Karim Kiram

 

From his obituary on Tribute Archive: Bernardino C. Reyes, Jr [b. August 31, 1936], also known to Filipino moviegoers and friends in America as Karim Kiram, was called home to the Lord on March 6,2018. Born in Iligan City, Lanao (now Lanao del Norte), Mindanao, the eldest son of Col. Bernardino C. Reyes Sr. and Teodora Cabili, he studied at San Juan de Letran, University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University, where he got his Law diploma. His first job was with the National Waterworks Company, NAWASA, until he joined the Bureau of internal Revenue in 1969 where he helped organize its labor union. He appeared in motion pictures with the superstars of his time, among them the late Fernando Poe Jr, former President and now Mayor of Manila Joseph Estrada, Tony Ferrer and former Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. Though he acted as a villain in most of his movies, in real life, he was kind and gentle, though somewhat strict to his children, especially the boys. 

He excelled in sports, from his youth. In Bulacan, where his family moved, he was a star basketball player. He was that as well when he studied at the University of Santo Tomas. He was a great golfer, chess player and a sharp poker player. Tito tots as his nieces and nephews called him always had a lot of jokes and tricks that made everyone smile and appreciate his great humor. He was a basketball coach of the children of newsmen at the National Press Club where his team,including his 3 boys, always won the championships. He also coached in the USA for his grandchild who was 9 which always ended in memorable laughter. Karim published a newspaper in San Francisco called The Forward Times and authored a book titled "The Bells of Balinhiga". Despite his physical distance from the Philippines, he nurtured a deep love of his mother country, and was always concerned about how things were going in the Philippines. Karim had a booming voice, loved music and singing. His laughter, wit, intelligence and his passion will truly be missed. He is survived by his wife Galina ,7 children and 18 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and 2 sisters.