Nestor Mata

Nestor Mata is one of the Philippine's most durable journalists, with a career spanning over six decades. However, Mata will forever be remembered for his remarkable luck as the lone survivor in the 1957 plane crash that killed the immensely popular Filipino President Ramon Magsaysay.

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Magsaysay's plane crashed in Mount Manung-gal, Cebu, at around 1:16 a.m, March 17, 1957. Mata, then a young reporter for the Philippine Herald accompanying the president in his visit to Cebu, was seated at the tail of the plane. The tail had broken off from the rest of the plane upon impact, thus probably saving Mata's life. Mata survived despite suffering burns in his face and feet. He was rescued by Marcelino Nuya, who resided on the mountain. Unfortunately, there were no other survivors by the time Nuya and the rescuers reached the crash site. Most of the other bodies, including that of President Magsaysay, were charred beyond recognition.

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Mata resumed his journalistic career after recovering from his injuries. Among the newspapers were his columns would appear was the Manila Standard (now Manila Standard-Today)

Related Topics:
Manila Standard - Manila Standard-Today

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