Maturan laid to rest

With friends and loyal followers attending, the man dubbed as the Golden Voice –Diomedes Maturan – was laid to rest yesterday at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque sans the funfare.

Maturan, who was 61 when he suffered a fatal heart attack early Monday morning, was escorted to his final resting place by about a hundred relatives, friends and followers. Among the showbusiness personalities who came were Fred Panopio, Sylvia la Torre, and Marita Zobel.

"It was a quick and quiet ceremony," said Manila Memorial Park officer in charge Lamberto Pena. The interment was held at high noon.

Maturan, also dubbed the local counterpart of American singer Perry Como, was known for his songs Dahil sa ‘Yo and In Despair. His success came after winning the Tawag ng Tanghalan singing contest on radio with the song Rose Tatoo, a Perry Como original.

Maturan is the second celebrity to be buried in the 106-hectare cemetery since Rico Yan last week. His interment, however, was a serene one compared to the chaos and carnival atmosphere of Yan’s, said Pena.

To date, fans reportedly continue to flock to Yan’s grave offering prayers, flowers, and candles.

Maturan himself once enjoyed popularity as a matinee idol, making 25 movies opposite the biggest stars of the time from 1958 to 1965. Maturan is survived by his wife and four children. – Jose Aravilla