The true measure of a man

Sidney Poitier is perhaps one of the greatest actors of this lifetime. He is revered both as a man and as an actor. He is the first Afro-American to win the Oscars Best Actor for his performance in Lilies of the Field in 1963. It was he the young Oprah Winfrey saw from a neighbor’s TV set (Oprah and her grandmother didn’t own one) walking on the red carpet and eventually snatching the Oscar trophy that night. “I want to be there one day,” murmured the young Oprah. And one day it did happen when Oprah covered the Oscars and again and again when she would attend the ceremonies, this time as Hollywood’s most powerful woman. She was once quoted to have said, “To get to where I am was never easy.”

Oprah and Sidney have two of the most inspiring and empowering life stories. In his book True Measure Of A Man, Sidney says that it is how one provides for his family that defines him. And this one is coming from one of the most celebrated actors of the world who could easily say that his body of work, that his rise to fame, his storied past, his struggles in the winters of New York, the abuse he suffered as a young Bahamian in America would define who he is. Instead he said it’s how well he can take care of his family that would measure his humanity.

The past few days we have been mourning the death of music icon Francis Magalona. He and Pia have raised eight wonderful children. I saw their daughters Maxene and Saab talking about how proud they are of their dad and how grateful they are to people who love their dad. I have not seen a wife and mother as strong, as brave and as devoted as Pia. She doesn’t have to weep on national TV for us to know that she’s in pain. She was by Francis’ side all their life sticking together during the good and the not so good times. They lived together as partners, parents and friends. Pia was by Francis’ side in the last seven months as he fought the battle against leukemia. He may have succumbed to this illness but people will always remember the love Pia, Francis, their children and their families have lavished on each other not just in Francis death but in life.

I am proud of Francis Magalona and I’m grateful to him for all the things he has done for the entertainment industry. He was a good human being and that is his true legacy.

John Lloyd’s date

You Changed My Life, the John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo starrer earned P27-M in one day making them the new Box-Office King and Queen. The movie had its international premier in the US with John Lloyd going over to America to attend the event with his mother as “date.” John Lloyd says his mother was ecstatic that his son is doing well. “Last year, my mother and I were in Rome. Dati na kaming nagpupunta ng Amerika together. Tuwang tuwa siya na makita yong pelikula ng anak niya is doing very well.”

One of the most private actors in showbiz, John Lloyd hardly speaks about his love life even when pressed. Lately, it was rumored that he and long time girlfriend stylist Liz Uy have called it quits. John Lloyd says it is not true and they are still together. “We always quantify love. Kung sino ang mas higit, mas mahal, mas mahal kita, mas mahal mo ako, etc. Para sa akin, kung ito man ang best ko at kulang pa rin sayo, at least minahal kita the best way I know,” says John Lloyd.

But people are excited about his team up with Sarah. Some think that Sarah and John Lloyd make a handsome pair. But both are enjoying their current status as the new Box-Office King and Queen. 

Claudine feels vindicated

Claudine Barretto feels vindicated when the court junked the libel case filed against her by her former assistant Nancy Jiji Cruz. The case came about after Claudine filed a complaint against Nancy Cruz in the Quezon City Police District Station 9 after she found out that some of her jewelry, money and important papers were missing. “Nagpapasalamat ako at alam ko God would vindicate me.” Claudine is not yet ready for a settlement with her former assistant. ”I’d rather keep quiet muna. Mahirap magdesisyon. People sometimes think that because you are a Christian, palagi ka na lang magpapatawad. Most of the time kapag Kristiyano ka talaga ang dami mong nakakalaban kasi meron kang pinaglalaban.”

Play about war veterans

Veterans braved the cold, and the loneliness in San Francisco California’s Powell St. hoping to be justly rewarded for their services in the war. Up until now, some veterans are still waiting for that time when they will be recognized for their heroism during the war. The play Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street tackles the stories of Filipino WWII veterans who applied for American citizenship in order to get the long-due benefits promised to them. It goes on stage at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Theater, in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, for two performances on March 30, with a matinee at 2 p.m. and a gala show at 7 p.m.

Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street is an original play adapted by Palanca Award-winning playwright Rody Vera from the novel of the same title by Benjamin Pimentel. Pimentel’s original novel won the highest citation in last year’s National Book Awards. The play is directed by Chris Millado. In the cast are Bembol Roco, Lou Veloso, Madeleine Nicolas, Crispin Pineda and other veteran thespians. The ensemble also includes members of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company, as well as other talented guest performers.

For details, call Tanghalang Pilipino at 832-3661 or 832-1125 loc. 1620 or 1621.