Stars of Clover Theater & Opera House

The ’50s may well be called the ‘golden age’ of stage shows, with Opera House and Clover their top venues, located in the Santa Cruz district downtown of Manila. Opera House was along Avenida Rizal, while Clover was right at the foot of Santa Cruz Bridge.

Who were the stars of Opera House and Clover?

Katy de la Cruz and Bobby Gonzales right away come to mind. Mommy Kate was noted for her naughty songs, but she was also a topnotch jazz singer, much appreciated by American audiences. Bobby was a versatile singer, popularizing the novelty tune Hahabol-Habol and the love song Inday ng Buhay Ko.

Nora Hermosa’s forte was tagalog songs, later joining the Mabuhay Singers. Flor de Jesus was billed ‘Joni James of the Philippines.’ Rogie Rama sang standards and Spanish songs. Teroy de Guzman and Toto kept the audiences in stitches with their comic antics.

The son of Pugo, Sunday Contreras was no comedian but accomplished singer. The husband-and-wife team of Tommy Corrales and Charita sang and danced. The couple were also radio stars. Their children, Tommy Jr. and Meldy Corrales, followed in their footsteps.

Susan de la Victoria and the Montecillo Sisters were sweet songbirds.

Don Jose Sara, a Portuguese, was the director of those Clover extravaganzas, while Van Ludor (Lou Salvador Sr.) was the master showman of Opera House.

More often than not, the stage stars switched from Opera House to Clover — and vice versa.

Stage stars of the ’50s included Pilita Corrales, Eddie Mesa, Mercy Oria, Gloria Selga and Diomedes Maturan.

Even classical singers Don David and Conching Rosal.

Today, Opera House is a hotel and Clover a nondescript building. — RKC