^
+ Follow Isay Tag
Array
(
    [results] => Array
        (
            [0] => Array
                (
                    [ArticleID] => 2359515
                    [Title] => Aktres, nahirapang itago ang baby number 3!
                    [Summary] => Kinumpirma ng aming reliable source na tatlo na talaga ang anak ng kilalang showbiz couple.
                    [DatePublished] => 2024-06-01 00:00:00
                    [ColumnID] => 136480
                    [Focus] => 1
                    [AuthorID] => 1340405
                    [AuthorName] => Gorgy Rula
                    [SectionName] => PSN Showbiz
                    [SectionUrl] => showbiz
                    [URL] => 
                )

            [1] => Array
                (
                    [ArticleID] => 2333896
                    [Title] => Maling akala
                    [Summary] => Sana ay magsilbing aral ang kasaysayan ko sa iba na madaling humusga sa pagkatao ng iba. 
                    [DatePublished] => 2024-02-17 00:00:00
                    [ColumnID] => 0
                    [Focus] => 1
                    [AuthorID] => 1249999
                    [AuthorName] => Dear Dr. Love
                    [SectionName] => Dr. Love
                    [SectionUrl] => dr-love
                    [URL] => 
                )

            [2] => Array
                (
                    [ArticleID] => 1426867
                    [Title] => ‘Second chance’
                    [Summary] => 

Isa akong public school teacher at maituturing ng matandang dalaga sa edad na 48 years old.

[DatePublished] => 2015-02-24 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 134383 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => [AuthorName] => [SectionName] => Para Malibang [SectionUrl] => para-malibang [URL] => ) [3] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1281207 [Title] => April Boy kailangan ng dasal, lagay ng puso masama ang kondisyon [Summary] =>

How sad that we have to start our column with a sad note.

[DatePublished] => 2014-01-21 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 136239 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1159069 [AuthorName] => Baby E [SectionName] => Pang Movies [SectionUrl] => pang-movies [URL] => ) [4] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1278799 [Title] => The Journey of Faith restores Isay’s health [Summary] =>

 Missed by fans for a few years, Ali Sotto (photo) has resumed hosting her and Arnold Clavio’s (also pictured) dzBB program Double A sa Double B starting last Monday, no wonder the tandem’s followers (this one included) are rejoicing.

[DatePublished] => 2014-01-15 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 134227 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1697794 [AuthorName] => Ricky Lo [SectionName] => Entertainment [SectionUrl] => entertainment [URL] => http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/2125/5ctx.jpg ) [5] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1260149 [Title] => Isay to Rachelle: Enjoy this experience of a lifetime [Summary] =>

For two years, the Gigi character in Miss Saigon has become like second skin to Isay Alvarez, in a scene from the musical who originated the role at the Theater Royale Drury Lane in London’s West End.

[DatePublished] => 2013-11-24 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 0 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => [AuthorName] => [SectionName] => Entertainment [SectionUrl] => entertainment [URL] => ) [6] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1238841 [Title] => ‘Love is sweeter the second time around’ [Summary] =>

Isa akong public school teacher at maituturing ng matandang dalaga sa edad na 48 years old.

[DatePublished] => 2013-09-28 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 134383 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => [AuthorName] => [SectionName] => Para Malibang [SectionUrl] => para-malibang [URL] => ) [7] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1203461 [Title] => Robert & Isay in Bethlehem Christmas concert [Summary] =>

The couple that travels together stays together.

[DatePublished] => 2013-09-13 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 0 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1536606 [AuthorName] => Nathalie Tomada [SectionName] => Entertainment [SectionUrl] => entertainment [URL] => ) [8] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1103001 [Title] => Isay hindi nararamdaman ang cancer ’pag nasa stage [Summary] =>

Napaka-professional at napakahusay pa rin ng stage actress na si Isay Alvarez sa kanyang ipinamalas na galing sa restaging ng Katy:

[DatePublished] => 2013-08-18 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 135343 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1141669 [AuthorName] => Aster Amoyo [SectionName] => PSN Showbiz [SectionUrl] => showbiz [URL] => ) [9] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1075571 [Title] => Back in time with Katy! [Summary] =>

Black and white movies, the classics, were part of my childhood. It was our kasambahay’s way of keeping me preoccupied whenever I got back from school, just in time for siesta. I don’t remember much about the plot, but I loved staring at the beautiful actors of that time — the men in their well-tailored suits and the ladies in their balloon skirts, which gave emphasis on their small waists. Through the classics, I was introduced to the young Gloria Romero. I can’t forget how beautiful she was, the curve of the bridge of her nose and her innocent face. During that era, actors possessed a regal air.

