Like all trips down memory lane, this glitzy reunion held at the Sampaguita Gardens left most guests waxing nostalgic.
Marichu Maceda—the woman behind the party that gathered silver screen luminaries from the 1930s to the 1980s—prepared an audio-visual presentation that left even feisty celebs like Celia Rodriguez, Divina Valencia and Annabelle Rama in tears.
According to Maceda, the ladies wept upon seeing the late Fernando Poe Jr. onscreen. “Through the magic of technology, the editors were able to splice footage of FPJ and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada singing a duet (‘Doon Lang’),” Maceda recounted.
The video consisted of clips from various high points in the history of Philippine cinema, beginning with “Giliw Ko”—the 1939 LVN production that is one of few pre-war movies still in existence.
Mila del Sol, lead star of “Giliw Ko,” graced the occasion. “She looked so regal that night,” Maceda told the Inquirer.
STILL my Erap: Mayor Joseph Estrada and former costar Nora Aunor happy to meet again.
The video also included excerpts from various Sampaguita movies from different eras: Gloria Romero in the 1950s, Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes in the 1960s, Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos in the 1970s.
Troupers that they were, Pilita Corrales and the Wing Duo, Carmen Pateña and Elizabeth Ramsey performed onstage—just like the good old days at the Manila Grand Opera House and Clover Theater, entertainment landmarks in the 1950s.
An exhibit of the stars’ glamour portraits was set up in the hall. “Divina was seen posing beside her old photo. Others took selfies beside their vintage pictures, too,” said Maceda.
Estrada had his own reunion with former costar La Aunor after years of discord. That night, Erap was her guy.
Photos courtesy of Nice Print Photo