ESTRADA. Bonded with old friends and colleagues.
Manay Ichu Maceda recently organized a reunion dinner with the entertainment press at the Sampaguita Gardens, as requested by Manila mayor Joseph Estrada. As it turned out, it became a night of reminiscing with senior stars who were very much a part of Erap’s colorful show biz career.
Boots Anson-Roa and her husband, King Rodrigo, were among the early birds. One of Erap’s favorite leading ladies, Boots costarred with the former president in the “Tatay Na Si Erap” film series. The actress mused about celebrating her first wedding anniversary with King, “I found out that people who are in the autumn of their lives are more caring.”
If an award is handed out to couples with enduring marriages, it would go to Robert Arevalo and Barbara Perez, and Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama. Also present were Delia Razon, Celia Rodriguez, Daisy Romualdez, Luz Valdez, Gloria Sevilla and the regal Gloria Romero.
Liza Lorena told us that her condition has improved after a health problem that has prevented her from accepting acting gigs in teleseryes. At the stellar get-together, a documentary tracing Estrada’s ups and downs revealed important events that first-time voters might find interesting.
Manay Ichu and her sister, Lilibeth, whom everyone fondly calls Betchay, prepared a predominantly Filipino menu—and guests ate with their bare hands! It brought back memories of Sampaguita Pictures’ press cons in the ’60s. Doc Perez must be smiling from up there!