It is mid-Holy Week as we go to press.  It makes us look back to this story  about Gloria Romero.  In 1954, the Dramatic Philippines was having a hard time looking for an actress for the role of Virgin Mary in Martir Sa Golgota, a Lenten offering based on the life and passion of Jesus Christ.  Gloria Romero became the unanimous choice, proving true to the words of Azucena “Mama Nene” Vera-Perez, the producer of Sampaguita Pictures, who described Gloria in an interview as having “an angelic face…parang santa!”  

According to Ricky Lo, it was Celso De Guzman Caparas who did a research on this – that there was a consultation with then Archbishop Rufino Santos of Manila (the first Filipino Cardinal in 1960) who, after a check on Gloria’s personal background, approved the recommendation of Dramatic Philippines.  

Martir Sa Golgota was first staged at the Manila Grand Opera House during the Holy Week (April 12 to 18, 1954), kicked off by a gala premiere graced by then Pres. Ramon Magsaysay who just arrived that morning from an Easter vacation in Baguio.  The first edition’s cast included Julio Gonzales Anguita who was Jesus Christ, Virgilio Hilario (husband of Armi Kuusela, the first Miss Universe 1952) as John, Lucas Paredes as Judas, Gusto Gonzales as Caiphas, Celia Diaz-Laurel as Veronica, Rita Amor as Maria Magdalena, and the stars of the play Kuwentong Kutsero (mounted by Dramatic Philippines in 1951).  Martir Sa Golgota was written by Fr. Hunter Gunthrie, S.J., and Fr. Joseph Mulry, S.J., which was translated in Tagalog by Senator Francisco ‘Soc’ Rodrigo (we are close to his family), music by Lucio D. San Pedro and directed by Narciso Pimentel Jr.  Narciso, a pre-war and post-war film director, was the chairman of the board of judges of the first 1950 Maria Clara Awards.  He’s the elder brother of the first 1955 Tawag ng Tanghalan champion Pepe Pimentel.  San Pedro was declared National Artist for Music, 1991.  The Dramatic Philippines is a theater group founded on Feb. 2, 1943, by Pimentel, Rodrigo, Horacio Tagle, Caesar del Rosario, Jesus Paredes and other Ateneo alumni mounting only Pilipino plays, both originals as well as translations, in the historic Metropolitan Theater during the war years.

Gloria reprised her role as Virgin Mary for the same passion play in the Lenten of 1955 and 1956.  In 1955 (April 4 to 10), Rudy Francisco played John and Nena Cardenas as Maria Magdalena. Pimentel and Jose Dayrit, general manager of Manila Grand Opera House, handed a check for P825.90 to Pres. Magsaysay for the Mindanao earthquake fund, representing proceeds from one of the shows.  The 1956 edition (March 26 to April 1) starred Jennings Sturgeon as Jesus Christ and two Misses Philippines (Cristina Pacheco as Veronica and Edith Nakpil as Maria Magdalena), with Johnny Monteiro and Manuel Ojeda among the supporting cast.

“Sturgeon first played Jesus Christ in Lebran’s Kalbaryo ni Hesus in 1952, with Norma Blancaflor as Virgin Mary,” wrote Celso. “He did several action movies in the ‘60s including Sa Bawat Hakbang…Panganib (1961) with Fernando Poe, Jr.   Pacheco competed in the 1953 Miss Universe won by Christiane Martel of France. Nakpil was crowned 1956 Miss Philippines but forfeited her right to compete in the 1956 Miss Universe and Isabel Rodriguez competed in her place. Edith is the daughter of 1926 Carnival Queen Anita Noble and Juan Nakpil, declared National Artist for Architecture in 1973.  Ojeda is the father of Marilen Ojeda, 1973 Bb. Pilipinas International and 1973 Miss International fourth runner-up.”   

A few years later, Gloria was once more the Blessed Virgin Mary with Richard Gomez as Christ, in the Lenten presentation of That’s Entertainment on tv, hosted and directed by Master Showman German Moreno.

Q and A with Pinky de Leon

We’ve been receiving queries as to the whereabouts of the beautiful, glamorous and seductive Pinky de Leon.  Here is an update – Pinky has been a resident of USA since 2006.  

I bumped into her on the net and we had this chat.

Why did you leave your glorious career in Pinas and migrated to US?  Is it “regrets, I’ve had a few…” just like the song?  Why?

Pinky:  Actually, the main reason was to visit my daughter here in US and help her set up her diet store business. I also intended to have a long vacation. Shortly after I met Tom (Coyle) Hindi na ako binitawan  at nilagawan ako araw araw, Hehehehe. He was God sent!  We met in church – we were two right people meeting at the right place at the right time. I was free and so was Tom who had been single for 18 years. He didn’t know until much later that I was an actress and a singer. I just told him that I loved to sing.  We got married 6 months after we met, in 2007.  Yes! I gave up my career for him…He has gone to be with our Savior and I miss him.  We were together for 14 years. He was the love of my life. Walang katumbas (beyond compare).”

Now that you’re single, does this give you a more legit reason to go back to the movies on a full time basis?

Pinky:  Maybe.  When I decide to go home I am open to going back to acting again.  I have grandkids in Pinas and I want to see them often. 

Give me three of your outstanding movies where your character is most indelible.

Pinky:  I enjoyed all the movies of  Danny Zialcita especially “ Kabiyak, Baliw na Baliw na Daigdig and Ugat.  Sayang, although Lino Brocka discovered me, I never got the chance to do a movie with him.  He directed me on stage – Gypsy and a trilogy at Fort Santiago.

