of their final political rally.

While recuperating from his injuries, Ilarde and five (5) of his party-mates were elected to the eight (8) Senate vacancies. Ilarde assumed office as a Senator of the 7th Congress in January 1972. However, his term was interrupted when Congress was closed in September of that year following the declaration of martial law by President Marcos.

By 1978, Ilarde had allied himself with President Marcos. Running under the Marcos' political party Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (or the New Society Movement), Ilarde won election to the Interim Batasang Pambansa as an Assemblyman representing Metro Manila. He served until 1984. While at the Batasan, he drew attention for his proposal to rename the country "Maharlika", an advocacy which he promoted until his death.[2]

In 2004, Ilarde ran for a Senate seat as an independent candidate, but managed to place only 33rd of 48 candidates.

Ilarde was honored to be one of PMPC Star Awards for Television's Lifetime Achievement Awardees.

Ilarde was the founder and chairman of the Maharlika Foundation For National Transformation Inc., and the Golden Eagles Society International Inc. The latter is an organization of senior citizens in the Philippines. He was assisted in his endeavors by his loyal friends - Ariston "Aris" Bautista and Ferdie Pasion.[3] He also hosted radio program Kahapon Lamang that airs over DZBB (owned and operated by GMA Network Station) every Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ilarde died on August 4, 2020, at the age of 85, exactly three weeks shy of his 86th birthday.[4] His family clarified that his death was due to natural causes, which is not related to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and that his remains would be cremated.[5] His death came four months after his original Student Canteen female co-host, Leila Benitez-McCollum, died on April 9, 2020.

• Magbanua, Mijares & Associates, ed. (1967). The Philippines Officials Review '67. Pasay City, Philippines: M & M Publications. p. 185.
• 'The Unsinkable' Mr. Eddie Ilarde, from Remember When? by Danny Dolor, The Philippine Star, 21 April 2013.

• Eddie Ilarde at IMDb
• Eddie Ilarde on Myspace