Today, April 26, she would have been 54 years old had she not gone ahead to the Great Beyond. Last year, on All Souls Day, at three o’clock pm, Ate Marcel Gatal- Diego, the eldest child in our family lost in her three- year battle with breast cancer that was complicated by lung cancer.
 |
| Marcel took the catwalk moments after she was named Miss Young Bohol 1983 |
Ate Marcel was a top radio newscaster and FM DJ of KISS 102.3 FM and DYRD 1161 AM during her college days after the inimitable Ardie Araneta discovered her during their Speech Lab class at the then Divine Word College now Holy Name University.
A certified beauty, she was Hiyas ng Silangan- Bohol 1982. She represented the province in the 1982 Hiyas ng Silangan- Philippines national finals where she was named Miss Talent and made it as a Top Ten Finalist. The following year, she represented Tagbilaran City in the Kabataang Barangay- organized Miss Young Bohol 1983 Pageant which she won also.
 |
| Ate Marcel will always be remembered |
In a text message sent to the family, Gov. Edgar Chatto who was KB Bohol Federated Chair when Miss Young Bohol 1983 was staged said
” Marcel was a standout beautiful teenager representing Tagbilaran City KB Federation when she was crowned Ms Young Bohol 1983. She inspired the Boholano youth then with her wit, beauty & grace.
We extend our condolences & prayers to the bereaved family of Marcel as she begins her peaceful journey back to our Lord's Kingdom- Edgar, Pureza, Trisha & the Bohol KB Family”
We still mourn for our loss but we are also comforted by the thought that Ate Marcel Gatal Diego is in a better place where there is no pain, where the sun shines gloriously everyday and where she is finally in peace.
 |
| Mikey Gatal & Ate Marcel with Edi Borja, former Gallares St. neighbor & DWCT HS batchmate on what turned out to be her last visit home last year . |
When someone dear passes away, we realize that we could only talk to them and touch them in our dreams and in our memories. I did get the chance to see her in a dream just recently and I woke up to tear- stained pillows and the thought that I haven’t fully accepted that she is gone.
 |
| Marcel : During the summer of her life |
Ate Marcel, wherever you are, I know in my heart of hearts that you are at peace. Your reign as Miss Bohol may have long been over but you will always be fondly remembered in our hearts and in our collective memories.