Any regrets?

Pinky:  I am content with my life now.  I thank God for blessing me with a good life.  I love my life here in America , I met wonderful friends here.

Our readers may remember that Pinky is the sister of Christopher de Leon and their parents are movie greats Lilia Dizon and Gil de Leon of LVN Pictures.

Back on the Concert Scene – Lorrie Ilustre

Ah, to see a boisterous adoring crowd on its feet again, to watch the mad rush to backstage for a closer encounter with idols (pwede na ba hug, handshake? sana sana sana).  I’d like to say and scream, hey hey hey, this is a return to normalcy!   Are we ready?  Let’s hear form this Pinoy pillar of concert scenes, music director Lorrie Ilustre who has been doing the rounds now with icons Martin Nievera, Lani Misalucha, Nonong Zuniga.

Has the concert crowd come back – are they now in full force like before?  

Lorrie:  The audience is eager to go out and enjoy after being locked down for more than a year. The crowd is back.  Last year Martin Nievera started a couple of concerts just after the covid situation and it was full both in Sycuan Casino Ca. and at the M Resort Las Vegas.   Unlike in the Philippines, Northern America has been open to concerts and shows that’s why a lot of Filipino artists are now flying to US.  

Our show Timeless Seasons with Nonoy Zuniga and Lani Misalucha have been well attended and so are the others.   I think any good concert will attract audiences,  the problem now is they are so many coming in and people have to choose which tickets to purchase.  A concert-going experience is something that all music fans can gush over.  For a good show, enthralling production and fun atmosphere when merged with quality performance is a must for aficionados.  We must give the audience their money’s worth.   The Nonoy-Lani headliner on April 9 at the Bally’s Casino Atlantic City was fantastic.  I also have a Martin Nievera concert in Reno on May 28th at the Silver Legacy Casino both having live musicians and singers from Las Vegas.

However, wala pa sa Canada. They consider always the cost of going there.  I don’t know how we used to do it before. We were able to bring the whole band and crew.  Right now,  we have remained hopeful for better results.  Live music is deeply powerful and very moving, it is infectious.

SPOTLIGHT on DK Tijam (Dean Kristoffer Tijam)

I am certain you know this young talented singer here in GTA.  If you recall, he joined ABS-CBN’s “Star in a Million” where he became one of the 10 grand finalists.  Hosted by Zsa Zsa Padilla along with Edu Manzano, the show initially started as a segment in ASAP which eventually had its own stand alone show.  He competed with Erik Santos, who was hailed the champion “that bested Sheryn Regis, Christian Bautista and the rest of us.”  

In early 2006, DK Tijam released a debut album under Alpha Records which gained him a few nominations from AWIT Awards – one of them as Best New Male Artist.  “Things took a turn when my application to fly to Canada got approved and I had to make a quick decision if I was going to stay or start a new life – and the latter prevailed. I was really young that time and some might say I wasn’t thinking properly, but I’m happy with where I am now.  Made me miss OPM music and that made me fall in love with Filipino music even more!

Currently, he’s managing a cafe in Toronto and spends time being a mentor and vocal coach to young kids and adults. “Two of my students are grandchampions of the Long & Mcquade singing contest in Canada, namely Keeana Cerezo and Samantha Gavin. The other 2 were previous members of the Mini Pop Kids – a local performing group that consists of young Canadian talents. Kayleigh Cerezo and Peyton Garcia also had projects with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. And lastly Shanaia Gomez who recently joined the celebrity edition of ABS-CBN’s PBB house!   I’ve also been livestreaming on KUMU and have performed with OPM gems such as Ms. Ella Mae Saison and Ms. Dessa.  I must say it’s a surprise that live-streaming is fun but at the same time it hones your craft further.  My purpose in life is to bring smiles to people as I tell the story of their favourite songs through my singing. I want people to feel that someone is there with them and that they’re not alone.”

Rock N Roar with Wonder Women

Oh what a lunch medley of fame and fun!  The PIDC (Philippine Independence Day Council) honored the power women on its first International Women’s Day awards at FV Foods on April 3.  Sponsored by Agnes Miranda (the newly-elected President of PIDC and WFG senior Executive Vice Chairman), the celebration affirmed that there are no small or big roles when it comes to leadership and involvement in the Fil-Canadian community.

There were about 70 honorees from various sectors.  Attendees included MP Rechie Valdez of Mississauga Streetville, MP Salma Zahid of Scarborough Centre, MP Ya’ara Saks of York Centre and Consul General Orontes Castro.  

Amidst the singing, dancing and endless thank-you gestures, there’s this one big promise that unified the event: the promise of doubling efforts to deliver better accomplishments for months to come.  The party may be over but real work is now in progress.  Mabuhay ang PINAY!

SUMMER STREET FESTIVAL with FUN PHILIPPINES

It is on, confirmed!  Coming soon in July.  How does it feel to walk on the streets of a village lined up with booths of culinary delights from great chefs.  Add to this a star-studded entertainment plus (full of surprises, maybe featuring your favorite celebs and singers – guess who’s coming to town!).  I am so excited, and I  just can’t hide it, I’m about to lose control and I think I like it.  Yey!  So do not leave town, be in Toronto this summer and let’s bask in this glory of promised glee. Thank you PLACA for making our summer sizzle, was invited at their lunch session with Consul General Ron Castro at Kabalen with Tere and Mon Torralba, Chanz, Mel Galeon, Jonald Quinto, Nestor, Linofiel Eroma,  Ricky Quitay  and Sheng.  

Can’t wait.

Happy Easter everyone!