BY BABY K. JIMENEZ
The fanatics screamed, cried, clapped thunderously as the youthful dashing and slim Da Third gyrated his hips, bent his legs sometimes throwing them apart in a semi-jump to land on the floor synching to the famous Motown beat.
“I’m doin’ fine, up here on cloud nine, Listen one more time I’m doin’ fine, up here on cloud nine…”
Sweating, his neck was grappled by his devotees to put on more sampaguita garlands.
This scene was 50 years ago – hellow!!!!. He was the current singing idol dishing out the chartbusters, a far cry from the kind of music his LOLO, the legendary Tirso Cruz I was known for (he composed the historic Mabuhay which was usually sung and played upon the arrival of the President. The marching hymn was first performed on May 16, 1931 at The Manila Hotel, where Cruz was ‘mainstay’ — conductor of The Manila Hotel Orchestra. The senior Cruz was then the most popular and highest paid orchestra leader in Manila.)
It was not the music alone that made Tirso Cruz III (alias PIPO). He was the other half of the phenomenal Guy and Pip tandem that lorded the 70s.
Fast forward to the boob tube now 2019.
PIPO is now General Tiago Guerrero, the most hated character in this popular teleserye The General’s Daughter which also headlines Albert Martinez among others and Angel Locsin who plays the title role. There is no guitar to strum, no Nora Aunor for a love interest. Now, Pipo is only armed with one weapon: superior acting! General Tiago is supremely the kontra-bida, a manipulator and corrupt political leader on top of maneuvering the character of Locsin.
I got into chatting with Pipo on the net and he readily answered my queries.
When did you become aware of your strength as a Good Actor, when the “specific call” came?
Pipo: I would like to think of myself as a generic actor. If I had any strength, I guess it’s trying to put my best foot forward every time I report for work.
Did you imagine that one day you’d be more identified more as an actor than a singer? Your sentiments about it.
Pipo: I never expected to be thought of as an actor because as you well know, I started off as a singer and it is something I will always consider myself to be. But it’s a great honor to be acclaimed as an actor.
Which characters are more appealing to you – a hero or a villain?
Pipo: Being a villain appeals to me more now. Because I feel a villain is afforded a bigger and wider playing field when it comes to portraying characters.
Now in your current soap, are there some traits of Gen Tiago that you see in yourself. If not, how do you identify with it?
Pipo: If there is a trait that I would think Hen. Tiago and I have in common, it would be being stubborn and never backing down on whatever we want to get. But with me, it’s being stubborn & never backing down in a good way.
You definitely are driven….what has inspired you to reach this LEVEL?
Pipo: I believe I got that from the oldies of our family. The rule in the Cruz clan is always do better than your last performance. You don’t have to think of beating the next guy. To outdo one’s self would be a better motivation to improve yourself.
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Enter BALOT. Balot is Lotlot, the adopted daughter of Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon. I vividly remember when she came into their lives when Guy and Boyet were still a couple. I recall the time when I helped Lotlot and Kristoffer Ian (the son of Guy/Boyet) get enrolled at the International School in Makati many many moons ago.
Lotlot was formerly married to fellow actor Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, (son of Pilita Corrales and Eddie Gutierrez) with whom she has four children: Janine Marie Elizabeth, 29, who is quite active on GMA; Jessica Clarisse, 28, a manager for one of ayala’s malls ; Diego Emmanuel, 22, currently in NBL-Philippines with the Quezon City rising stars. Lotlot is now the wife of her long-time partner, Lebanese businessman Fadi El Soury.
Here’s my chat with Balot (Lotlot)
As you look at the mirror, what do you see?
Lotlot: Lotlot, wiser and stronger.
How do you define a second chance to happiness, what makes it work?
Lotlot: I have always learned to make do with what I have and I guess when you have that kind of mentality life is simpler, less complicated. I learned to be happy even in/with the smallest things. It’s true that happiness is a choice.
What do you love and miss about a daughter/mother relationship?
Lotlot: I’m very blessed with my kids even in their adult life they find time to be with me, to see me, to ask me how I’m doing. It’s different seeing and knowing that they are all okay with their lives and working on their dreams and pursuing those dreams with passion. I’m very proud of them.
As an actress, what is your preference?
Lotlot: A good story is more than enough.
Can you please enumerate what you love about your children and what do you wish them to be.
Lotlot: I love the way they work hard and still find time to enjoy life. That in an early age they already know what they want. That they know how to dream and work on that dream to become a reality. I love how they love and take care of one another and will always have each other’s backs. I love how they protect each other and how they encourage each other through hard times. My wish and prayers for them is to always stay grounded, to be free from all ill-intentioned people, to be safe from all harm and danger. To live a happy life.
Are there scars left in your early life as an adopted kid? Lessons learned and blessings reaped
Lotlot: I have learned a lot of forgiveness, acceptance. There’s nothing we can do about the past. Regrets, I have a few, but there’s no use in dwelling on it. God put me exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m just going to keep on trusting him and have faith. He knows better then me.
Ten years from now…..finish this sentence.
Lotlot: I’m going to own my own Front Beach Resort or maybe an island (God willing) with beautiful cottages and my husband and I will retire in that place.
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As we write, Pinoys all over Canada are all thrilled to join in the celebration of the Filipino Heritage Month which will kick off on June 1 at the Albert Campbell Square, Scarborough Civic Center. Florante will be serenading us with his big hits – remember that he composed HANDOG. I was there when Florante brought his composition then to Nora Aunor for her to record. “Tatanda at lilipas din ako, ngunit mayroong awiting Iiwanan sa inyong ala-ala, Dahil minsan tayo’y nagkasama…”
June 2nd will be Durham’s turn to do their festivities. Expected too are the free screenings of some ABS-CBN films like Oro, Plata Mata, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Everything About Her and the classic Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon according to Marketing Exec Rosary Escaño. Yeng Constantino and Randy Santiago are expected to be in the western region like Vancouver and Edmonton. Yes, stars will be here too to lead the Vaughan fiesta. And don’t miss this one – the big search for Ms. Manila event by our very own Tess Cusipag will be held at the Korean Cultural Centre on June 2nd at about 5 pm.
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Speaking about JODI STA MARIA, yes, she confirmed to us that her ambition to be a physician is always in her mind – “And I want to do it, all I need is more time for the many things I want to achieve!”
Who is Jodi?
Jodi: Jodi is a what you see and what you get human being.
If you were to choose a song, what would be best to describe your life now?
Jodi: I can see clearly now, it’s gonna be a bright, bright sun shiny day.
You strike me as a private person and a serious one at that (During the asap rehearsal in Toronto, I saw you by yourself, studying and away from the group). When do you let your hair down? and when you do, are you at your happiest?
Jodi: I am happiest when I’m reading, when I am with my son Thirdy and my Mother and my family, my staff and my very close friends . We love to eat and laugh and share stories.
Are you a MOM 24/7 – always thinking of your only child all the time?
Jodi: Yes I am. My son Thirdy is my Rock. He is growing up so fast so every minute that I can spend with him counts.
As a celebrity, what do you like the fans to remember about you?
Jodi: Hard Work. Kindness. Happy Soul .
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And here is one of my favorite throwback photos with Da King. (please put here my pic with FPJ). See you next ish.
