REMEMBERING: Kung Mawawala Ka

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K.M.K. is probably one of the most important Asian series of all time. 

Kung Mawawala Ka or A World Without You (English title) was an award-winning epic political thriller and love story Philippine drama produced by GMA Network and directed by film director, Joel Lamangan, in his first directed TV series.

Reception

Dubbed to be the “best series” produced by GMA Network, the show gained much applaud from critics, it posed a threat to its competing program. In response, ABS-CBN moved their top-rating Pangako Sa ‘Yo against Kung Mawawala Ka. The move halted the rising viewership of the show since “Pangako Sa ‘Yo’ was still followed by its loyal audience.

Synopsis

A modern retelling of the Romeo & Juliet classic love affair, personified by Rosa Camilla Montemayor (Sunshine Dizon) and Carlito Valiente (Cogie Domingo). A love affair that goes against all odds as the political conflict between their families grows stronger. Rosa Camilla’s father, Gov. Leandro Montemayor (Eddie Garcia), uses his power to take Rosa Camilla away from the son of his political rival, Cong. Carlos Valiente.

What makes this compelling tale of love, conquest and revenge all the more intriguing is the struggle between Gov. Leandro’s three women—Iluminada (Liza Lorena), his legal wife, to whom he has three children namely Ernestina (Princess Punzalan) , Alberto (Raymond Bagatsing) and Paloma (Alessandra de Rossi); Czarina (Gloria Diaz), the original mistress and mother to Lucinda (Ara Mina) and Amanda (Sharmaine Arnaiz); and finally Alicia (Hilda Koronel), the love of Leandro’s life and mother to Rosa Camilla.

The story begins with the failed murder attempt on the governor’s life and consequently makes the three women and all their children suspects in the investigation. This “whodunit” crime mystery angle provides the backdrop to the love story of Rosa Camilla and Carlito.

Cast and characters

•Eddie Garcia…. Leandro Montemayor

•Hilda Koronel…. Alicia Montemayor (Third Wife)

•Sunshine Dizon…. Rosa Camilla Montemayor

•Cogie Domingo…. Carlito Valiente

•Sharmaine Arnaiz…. Amanda Montemayor

•Raymond Bagatsing…. Alberto Montemayor

•Iza Calzado…. Febe Tuazon

•Maybeline dela Cruz…. Guadalupe Vaiente

•Alessandra de Rossi…. Paloma Montemayor

•Gloria Diaz…. Czarina (Second Wife)

•Daniel Fernando…. Gen. Alegre

•Eddie Gutierrez…. Thomas

•Liza Lorena…. Iluminada Montemayor(Legal Wife)

•Tony Mabesa…. Atty. Asturias

•Jay Manalo…. Nestor Adorable

•Spanky Manikan…. Gen. Gonzalo

•Ara Mina…. Lucinda Montemayor Adorable

•Jim Pebanco…. Emil

•Princess Punzalan…. Ernestina

•Miko Sotto…. Dindo

•Jomari Yllana…. Rafael

•Armida Siguion-Reyna…. Romina Salgado

•Vic Vargas…. Congressman Carlos Valiente

•Marianne dela Riva…. Cynthia Valiente

•Malou Crisologo…. Elaine

•Daisy Reyes…. Clarissa Rosales

•Angie Castrence…. Angie

•Lara Fabregas…. Marla Gatchalian

•Ryan Ramos…. Jonathan Quirino

•Gardo Versoza…. Edmund Amparo

REMEMBERING: Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin

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Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin (‘You Are Everything to me) is a soap opera directed by F.M. Reyes, broadcast by ABS-CBN in the Philippines. It stars John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Diether Ocampo, Angelika dela Cruz, Rayver Cruz, Shaina Magdayao and Claudine Barretto.


Tagline


Ano ang mas hihigit pa sa pagsasabi ng “mahal kita”?


Plot


Nea Cruz Fontanilla (Claudine Barretto) and Jasmin Cruz Fontanilla (Bea Alonzo) are sisters, although they haven’t seen each other since Nea was five – when Nea’s father Larry (Noni Buencamino) abandoned her and her mother Elena (Jacklyn Jose) to live with the rich Yolanda (Carmi Martin).


