‘Panday’ creator goes for Ate Glo

A LAPU-LAPU CITY — Fernando Poe Jr. might be the face and voice of his fantasy hero. But the brains behind the popular "Ang Panday" series, moviemaker and comics writer Carlo J. Caparas, isn’t casting his lot with the actor turned presidential candidate.

Caparas and his wife, movie producer Donna Villa, were in this city yesterday to welcome President Arroyo.

Mrs. Arroyo, who is seeking a full six-year term next month, flew here to attend the 483rd anniversary celebration of the historic "Kadaugan sa Mactan" (Battle of Mactan).

The couple — who have their own movie outfit, Golden Lion Films — were the latest members of the local movie industry to throw their support behind Mrs. Arroyo despite their long association with Poe.

Donna Villa, whose real name is Marianne Patalinjug, is a niece of Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Norma Patalinjug.

Speaking with The STAR before the President’s arrival, Caparas said he was literally dragged by his wife to come out openly in support of Mrs. Arroyo’s candidacy.

"Nabali na ang espada ni Panday (Panday’s sword has been broken)," he quipped.

Caparas has long been associated with Poe, having worked with him in a series of six "Ang Panday" movies and other Poe starrers like "Totoy Bato" and "Ang Maestro" since 1979.

"Ronnie and I have been close, but my wife is tougher. Eh kung si Susan nanununtok, si Donna namumugot (If Susan punches, Donna decapitates)," he joked.

Caparas was referring to Poe’s wife, actress Susan Roces, who reportedly punched a vice mayoral candidate in Roxas City who irked her by his constant physical contact.

In a more serious tone, Caparas said he agreed with his wife’s decision to back Mrs. Arroyo because of what he believes are her superior qualities as a leader.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mrs. Arroyo joined Cebuano folk in commemorating the historic battle between the "first Filipino war hero," local tribal chief Lapu-Lapu, and Ferdinand Magellan, the leader of a band of Spanish explorers.

"Lapu-Lapu was the real hero who fought for the country with his bolo against the European invaders," Caparas said.

Caparas recalled that he did the "cinematic" reenactment of the "Battle of Mactan" in 1988 at the same beaches of the eponymously named city.

Ironically, Caparas said, the actor that he chose to play the role of Lapu-Lapu was one of Poe’s stunt doubles.