MANILA, Philippines — In 1966, Sampaguita Pictures launched into stardom 10 young and fresh faces billed as Stars 66. One of them is Pepito Rodriguez.
Last Christmas, I got a surprise text message from Pepito. Two days later, he called me up and this was what transpired.
The former loveteam of Rosemarie Sonora is still single and lives in a subdivision just across SM Masinag in Antipolo City. He maintains a driver and a few household help, who grew up with his family which he considered Kapamilya. He is into selling equipments to big establishments like offices and hospitals that goes through a bidding.
Does he miss acting?
“Not really but I treasure the memories. At Sampaguita, we were one happy family. From the very start, I knew that acting is temporary. But I am still aware ng mga nangyayari sa showbiz. We have a group which we address as SAMAHAN na puro mga artista ang miyembro. This includes Manang Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Pempe Rodrigo, Robert and Barbara Arevalo and others. Maliit lang ang mundo ng showbiz kaya we get to know the latest tsika or intriga. Occasionally, we hold projects even though our resources are not as big like (that of) Mowelfund. Happy na kami na makatulong sa nangangailangan.”
In their batch, the tandem of Rosemarie and Pepito was the most popular. They did a couple of films like Juanita Banana. Later on, Ricky Belmonte came into the scene and he and Rosemarie got married. Among their children is Sheryl Cruz, who still does teleseryes. Rosemarie has married an American and is now based in the US.
Pepito is still in touch with Rosemarie on Facebook. He considers her a dear friend.
In FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (where FPJ’s widow appears as lola of Cardo), Coco Martin has invited a handful of inactive veteran stars. One of them is Lito Lapid.
Would Pepito be willing to appear on the show?
“Some friends kidded me na lumabas ako sa Probinsyano and have a reunion with Manang Inday but then, ano naman ang gagawin ko kung sakali? I am not an action star. I don’t entertain the idea at all. I am done with acting.”
Any advice to today’s young stars?
“They seem to earn money easily and big money, too. I hope they spend it wisely and always save for the rainy days. It breaks my heart to hear an artista living under a miserable condition. As an artist, be professional and don’t be a problem to producers.”
Those are words of wisdom from someone who has been there and seen it all.