Fast forward to almost 30 years after, theater veterans and husband and wife Robert and Isay Alvarez-Seña were at our Umagang Kay Ganda studio to plug Katy! The Musical. It’s  about the life of Katy dela Cruz. “Who is Katy?” I asked. Robert explained that Katy was Nora Aunor of her time: The queen of the entablado.

Isay gamely sang a few lines from Katy! about “Peping buying some saging.” She interpreted the song with a lot of throaty grumbling ala Cookie Monster (for the young generation to relate). But of course, it was tastefully done. It was jazz!

And something in me jumped to life, as if I’ve heard that kind of singing from somewhere — bodabil or vaudeville!

I had to watch Katy! The Musical.

The Meralco Theater was abuzz with spectators on the last day of the musical. And guess who I saw? Gloria Romero!

I was not so sure of what to expect as we waited for the curtain to open. When little Katy, played by Leana Tabunar sang, tears filled my eyes. It was really embarrassing, especially since the song was not even sentimental, but an upbeat Pahiram ng Kanta. In the scene, little Katy was trying to convince her father Juan to let her perform at the plaza. Later, she went on to sing in the sabungan. When her big break to perform on stage came, she did jazz, even as kundiman was the norm then.

I loved the scene of Hanna, Patsy and Katy where they sang Bituing Tahimik. With Katy, nothing was tahimik or quiet on stage. She was vibrant! Despite troubles in her personal life, the death of her husband, she gave her audience her best, the-show-must-go-on attitude.

I only knew of these things because of the play, but director Nestor Torre had the privilege of knowing the star up-close and personal. “Mommy Kate was the compleat professional in terms of performance, giving her shows and movies everything she had, thus did she emerge in my view as a symbol of our people’s shared dedication, creativity and survival instinct, traits which I hope will radiate out of tonight’s performance to inspire you, as they did our first opening night audience at Rizal Theatre, some 25 years ago,” was Torre’s message in the souvenir program.

I have so many favorite scenes in the musical — from Pahiram ng Kanta to Tale, Tale when Tatay Juan was telling Katy not to rush things, as well as the scene of Tingnan Mo nga Naman, Tatay’s farewell to Katy. Tirso Cruz III played Tatay Juan, and he was brilliant. I also enjoyed the scene where Katy sang Balut. All the while I thought it was an original of Sylvia La Torre. I was holding on to every note and every word of Olivia (portrayed by Dulce) and the teen Katy (Aicelle Santos). “Minsan ang minahal mo ay ako.” Katy and Peping’s Isa na namang Paalam was a bittersweet moment.

What made Katy! quite special for me, as it was for the rest of the audience, was not only about the inspiring life of Katy. It was about the struggle of Philippine theater and love for country. The scene where Olivia sang Panahon ng Kagipitan reminded me of the rebels in Les Miserables. It gave me goosebumps.

After watching the musical, it made me wish I lived during the days of vaudeville. Katy! The Musical brought me back in time.

So, thank you to all the actors, the production team of Katy! the musical for sharing with us an unforgettable moment, for bringing it back to life. Thank you, Robert and Isay, Tricia Amper Jimenez and Carl Balita for bringing Katy! to this generation.

The first run of Katy! in 1988 was the product of the passion and nationalism of Filipino artists — director Torre, librettist Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes and music by Ryan Cayabyab. The role of Katy was then played by Mitch Valdez. Olivia was played by Celeste Legazpi.

Mr. C’s message to the audience of Katy! The Musical:  “Twenty-five years after its creation, it is but right to say now that the songs of Katy! do not anymore belong to Joey and myself. They belong to the Filipino people.”

It sure felt like it Mr. C, and I’m so proud.

Too bad Katy! only ran for two weeks at the Meralco Theater. I hope more Filipinos will be able to watch this masterpiece. I wish the producers release a soundtrack of Katy!. I have things on my wish list. I beg for your indulgence, I really want more of Pinoy music. Now, I can almost hear Tatay Juan singing Tale, Tale, “huwag lang magmadali.” Maybe, in time. I’m just grateful that Katy! The Musical happened.

(For comments and feedback, please e-mail me at [email protected]. For updates, follow me on Twitter @bernadette_ABS.)

