In 1956, Charlton Heston and his wife Lydia Clarke visited Manila as guests of the Rufino family, owners of a chain of theaters in the city.
One of the highlights of the visit was a ‘side trip’ to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) clinic where he donated blood.
‘Even Moses shed blood,’ a newspaper described the event, referring to Mr. Heston’s Moses role in Ten Commandments. Rosa Rosal, tireless Red Cross volunteer, participated in the bloodletting event. Mr. Heston was noted for his epic Biblical films.
Ten Commandments merited several Oscar nominations in 1956. It was produced by Cecil B. DeMille for Paramount. RKC
Charlton Heston holding a bottle of blood he donated to the Red Cross. In photo, (from left): Health Secretary Paulino Garcia, Mr. Heston, Rosa Rosal, First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay and daughter Mila and businessman Antonio de las Alas.