Why was Rita Avila, one of Seiko queens, not invited to Sine Sandaan?
Rita Avila
After the successful celebration of “Sine Sandaan 100 Years of Philippine Cinema,” my good friend, Rita Avila sent me a viber message.
With her permission, I’m sharing it with my readers. Here goes: “My friends in the industry were wondering why I was not in Sine Sandaan. They told me, ‘Rita, you were a leading lady in your time. If Jestoni Alarcon was there, then you should have been there. You were a powerful love team back then. You were one of the queens of Seiko Films.’
“My reply: ‘I was not invited to the event, but that’s fine by me.’
“Ours was the last generation of movie stars (Seiko, Viva, Regal, Octoarts) when there were many movies showing and many traditional fan clubs supporting them, before the teleserye fever took over the dying movie industry.
“In fact, during our time, there were movie stars and television stars. Movie and TV were considered two different worlds.
“After several years of successful TV series, the movie industry has come to life again. Thanks to the indies and a few big filmmakers for saving the industry at this time.
“Thanks to the many directors, writers, movie staff, producers and actors who are dedicated to the craft.
“If only movie theaters will lower their ticket prices, the rise of our movie industry may continue to go [on] … ”
As of press time, I still have to get the side of the chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Liza Diño Seguerra, who spearheaded the glittery fête.
As a member of the Cinema Evaluation Board, I was invited to the event. Too bad I missed it because an emergency came up. On the day of the celebration, my best friend Cesar Montano asked me if I was going to attend. He texted me: “Bff, you should go to represent your late mom, who’s one of the pillars of Philippine show biz.”
For sure, Mommy was there in spirit. My mind suddenly went on flashback mode. I reminisced about the countless show biz events/parties I attended with my mom.
If only I could write about all the off-the-record happenings that I witnessed. It’s been crazy growing up in show biz. But I would not have it any other way.
Happy 100th anniversary to the industry, in which my mom spent more than half of her life. I am more than grateful to be a true child of show biz.