[DatePublished] => 2013-08-11 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 134513 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1168457 [AuthorName] => Bernadette Sembrano [SectionName] => Entertainment [SectionUrl] => entertainment [URL] => ) ) )
Isay
Array
(
    [results] => Array
        (
            [0] => Array
                (
                    [ArticleID] => 2359515
                    [Title] => Aktres, nahirapang itago ang baby number 3!
                    [Summary] => Kinumpirma ng aming reliable source na tatlo na talaga ang anak ng kilalang showbiz couple.
                    [DatePublished] => 2024-06-01 00:00:00
                    [ColumnID] => 136480
                    [Focus] => 1
                    [AuthorID] => 1340405
                    [AuthorName] => Gorgy Rula
                    [SectionName] => PSN Showbiz
                    [SectionUrl] => showbiz
                    [URL] => 
                )

            [1] => Array
                (
                    [ArticleID] => 2333896
                    [Title] => Maling akala
                    [Summary] => Sana ay magsilbing aral ang kasaysayan ko sa iba na madaling humusga sa pagkatao ng iba. 
                    [DatePublished] => 2024-02-17 00:00:00
                    [ColumnID] => 0
                    [Focus] => 1
                    [AuthorID] => 1249999
                    [AuthorName] => Dear Dr. Love
                    [SectionName] => Dr. Love
                    [SectionUrl] => dr-love
                    [URL] => 
                )

            [2] => Array
                (
                    [ArticleID] => 1426867
                    [Title] => ‘Second chance’
                    [Summary] => 

Isa akong public school teacher at maituturing ng matandang dalaga sa edad na 48 years old.

[DatePublished] => 2015-02-24 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 134383 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => [AuthorName] => [SectionName] => Para Malibang [SectionUrl] => para-malibang [URL] => ) [3] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1281207 [Title] => April Boy kailangan ng dasal, lagay ng puso masama ang kondisyon [Summary] =>

How sad that we have to start our column with a sad note.

[DatePublished] => 2014-01-21 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 136239 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1159069 [AuthorName] => Baby E [SectionName] => Pang Movies [SectionUrl] => pang-movies [URL] => ) [4] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1278799 [Title] => The Journey of Faith restores Isay’s health [Summary] =>

 Missed by fans for a few years, Ali Sotto (photo) has resumed hosting her and Arnold Clavio’s (also pictured) dzBB program Double A sa Double B starting last Monday, no wonder the tandem’s followers (this one included) are rejoicing.

[DatePublished] => 2014-01-15 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 134227 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1697794 [AuthorName] => Ricky Lo [SectionName] => Entertainment [SectionUrl] => entertainment [URL] => http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/2125/5ctx.jpg ) [5] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1260149 [Title] => Isay to Rachelle: Enjoy this experience of a lifetime [Summary] =>

For two years, the Gigi character in Miss Saigon has become like second skin to Isay Alvarez, in a scene from the musical who originated the role at the Theater Royale Drury Lane in London’s West End.

[DatePublished] => 2013-11-24 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 0 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => [AuthorName] => [SectionName] => Entertainment [SectionUrl] => entertainment [URL] => ) [6] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1238841 [Title] => ‘Love is sweeter the second time around’ [Summary] =>

Isa akong public school teacher at maituturing ng matandang dalaga sa edad na 48 years old.

[DatePublished] => 2013-09-28 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 134383 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => [AuthorName] => [SectionName] => Para Malibang [SectionUrl] => para-malibang [URL] => ) [7] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1203461 [Title] => Robert & Isay in Bethlehem Christmas concert [Summary] =>

The couple that travels together stays together.

[DatePublished] => 2013-09-13 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 0 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1536606 [AuthorName] => Nathalie Tomada [SectionName] => Entertainment [SectionUrl] => entertainment [URL] => ) [8] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1103001 [Title] => Isay hindi nararamdaman ang cancer ’pag nasa stage [Summary] =>

Napaka-professional at napakahusay pa rin ng stage actress na si Isay Alvarez sa kanyang ipinamalas na galing sa restaging ng Katy:

[DatePublished] => 2013-08-18 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 135343 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1141669 [AuthorName] => Aster Amoyo [SectionName] => PSN Showbiz [SectionUrl] => showbiz [URL] => ) [9] => Array ( [ArticleID] => 1075571 [Title] => Back in time with Katy! [Summary] =>

Black and white movies, the classics, were part of my childhood. It was our kasambahay’s way of keeping me preoccupied whenever I got back from school, just in time for siesta. I don’t remember much about the plot, but I loved staring at the beautiful actors of that time — the men in their well-tailored suits and the ladies in their balloon skirts, which gave emphasis on their small waists. Through the classics, I was introduced to the young Gloria Romero. I can’t forget how beautiful she was, the curve of the bridge of her nose and her innocent face. During that era, actors possessed a regal air.

