From outspoken
to ‘voiceless’

Manay Ichu’s papa was the late Dr. Jose Perez, producer of the then No. 1 movie firm in the country, Sampaguita Pictures. He was known as a star maker.

Her papa, Dr. Perez, said before that he saw Susan with some movie fans loitering around the Sampaguita Pictures compound. Susan came from Bacolod City and upon the invitation of an uncle who worked in the studio, she decided to join other movie fans in visiting the Sampaguita studio.

"I was hoping I’d see Gloria Romero (the biggest star of Sampaguita Pictures that time) in person," Susan related. "When Dr. Perez approached me, natakot ako. But he was so kind. He asked for my name. Asked me how old I was (she was only 15 and had just graduated from high school). He then invited me to come to his house."

The rest is history.

"From that first meeting onwards, Susan and I became good friends," said Marichu. "Kahit when she ceased to become an exclusive contract star of our studio, we remained close. Hanggang sa sumapit na kami sa aming mga edad ngayon (both are in their 60s)."

She added, "We are aware of the good and bad times we experienced in our lives. We were always there for each other when we needed a shoulder to cry on."

"But one thing I’ll surely never forget about Susan is the way she treats my children, all five of them and all boys. Two are lawyers. They all call Susan, Tita Susan. Her Mary Grace (Susan and the late Ronnie Poe’s unica hija) calls me Tita Ichu," Manay Ichu related.

Manay Ichu’s youngest son, Edward (Maceda) is running as re-electionist (for the third time) as councilor of the fourth district of Manila. Manay Ichu knows that an endorsement from Susan will help all the more boosts Edward’s candidacy. Although on his own, Edward has proven his worth as a three-term councilor of his district. For one, it was he who initiated and facilitated the release of more than P100 million for various schools, barangay, medical and infrastructure project.

In any case, Manay Ichu said she was surprised when one day she got a call from Susan asking her if there’s anything she can do to help Edward in his bid for another term as Manila councilor. "Maniwala ka o hindi," Manay Ichu said, "Naluha ako. Iba kasi kapag anak mo ang involved sa mga pagkakataong ganito. Matindi ang impact sa ‘yo bilang ina. And that was how I feel when I profusely thanked Susan."

Edward comes from a family of politicians. His dad is former Senate President Ernesto Maceda. He is the grandson of former school superintendent Antonio Maceda which one avenue in Manila was named after.

Did we hear it right that the reason why a named lady director is not so visible these days is because she is very sick? Known to be so outspoken, she would have been vocal about many issues during this election season. She loves to discuss issues which do not only concern showbiz but of national interest.

Let’s all pray that she recovers soon.

"Pinoy Big Brother Season Two" evictee Maricris Dizon said she will be greatly affected if Nel Rapiz is evicted tonight as a housemate from Bahay ni Kuya. If she had a choice, he would want him to win. Nel became her closest friend from among her housemates.

He is one of the two housemates (the other is Dionne Mosanto) nominated for eviction tonight.