‘Mara Clara,’ reunited

The party was organized by Mara and Clara themselves.

Even though they played bitter rivals in the popular soap opera, “Mara Clara,” which ran on ABS-CBN from 1993 to 1997, Judy Ann Santos (aka Mara) and Gladys Reyes (aka Clara) proved to be the perfect tandem, in masterminding this grand get-together.

Judy Ann booked the Chinese restaurant, Crystal Jade, in Bonifacio Global City, for a lunch banquet on Saturday (June 25).

For her part, Gladys served as the event organizer. “I made sure everyone would attend—except those who are based abroad like Beverly Vergel,” Gladys related.

Among the original cast members in attendance were Juan Rodrigo and Susan Africa (or the group’s official “parents,” along with Beverly), Wowie de Guzman (who was Judy Ann’s partner in the series), Paolo Contis (who came with date, LJ Reyes), Minnie Aguilar, Eagle Riggs, Jochelle Olalia, Carol Magallanes, Willie Delgado, and Angelica dela Cruz.

Of course, Gladys’ husband, Christopher Roxas, was also present. Former child stars, Christopher and Gladys, fell in love on the “Mara Clara” set. They now have three kids and their youngest, 5-year-old Grant, tagged along that day.

“It makes me happy to see old faces,” Judy Ann told the Inquirer. “I worked with these people three times a week for five years.”

After the soap ended in 1997, Mara and Clara went their separate ways—starring in a slew of TV shows and movies.

Gladys became a TV host (“Moments”) and a member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. Judy Ann, on the other hand, built one of the more successful careers among her peers.

After giving birth to her second child, Judy Ann returns to acting via the Cinemalaya film, “Kusina.” Gladys is in the cast of two indie films, “Smaller and Smaller Circles” and “Die Beautiful.”

After two decades, some things have remained constant, though, said Judy Ann. “It makes my heart smile to realize that our love for each other has remained the same. We all went out of our way to attend the reunion. Nakakatuwa! We were a family then, and we’re still a family now. Our bond is unbreakable.”

Nonstop laughter echoed in the resto as they reminisced about the past. “It was an afternoon of memories, full of laughter, selfies and groufies,” Gladys remarked.

“I grew up with them,” Judy Ann explained. “We treat and love each other like real family. If it weren’t for them, I might look at the industry differently. They taught me that it’s possible to remain honest and grounded in this business of make-believe.”

Pardon Judy Ann if she couldn’t help getting sentimental. “Each of them holds a special place in my heart,” Judy Ann shared.