Marky Cielo: In Memoriam

Marky Cielo was also my student. He was a very diligent and serious student. He looked forward to going back to college and hoped to make his family proud of him by getting a degree.

But we all know God had other plans for Marky. And although I miss him a good friend, I would like to share to Marky's mommy Mildred my deepest sympathies and prayers for Marky's eternal repose.

I take comfort in knowing God does not make mistakes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARKY CIELO!

Sorry... No Aljur Scandal Here

He sat there with a wide smile. The kind you can't miss from afar. But hey, there was nothing about this young guy you could miss even if he were standing a mile away! Ok. ok. Maybe a good six feet away.

Aljur Abrenica was seldom late for his classes. Despite his busy sked in his mother studio Kapuso GMA7, Aljur diligently attended his classes and was quite an attentive student.

I met Aljur in person for the first time during a Visualization class at John Robert Powers. He, along with other GMA artists, took Personal Growth and English courses courtesy of the Kapuso network who believed in developing their talents' potentials to the fullest.

The Abrenica boy struck me as humble, sincere and "totoong tao". He always greeted others with a firm handshake and had very good eye contact. He was poised and composed well beyond his years. He spoke his mind but was never too opinionated. I have been following his progress as an actor via his afternoon soap and I see glimpses of hope for this tyro who may yet emerge as one of the more important actors of his generation. His moreno good looks and earthy aura are sure ingredients worthy of a project that will finally showcase his true talents.

Tagged as a hunk man-boy, I can see this Starstruck winner taking on dramatic action roles in the near future. Nevertheless, I still hope he makes good his promise to pursue a college education and earn a degree.

Go for it, Aljur!

Born to be a Star

I met Lorna Tolentino first while she was filming "Mga Uod at Rosas" and then many years later on the "Ina, Kinasusuklaman Kita" movie she starred in with the late Ms. Rita Gomez.

Lorna struck me as someone who was really born to be star. Even while a high school student, Lorna T. would always awe her teachers and classmates during declamation and oratorical contests. A natural, indeed.

Like most talented actresses, Lorna has the ability to lose herself in a role and effectively get into a character and leave the star persona back in the dressing room.

I am happy to know that she is back on TV in a guest role in ABS CBN's "May Bukas Pa". Also in the works is a soap with Gabby Concepcion, also in the Kapamilya network.

I have known Lorna as the pictorial queen way back in the 80s. What with Fanny Serrano looking after her backstage and off cam. But it is undeniable that Lorna Tolentino is one of Philippines more important and talented actresses ever to grace the TV and celluloid screens.

May Lorna continue to remain busy in the many many years to come!

[Photo taken from Dominique James Collection, http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominiquejames]

The Gentle [Leading] Man

It was in November 1981 when Ma'am Bibsy and I went to Roper's Studio along P. Tuazon to cover a pictorial for "Mga Uod at Rosas" with Lorna Tolentino and Nora Aunor sharing stellar billing along with Johnny Delgado.

I can still feel Johnny's firm grip when he shook my hand. He was warm and friendly, yet reserved and soft-spoken. In his baritone voice he proceeded to answer my questions about how he prepares for a role and how he manages not to be typecast. We were midway the interview when he remarked, "It's nice to be asked these kind of questions."

Johnny spoke about how he works on the nuances of a character. How he observes and keeps interest in people. He believes that an actor is, first and foremost, an artist who must love his craft.

The interview came to a pleasant pause when Laurice Guillen, Johnny's partner and wife came into the room. I took it as my cue and wrapped up my task.

I would meet Direk Laurice many years later when I joined the Actor's Worskshop Foundation. And that would be another story.

Post Script.

I am happy to know that Johnny is recovering well from his illness. I caught him on television, his spirits high, as he explained how his "miraculous healing" has brought him much hope! That's the man, Johnny!

Tetchie Today

What I know now about Tetchie: aside from appearing in TV dramas, La Tetcha has completed a course in Psychology from Ateneo de Manila. Way to go!

The Bunny with Brains

Tetchie Agbayani is one of the few Filipinas who made it to the Playboy centerfold. But years before her "infamy" with the german edition of the gentleman's night-table- companion I met Techie at the Sampaguita Studios for an interview.

She was starring with Christopher de Leon in the Eddie Romero film "Kamakalawa".

The Tetchie I met was beautiful, alluring, bronze-skinned, articulate and intelligent. She was bubbly but spoke with caution as if weighing each word, each thought before blurting anything out. I complemented her on her recent cover pictorial and maybe sensing my disbelief she was prompt to say, "Madaya ba?"

She proceeded to explain that she was pretty good at posing and projecting despite her petite frame. She seemed a tad defensive that I wanted to tell her that the photos did not do much justice to her, to the beautiful person that I was seeing for the first time.

La Tetcha gave me much hope. Whatever preconceived notions I had about how snobbish artistas can be had completely dissipated. I was determined now, more than ever, to show the best side of show business. Thank you La Tetcha!

A Journey...

A semester shy from my graduation, I started looking for a part time summer job. The fates will bring me to an office in Malate, beside the St. Paul College. The advertisement called for a writer/publicist and feeling that it was something up my alley I presented myself for an interview.

Glenda Togonon interviewed and hired me on the spot. I would learn years later that Glenda is married to editorial artist Boy Togonon. It was after two days that I would meet the first person who would open doors for me to become part of the world of show business: Bibsy Carballo.

Bibsy is one of the more respected publicists in local showbiz. I think she took a liking for my writing style that she took me under wings as I trod the showbiz paths with much amusement and eagerness. Bibsy was very professional, yet motherly. We would drive around from one location to another in her yellow galant. She drove while giving me thoughtful lectures on showbiz do's and dont's. Offering a few angles here and there. As a neophyte, I was quick to scribble in my new little notepad.

I would go home at night and share my day's stories with my mom who was more than happy to be my sounding board.

Bibsy hoped to hone my skills in writing in Filipino but with a "legitimate" flavor, more substance, less gossip. I was excited and glad as she had seemed to see through me and read my thoughts.

As a psychology major in the state university, I was more inclined to write profiles and features.

Bibsy assigned me to do publicity articles for movies she was promoting. The year was 1981, a golden time for Philippine cinema. I couldn't have entered at a more auspicious time. My journey has begun.