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LOGARTA. Genuinely kind, thoughtful and caring soul.

This is turning out to be a busy time for sad leavetakings, topped by the demise last April 7 of our dear colleague and friend, Llita Logarta. We joined the Inquirer editorial team at about the same time and we shared a lot of good times together. There was even a time when I lived in a studio apartment at her airy home in La Vista subdivision in Quezon City—we were that close.

Along with her other bereaved friends, like Mag Cruz Hatol and Butch Francisco, we will cherish fond memories of Llita as a genuinely kind, thoughtful and caring soul, and our hearts also go out to her wonderful family.

Memories

ESPOSO. His spirit remained big, bright and free.

Days before, we were similarly saddened to hear that Subas Herrero had also left us. Our friendship with Subas began a really long time ago, way back in the late ’60s, when we both cut our performing and production teeth on Fr. Reuter’s “Family Theater.”

Many years later, we directed Subas and his comedic partner, Noel Trinidad, on Ambivalent Crowd alumna Marita Tenza’s musical show, where we “discovered” the exceptionally gifted Gigi Posadas when she was “just” a member of the Aperitif backup group. —So many memories!

But, above all, we will remember Subas for his amazing versatility—he was effective both as a sunny-side-up comedian-singer who delighted kids, and as a kontrabida. —Now, that takes talent!

Quite coincidentally, we caught a recent Jeepney TV “rewind” telecast of “Ryan, Ryan, Musikahan,” and Ryan’s birthday telecast featured a characteristically antic guest appearance by Subas (with Noel and Nanette Inventor).

HERRERO. Amazing versatility.

It was an emotional experience for us to see Subas “alive and kicking”—and singing—and we hope that the “replay” TV channel will soon edit together a “tribute” telecast of “remembered” performances by other stars who are no longer with us.

Theater colleague

Finally, we bid adieu to another longtime friend and theater colleague, Billy Esposo, who passed away recently. We acted with Billy in a number of Teatro Pilipino productions at the CCP directed by the Rolando Tinio.

Much later, when he was already wheelchair-bound, we joined Billy and his lovely wife on a Focolare pilgrimage that took us all the way to the unique town of Lopiano in Italy, whose hundreds of residents provide definitive proof that people can truly live in peace.

What moved us about being on pilgrimage with Billy was the fact that, despite his already being wheelchair-bound, his spirit remained big, bright and free!

To Llita, Subas and Billy, thanks for making such a vivid and valued difference in our life!