Take 5 for La Oropesa

TACLOBAN CITY — For the first time, actress Elizabeth Oropesa says she’s married the man with whom she is truly in love.

"La Oropesa" met 23-year-old physical therapist Joel Valdez at a gym in Makati City where they both worked out. Brushing aside comments about their May-December relationship, they were married in a simple civil ceremony at a beach resort last Nov. 8.

"For the first time in my life, I am in love," Oropesa exclaimed.

The actress’ young son by former husband Meng Fei, a Chinese movie actor based in Taipei, and her mother, Flordeliza Freeman, attended the wedding, which was held at the Gala beach resort in Barangay Dacul in Taft, Eastern Samar, 250 kilometers east of this city.

It was Oropesa’s fifth marriage and a first for Valdez.

Valdez, a native of Taft, was described to have "movie-star looks." He appeared shy and could just say "thank you" to well-wishers.

Guests at the wedding said Oropesa looked much younger than her 48 years. She delighted the crowd when she gamely danced the "curacha" during the reception.

The principal sponsors included Rep. Marcelino Libanan, Pasay City Mayor Peewee Trinidad, hairdresser Fanny Serrano, Taft Mayor Francisco Adalim and Vice Mayor Cornelio Adel, as well as other known personalities in Eastern Samar.

Oropesa was already married, and a mother, when she joined the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant as her passport to the movies.

When she was already a movie actress, she was romantically linked to drama actor Dante Rivero and other men before she met Meng Fei and lived with him for several years.

They separated and Oropesa lived in with a certain Raymond Ablan. After they also separated, she reconciled with Meng and she stayed in Taipei for a few years.

After Oropesa and Meng parted ways again, she made a movie comeback in 1993 and became involved with younger men, including Ginoong Pilipinas titleholder and now bold actor Danny Ramos.

She was also married to a certain Mark Roces, with whom she has a daughter, Genevieve.