Readers react

HONTIVEROS (WITH BOOTS ANSON-ROA, RIGHT) Long-delayed recognition of excellence.

A loyal fan of top movie moppet Shirley Temple sent us two reactions in a row last week: The first was to express his appreciation for our nostalgic piece on the pint-sized total performer—then, just a few days later, a more somber note on her unexpected demise at age 85!

It was a good thing, he said, that we remembered Shirley at the height of her career, when she could seemingly do no wrong and live up to 100, because that’s how diehard fans like him choose to cherish her, in their “timeless” memories!

Also ardently appreciative was the feedback sent by a Noranian on the recent TV5 screening of the Nora-Tirso telemovie, “When I Fall In Love.” Aunor’s loyal follower and booster specifically wanted to debunk the view of some commentators that Tirso “ran away” with the movie, leaving his costar far behind. Not true, the fan vigorously protests, they both came up with sensitive and insightful portrayals!

For our part, we took special note of the fact that Tirso’s character was played as a young man by the senior star’s own son, Bodie, who acquitted himself well in the role. We also observed that the young actress (Krissha Viaje) tapped to play Nora as a teenager was just right for the brief but significant acting assignment.

On the new Prime TV Awards, a broadcast veteran says it’s about time that Pia Hontiveros finally got the official recognition she’s deserved all these years. True enough, when we talked to Pia after the awarding ceremonies, she revealed that this was the first “personal” honor she’s received (her shows have won awards).

Exceptional practitioner

So, why do other awards groups keep overlooking this obviously exceptional news and public affairs practitioner? Some people say she’s “too serious, she should smile more”—but, in the news field, that’s obviously a non-sequitur! Others also pay her the left-handed  compliment of being “too beautiful!” —As in, her beauty “distracts” from the news? Now, where did that come from?

Truth to tell, one reason why awards have tended to elude Pia and gone to lesser lights instead could be—the “inggit factor.”

Sometime back, we also cited this as a possible reason why Ryan Cayabyab has yet to be made National Artist for Music. In both Ryan and Pia’s cases, they are so obviously gifted that rivals secretly roil and rage, and make it difficult for them to get what they clearly deserve. —Agree, or disagree? In the Philippine context, let’s face it, inggit can be a major factor and force to contend with!

In any case, the good news is that deserving talents eventually get recognized. Another Prime TV awardee, Cheche Lazaro, was also ignored by award groups early in her career, in favor of lesser but better-connected “stars.” She used to confide to us that our positive reviews of her work were among the plus factors that kept her going.

Well, Cheche has won many awards since then, so Pia can take heart from the former’s “retroactive” experience! —Besides, she has her truly beautiful Ramon Orlina-designed Prime TV  trophy cum  sculpture to make up for the slack!