PEP: Talent manager Wyngard Tracy dies

Talent manager Wyngard Tracy passed away early this Tuesday morning, at around 3:45 a.m., November 16. Tracy is the manager of Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres, Wendell Ramos, John Estrada, and Priscilla Meirelles—all of whom were former talents of Douglas Quijano who died last year. Tracy was rushed to Makati Medical Center on October 20. Reports said he suffered his third stroke. The following day, on October 21, Tracy had an operation to remove the blood clot in his brain. Earlier in July, Tracy underwent a heart surgery after he was rushed to the hospital due to a heart attack. Tracy started his career in showbiz as a production assistant in the 1970s. He later became a DJ of the first pop radio station in the FM band, DWWK.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Soon after, Tracy was tapped to manage the roster of talents in Vicor Entertainment Corporation. His first talent was Basil Valdez. Other talents he managed in Vicor include Pinky de Leon, Leah Navarro, and Maricris Bermont. After two years, Tracy set up his own talent management agency, ArtistStation, where he managed artists like Pilita Corrales, Maricel Soriano, Aiko Melendez, Jaya, Side A, Freestyle, Martin Nievera, Luis Manzano, Arnel Ignacio, Hans Montenegro, and Willie Revillame. LIKE A STRICT PARENT. In his 30-plus years as a talent manager, Tracy is known for being a strict disciplinarian and a workaholic. He is also known for his good heart. In an interview with Manila Bulletin in 2005, he said talent management is like "parenthood." "Para kang tatay. Managing is serious business because you are not only handling careers but to a certain extent, the lives of your talents," he said. He also plays honest with the public and the press. "My policy is this: I would protect you but not to the extent na magsisinungaling ako," he explained. "Sinasabi ko sa mga artista ko, 'Sorry ka kung may ginawa ka talagang kalokohan, di kita pagtatakpan. I won't deny it to press people. Siguro I'll just say, 'wag na lang natin pag-usapan or off-the-record na lang.' "Madalas kasi, the press knows the truth already. Pag dineny ko, I'd be insulting their intelligence. That's why I tell my talents, 'Wag kayong magkakamali. Be careful. You better behave.'" UNFINISHED BUSINESS. When asked what he still wanted to accomplish, Tracy said he wanted to manage retired talents. "I want to manage veteran actors. Madami diyan na magagaling, pero walang trabaho kasi walang materials for them. Dito lang sa Pilipinas 'yan nangyayari. 'Ba't wala kang trabaho?' 'Kasi matanda na ako.' But in truth, they have become better with time," he said. Tracy was also a frustrated singer. He somehow fulfilled this when he became one of the contestants in the first season of Celebrity Duets, a singing contest featuring celebrities hosted by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez. PARTY, YES; WAKE, NO. Before his death, Tracy specifically requested that there be no wake for him. Instead, he wants his family and friends to have a party. The memorial mass for the talent manager will be at 5:00 p.m. today at La Salle Greenhills Chapel. The "party," as he wished, will be held on Thursday, November 18. - Mark Angelo Ching, PEP