ALONZO. Stood out even in thankless roles.
It was the late Oscar Miranda who first introduced me to Alicia Alonzo. She was an artist with an interest in singing (jazz) and dancing. I also cast her in a play, and she gave 110 percent in everything she did. When Bob Parker, the husband then of Shirley MacLaine, organized a troupe to sing and dance in Las Vegas, Carole Piñon auditioned and later flew to the casino capital of the United States.
Oscar had links with entertainment bigwigs, so the late Teddy Macapagal chose him to help produce the film, “Sakada.”
As its producer, Oscar was mainly responsible for casting. He had already contracted big stars like Gloria Romero and Rosa Rosal, along with Hilda Koronel, Bembol Roco and Robert Arevalo.
He needed someone to portray Robert’s long-suffering wife. Would I consider Alicia Alonzo? I didn’t know her then, but I said, “Why not?” I had heard good things about the actress from Lino Brocka, who said she was a sexy actress who had real depth – and, indeed, she did.
Polite and kind
Alicia is quiet and hard-working. She is polite and kind to everyone around her. I noted that even the technicians treated her with kindness. As I am particular about promptness, I would ask loudly if she had already arrived on the set. Then, she would raise a hand and answer timidly, “Present.”
I loved Alicia because she would patiently wait under difficult circumstances. When it was her turn, she gave her all to her scenes. As I explained particularly difficult scenes, she’d listen quietly, then give me more than I expected. As an actress, she follows her intuition.
After the film was over, we kept in touch. The San Mig Pub in Greenhills was very popular then. I would take her there so we could listen to movie greats like Ronnie Poe and Joseph Estrada sing some standards. Otherwise, shameless souls like me would take over the microphone and sing to our hearts’ content. Robert Arevalo would also sing his father’s compositions.
Lead character
When I was tasked to direct Nick Joaquin’s “Beatas” for UP Repertory, I asked Alicia if she could portray the lead. As expected, she was a fine role model for the student actors – she arrived on time, knew her lines and blocking, and never acted like a prima donna. The students loved her, and so did I.
I used to watch her in the films produced Anthony Alonzo, her brother. Alicia stood out even in thankless roles.
I wonder how she is these days and hope that she is doing well – because hers is a talent that deserves to be seen and appreciated!