Veteran lifestyle columnist Maurice Arcache has reportedly passed away on February 17, 2023.
News of Maurice Arcache’s passing has been trickling in on various social media platforms since this afternoon.
Arcache’s long-time partner, Alex Van Hagen tells ABS-CBN News that the writer died in his sleep in their residence at around 2am, Friday. The wake is scheduled on Saturday and Sunday at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati.
Designer Rajo Laurel, Arcache’s lifelong friend and travel partner, paid tribute on his Instagram Story saying “Sleep now dear friend. What a privilege it was to know you. Traveling the world with you was a life highlight.”
Actor John Lapus fondly recalls his interactions with Arcache, talking about how he would receive bottles of alcohol from the writer while dancing.
Kada sayaw ko, sa ibabaw ng table sa Giraffe, may dumadating na isang bote ng alak galing kay Maurice Arcache. Rest in Peace Maurice.🙏
— John Lapus (@KorekKaJohn) February 17, 2023
Life and legacy
Arcache was born to Joseph Arcache, former governor of Bukidnon and financial adviser to Philippine presidents, and Mary Rosario Hayden Aramburro, the half-American beauty.
Growing up in Santa Ana, Manila, as one of his mother’s 11 children, he was often included at parties, where he could socialize with other guests.
Once he was old enough to study abroad, Arcache’s father wanted him to study architecture. However, he was insistent on studying to become a diplomat.
Arcache was eventually sent to Chicago, where he graduated with a degree in AB Political Science, minor in Psychology from Northwestern University.
He also studied at the London School of Economics to get his master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations.
Growing weary with studying and working, Arcache’s mother suggested traveling as a momentary escape.
This was how Arcache discovered his knack for storytelling. His way with words as he talked about his travels got him a job writing for the daily paper, the Evening News.
After the declaration of Martial Law, Arcache chose to fly to Amsterdam instead of returning to Manila after a business trip. There, he met his future partner Alex Van Hagen at one of the Philippine Embassy parties.
Arcache only returned to the Philippines in 1984 for his mother’s funeral. When Van Hagen was visiting Manila, he also decided to stay.
The pair went out every night covering a plethora of events, Arcache as the columnist and Van Hagen as the photographer.
Since then, Arcache has been writing about the social scene for media outlets such as the Philippine Star and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Until the end, Arcache has lived his life to the fullest, touching the lives of many who consider him dear to them.
Banner image via Instagram @monsromulo.