Fast forward to almost 30 years after, theater veterans and husband and wife Robert and Isay Alvarez-Seña were at our Umagang Kay Ganda studio to plug Katy! The Musical. It’s  about the life of Katy dela Cruz. “Who is Katy?” I asked. Robert explained that Katy was Nora Aunor of her time: The queen of the entablado.

Isay gamely sang a few lines from Katy! about “Peping buying some saging.” She interpreted the song with a lot of throaty grumbling ala Cookie Monster (for the young generation to relate). But of course, it was tastefully done. It was jazz!

And something in me jumped to life, as if I’ve heard that kind of singing from somewhere — bodabil or vaudeville!

I had to watch Katy! The Musical.

The Meralco Theater was abuzz with spectators on the last day of the musical. And guess who I saw? Gloria Romero!

I was not so sure of what to expect as we waited for the curtain to open. When little Katy, played by Leana Tabunar sang, tears filled my eyes. It was really embarrassing, especially since the song was not even sentimental, but an upbeat Pahiram ng Kanta. In the scene, little Katy was trying to convince her father Juan to let her perform at the plaza. Later, she went on to sing in the sabungan. When her big break to perform on stage came, she did jazz, even as kundiman was the norm then.

I loved the scene of Hanna, Patsy and Katy where they sang Bituing Tahimik. With Katy, nothing was tahimik or quiet on stage. She was vibrant! Despite troubles in her personal life, the death of her husband, she gave her audience her best, the-show-must-go-on attitude.

I only knew of these things because of the play, but director Nestor Torre had the privilege of knowing the star up-close and personal. “Mommy Kate was the compleat professional in terms of performance, giving her shows and movies everything she had, thus did she emerge in my view as a symbol of our people’s shared dedication, creativity and survival instinct, traits which I hope will radiate out of tonight’s performance to inspire you, as they did our first opening night audience at Rizal Theatre, some 25 years ago,” was Torre’s message in the souvenir program.

I have so many favorite scenes in the musical — from Pahiram ng Kanta to Tale, Tale when Tatay Juan was telling Katy not to rush things, as well as the scene of Tingnan Mo nga Naman, Tatay’s farewell to Katy. Tirso Cruz III played Tatay Juan, and he was brilliant. I also enjoyed the scene where Katy sang Balut. All the while I thought it was an original of Sylvia La Torre. I was holding on to every note and every word of Olivia (portrayed by Dulce) and the teen Katy (Aicelle Santos). “Minsan ang minahal mo ay ako.” Katy and Peping’s Isa na namang Paalam was a bittersweet moment.

What made Katy! quite special for me, as it was for the rest of the audience, was not only about the inspiring life of Katy. It was about the struggle of Philippine theater and love for country. The scene where Olivia sang Panahon ng Kagipitan reminded me of the rebels in Les Miserables. It gave me goosebumps.

After watching the musical, it made me wish I lived during the days of vaudeville. Katy! The Musical brought me back in time.

So, thank you to all the actors, the production team of Katy! the musical for sharing with us an unforgettable moment, for bringing it back to life. Thank you, Robert and Isay, Tricia Amper Jimenez and Carl Balita for bringing Katy! to this generation.

The first run of Katy! in 1988 was the product of the passion and nationalism of Filipino artists — director Torre, librettist Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes and music by Ryan Cayabyab. The role of Katy was then played by Mitch Valdez. Olivia was played by Celeste Legazpi.

Mr. C’s message to the audience of Katy! The Musical:  “Twenty-five years after its creation, it is but right to say now that the songs of Katy! do not anymore belong to Joey and myself. They belong to the Filipino people.”

It sure felt like it Mr. C, and I’m so proud.

Too bad Katy! only ran for two weeks at the Meralco Theater. I hope more Filipinos will be able to watch this masterpiece. I wish the producers release a soundtrack of Katy!. I have things on my wish list. I beg for your indulgence, I really want more of Pinoy music. Now, I can almost hear Tatay Juan singing Tale, Tale, “huwag lang magmadali.” Maybe, in time. I’m just grateful that Katy! The Musical happened.

(For comments and feedback, please e-mail me at [email protected]. For updates, follow me on Twitter @bernadette_ABS.)

[DatePublished] => 2013-08-11 00:00:00 [ColumnID] => 134513 [Focus] => 0 [AuthorID] => 1168457 [AuthorName] => Bernadette Sembrano [SectionName] => Entertainment [SectionUrl] => entertainment [URL] => ) ) )
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with