Years after their traumatic separation, it’s only a matter of time before Nea and Jasmin’s paths cross again. Raised in above-average circumstances by Larry and Yolanda along with her stepsister Hazel (Shaina Magdayao), Jasmin is the resident strange, shy girl in school – the target of the pranks of Oliver Ynares (John Lloyd Cruz), the mischievous younger son of the prominent Ynares clan.


An “old money” family, Ynares patriarch Roden (Tirso Cruz III) and matriarch Susana (Hilda Koronel) have given up on the unruly Oliver, they do have their hopes set on the bright, intelligent Ivan (Diether Ocampo) to fulfill their dreams of having a politician in the family. But unknown to Ivan’s family – and his beautiful, rich, and devoted girlfriend Karri Medrano (Angelika dela Cruz) – Ivan has a dark secret that he kept hidden from those he loves, but now threatens to destroy the life he has carefully built.


But while Jasmin and Oliver’s imperfect lives are about to take an interesting turn, an unexpected change will come from Nea, who is now dead-set on destroying the life of her estranged father, Larry. But what brought about this change in Nea? And how will it affect the Ynares family?


Cast and Characters


•Claudine Barretto as Nea Fontanilla, is brimming with generosity, full positive attitude. She always sees a silver lining in cloudy skies. She is the eldest of the Fontanilla sisters. When fashionably dressed, Nea can totally “knock down” other beauties. That is why Oliver’s older brother Ivan can’t help but also fall in love with Nea. She is the type who does not accept any dole-outs, but she is very talented person who knows how to create opportunities for herself in order to make a living. Nea is a fighter who keeps her dignity intact.


•John Lloyd Cruz as Oliver Ynares, he is Ivan’s youngest brother and the least favored son. A very down-to-earth guy who is also quirky and bubbly. He is the exact opposite of Jasmin, the lass he has fallen for. His craving for bulalo brings him to Nea. And it is because of Oliver that Ivan and Nea meet.


•Bea Alonzo as Jasmin Fontanilla, the sister Nea never stopped looking for. She lives with her father, Larry. Jasmin grew up believing the her mother is Yolanda Gerochi (played by Carmi Martin) and the only sister she has is Hazel (played by Shaina Magdayao). Despite the many tragedies she has had in life, Jasmin remains to have the pureness of her heart and she does not harbor ill feelings towards people who have wronged her. Jasmin is withdrawn; she would rather blend in with the crowd than stand out.


•Diether Ocampo as Ivan Ynares, son of a business tycoon and the older brother of Oliver (played by John Lloyd), he’s the favorite son. Ivan runs their huge family-owned enterprise that has stakes in logging, furniture-making and resort development. He is the childhood sweetheart of Karri Medrano (played by Angelika dela Cruz). Eventually, Ivan falls in love with Nea. Ivan is an achiever; he is smart and intelligent like his father. But unlike his father, Ivan is a kind-hearted businessman. No woman could resist the oozing charm of this true-blue gentleman (which is ironic since in the middle of the novel he’s reveal to be the rapist of Nea, very unlikely to be dubbed as a gentleman).


•Shaina Magdayao as Hazel Fontanilla, she is the youngest and half-sister to both Nea and Jasmin. Outspoken, perky and fiercely protective of her sister, Jasmin. She is the favorite daughter of Yolanda. Sheltered Hazel believes that the world is a good place. She would like nothing better than for her half-sister Nea to accept her.


•Angelika dela Cruz as Karri Medrano, this socialite and is described as the wind beneath Ivan’s wings. She is the childhood sweetheart of Ivan and was favored to end up marrying him. Karri is the daughter of a sugar magnate from the Visayas and the unica hija of her proud parents, Perry and Rosemarie Medrano.


•Jaclyn Jose as Elena Cruz, like her daughter, Nea, she is a survivor even after she was abandoned by the man she loved. Her bond with Nea is strong and unique. Elena whats to know if giving away her other daughter Jasmin was the right decision. She died before Jasmin realized that Elena is her biological mother.


•Nonie Buencamino as Larry Fontanilla, he’s the father of Nea, Jasmin and Hazel who has a weak character. He left Elena for another woman (Yolanda) whom he saw then as his quickest way to escape poverty. Larry worked as a driver for Yolanda’s family.


•Tirso Cruz III as Roden Ynares, is the father of Ivan and Oliver and a very shrewd businessman. He is married to Susan Ledesma. He favors Ivan, his eldest son for reasons that would be revealed later on. He committed suicide after Ivan was convicted of raping Nea.


