JAPITANA. Aura of mystery.
It was in the ‘60s when I met Norma J (for Japitana) for the first time at my favorite watering hole, Indios Bravos – though I may have run into her earlier at Ishmael Bernal’s Grey November café.
I associate meeting Norma J, then a prominent movie scribe, with either the late Tita Muñoz or writer Sylvia Mayuga. Years later, she morphed into a talent manager, handling the careers of Cesar Montano, Willie Revillame and Rico J. Puno. One of the talents she handled early on was singer/comedienne, Cynthia Patag.
A few years later, our “gang” was formed. It was made up of Norma J, Cynthia, NUT, Lollie Mara, Au Cobarrubias, Tommy Abuel, Pilar de Guzman Palabrica, Emma Yuhuico, Gina Leviste and Ric Segreto. The group started when we became part of the “family” of “Two for the Road,” which was hosted by Eddie Mercado and the late Elvira Manahan, and directed by NUT, who also directed many of us in “Cabaret.”
Shows
Thereafter, we would watch shows, and even celebrate birthdays and Christmas together. Presently, the group also includes Marichu Maceda, Lorna Kapunan, Laurice Guillen, Mitch Valdes (who dominates the joke-making) and Angela Valdez-Timtiman.
Years ago, Norma J and Cynthia used to compare notes on their “escapades,” although Au’s stories (stories lang, ha?) could put both to shame. Norma is a typical Ilongga – she’s as gentle a person as she is a faithful friend. The gang admires her because she has thoughtfully taken care of her siblings, as well as her relatives.
However, Norma maintains an aura of mystery because, despite our friendship, we do not know everything about her! For example, we’re not sure if she ever married, although it’s, ah, probable that she’s no longer a virgin. She talks about her “past,” but the details are sketchy. And, she once intimated the sizzling existence of a Switzerland chapter in her colorful life.
Immigration officer
Amusingly, she’s very “protective” of her age, as an immigration officer found out to his utter perplexity in Honolulu. When he discovered that the date of birth on Norma’s passport had been tampered with, he sternly lectured her about it!
As Rico J and her other wards nervously waited outside, Norma J stood her ground and refused to answer the question! She stubbornly asked the officer if her answer was so crucial that it would affect the US economy?! Eventually, he did find out and released her. But, when the gang asked Norma J about the incident, she refused to talk about it!
But, we know that Norma J is an exceptional talent manager, a faithful friend, a good mother, a doting lola of two – and the loving tita of Lea, her efficient secretary. She used to manage the career of Cesar Montano and continues to handle the singing engagements of Rico J, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison and Hajji Alejandro.
Norma J may be all that, but she’s also a part of our “gang” – where she provides all of the mystery – and some of the spice!