OW time flies, as
it has been one year (last August 9) since Pete Roa, TV broadcaster and host,
passed away.
His wife, Boots Anson-Roa, had a ceremony in honor of her
husband at the St. Therese Columbarium, Parañaque City, where his urn is
accommodated in one of the 37,944 imported vaults.
A single vault, according to Boots, can hold four urns.
A mass celebrated by Fathers Sonny Ramirez and Larry Faraon
was held at the La Chapelle des Rosas (Remembering Chapel), which can
accommodate 170.
Daily masses are held at the chapel.
Reception took place at one of the Columbarium’s function
rooms at the third floor, where guests have a view of the inner side of the
newly-built Shrine of the St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
Envisioned to be the center of devotion to St. Therese of the
Child Jesus in Asia, the shrine has several features and amenities. It has
stained glass windows featuring highlights of St. Therese’s life, an
ecclesiastical museum, an Adoration Chapel, and a family prayer room. It has
complete video and audio capabilities, is fully air-conditioned and has 1,800
seats. There is ample basement parking, a votive area and a souvenir shop.
During the reception, a short program was held with Ichu
Maceda, Prime Foundation’s treasurer and board member, delivering the opening
remarks. Tirso Cruz III, who came with his wife Lyn, rendered two songs.
In her thank-you speech, Boots said she and her family hope
to continue to live through Pete’s works. Hence, they have put up Prime
Foundation in Pete’s honor.
Prime Foundation aims to promote causes dear to Pete’s heart,
such as rehabilitation for stroke patients, continuing broadcast education, and
devotion to St. Pio of Pietrelcina.
***
We first heard of JC de Vera from Michelle Madrigal, who was
still then a talent of Star Magic. She said JC was her boyfriend.
"Mahal na mahal niya ako," Michelle proudly told me.
"In fact, hatid-sundo niya ako kahit saan ako pumunta. Ke, trabaho o hindi
ang pupuntahan ko."
Michelle and JC are now, of course, over. But they still
frequently see each other as they share the same talent manager, Annabelle Rama.
"Nauna akong hinawakan ni Tita Annabelle," JC said. "Naging
talent lang siya (Michelle) ni Tita Annabelle when her
contract with Star Magic expired.
"Ang nakasabay ko bilang talent ni Tita
Annabelle ay ang kapatid ni Michelle na si Ehra (Madrigal).
"I’d like to say that I’m lucky that I am the only male
talent ni Tita Annabelle, aside from her sons, Raymond, Richard and
Ritchie Paul. And of course, Tito Eddie (Gutierrez, Annabelle’s husband)."
JC has never been wanting in assignments, whether on TV or in
the movies.
He has just finished "Loving You," a Studiomax movie which
pairs him with his perennial partner, Yasmien Kurdi.
Are they on? we asked JC.
"No, Yasmien and I are just friends," he said.
Michelle was his last girlfriend. Before Michelle, he and
Pauleen Luna were more than friends.
He might be the next featured artist in "Obra" on GMA 7.
***
In "Loving You," JC plays Jepol, a call center agent. Yasmien
plays Lane, his childhood friend.
Jepol is in love with Lane, but he refuses to express his
feelings for her as he is afraid that their friendship will be affected.
"There are a lot of kilig moments in ‘Loving You’," JC
stated. "We are not the only love team featured in it."
Other pairs featured are John Prats and Ehra Madrigal, Aljur
Abrenica and Kris Bernal and, of course, Jean Garcia and Polo Ravales.
Directed by Don Cuaresma, "Loving You" is adapted from a song revived by
Nina. The movie theme song, however, will be performed by Yasmien (Kurdi).
