Cebu Loses a Digital Pioneer and Community Builder
The Cebu community is mourning the loss of a true icon in journalism and technology. Max Sherwin Templado Limpag passed away on Tuesday, November 18, at the young age of 49. For over two decades, Max had been a driving force in Cebu's digital landscape and a beloved figure among media professionals.
A Legacy of Innovation and Friendship
Max Limpag was known as the go-to person for technology assistance among his peers. His close friend John Pages recalled how Max was always the first person he would call whenever he needed tech support. Their friendship spanned years, beginning when Max served as business editor for SunStar, while his younger brother Mike later became Pages' sports editor.
One of Max's most significant contributions came when the Palarong Pambansa returned to Cebu last year after a 30-year absence. He was instrumental in developing the groundbreaking Palaro App, a first in the history of the national games. This innovative project was realized with support from the Aboitiz group through Anton Perdices, a classmate of Pages.
Building Digital Communities and Preserving Heritage
Max's technological expertise extended far beyond single projects. He built the Cebu Sports Blog at www.pages.ph, which became the home for every article John Pages wrote since January 2007. His influence also touched publishing, as he guided both Pages and his father Bunny in creating their upcoming books "Bunny's Pages" and "John's Pages."
Beyond sports and local journalism, Max was a passionate advocate for cultural heritage. He was scheduled to speak at a conference in the UK last September about the repatriation of stolen heritage, particularly addressing the British Museum issue. Though his visa was denied, he planned to deliver his presentation online with characteristic humor, joking that the UK might be "allergic" to their batch of speakers.
His dedication to heritage preservation was evident in his excitement about locating the pre-war retablo of the old USJR church and his work on the Boljoon repatriation case, which he described as a "rare success."
The Runner Who Built Communities
Max Limpag's passions extended to sports, particularly running. In 2010, he helped establish the Ungo Runners community. What began as simple Friday night 5K jogs evolved into a strong community of recreational runners from diverse professional backgrounds.
Michelle So, former Superbalita editor-in-chief, remembered Max's dedication: "Credit goes to Max for catalyzing the Friday Night Runs. Through the FNR, Max built a strong community of recreational runners who came from different professions, inclinations and orientations."
His commitment to running was legendary. He once filed for a one-day leave to run 65 kilometers and had a phase where he would run 15 kilometers home to Mactan after work every night. During his running days, he created Ceburunning.com, further demonstrating his ability to combine his passions with community building.
Max Limpag's career included writing for Rappler, co-founding InnoPub Media, and helping build MyCebu.ph. He didn't just tell Cebu's stories—he gave Cebu a new voice through digital innovation and community engagement.
He is survived by his wife Marlen and children Dylan and Lennon. The Cebu community remembers Max Limpag as a builder, seeker, protector, and visionary whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