•Hilda Koronel as Susana Ledesma-Ynares, she is a woman with a broken-spirit who finds comfort in alcohol. The bottle is her only ally during her moments of loneliness. She is the mother of Ivan and Oliver. Because of her husband’s lack of time for her, Susana stumbled and tainted her wedding vow to Roden.


•Kathleen Hermosa as Vonnie


•Vanna Garcia as Daphne Soliven, was one of Zsa-Zsa’s clique. However she always had a soft spot for Jasmin. Later in the series, they became good friends.


•Glaiza de Castro as Magnolia Cortez


•Marla Boyd as Zsa Zsa Ricafort, Oliver and Jasmin’s former classmate. She and Oliver are business partners. They own the bookstore where Jasmin works.


•JC Cuadrado


•Shamaine Centenera


•Pia Moran


•Flora Gasser


•Marita Zobel as Yolanda’s Mother


•Rissa Samson


•Rayver Cruz as Nat


•Rafael Martinez as Hazel’s suitor


•DM Sevilla as Hazel’s suitor


•Kiko Matos as Hazel’s suitor


Theme Song


•Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin – sung by Ella Mae Saison

HILDA after CANNES

By Ricardo F. Lo
June 15, 1978 Expressweek

It was,” says Hilda Koronel about Cannes, “a worthwhile experience.”


No, she didn’t bring home any award, only a bundle of newspapers and magazines which played up her photos and published rave reviews of her starrer, Lino Brocka’s Insiang, which was the Philippines’ entry at the Cannes Film Festival. No, Hilda and Lino didn’t go to Cannes to compete with the 100-plus films, winnowed out from an original 500-plus, from all parts of the world. No, Hilda didn’t stay long enough in Cannes to see the films and the sights (she saw only two, The Mafu Cage, which she describes as a “sick film that depicts everything, from murder to insanity to bestiality”; and Japanese Director Nagisa Oshima’s In The Realm of the Senses, “a very sexy, sexy film,” says Hilda) because she was tired and homesick and was catching up with the enrollment.


But yes, they made such an impression in Cannes that should redound to the good of the Local Movie Industry. Insiang has opened the door for Filipino filmmakers to the international market. The next move is ours and it better be good.


“I stayed for only five days,” Hilda sighs, “because I missed home. Our plan was to make a side trip to Paris and see some more of Europe but I decided to come home ahead of Lino.”


They left on Monday, May 15, and Hilda was back the next Monday, May 22. Lino stayed behind to see as many films as he could and to negotiate for the entry of Insiang to other film festivals and for its showing on a commercial basis in Europe. In July this year, Insiang will be entered at the Thormina Film Festival in Sicily; in August, at the Montreal Film Festival in Canada; and, before the year is over, at the Carthage Film Festval in Tunisia, along with Maynila (also by Brocka), Ishmael Bernal’s Nunal Sa Tubig, Mike de Leon’s Itim and Eddie Romero’s Ganito Kami Noon. Insiang has been sold for showing in France (and other French-speaking territories), Belgium, Germany, Austria, Brazil and all over Scandinavia.

Biggest achievement


“That, I believe, is our biggest achievement in Cannes,” says Hilda, “making other countries aware of our films. Now, people there have become curious about Filipino films. Whenever we were interviewed on TV they always asked what other films are we producing in the Philippines.”


The Cannes Film Festival is divided into four: the Main Competition, Perspectives (avant-garde movies made in France), Critics’ Week (films made outside France and judged by an all-French jury), and the Directors’ Fortnight (for first-time participants and new, independent and innovative directors). Insiang was entered in the Directors’ Fortnight, a non-competitive division, with films from18 other countries. It was also in this division, considered a stepping stone to the Main Competition, where Oshima took his bow in 1976 with the controversial film In The Realm of the Senses. This year, Oshima came back with a bigger bang, joined the Main Competition with The Empire of Passion and bagged the Best Director award.


“Cannes is not so big,” Hilda recalls, “there’s only one long boulevards along the beach and it looked like a marketplace. Everybody was there: actors, actresses, directors, producers, film distributors, critics, film buffs. You could see beautiful people everywhere you looked. May naka-damit, may nakahubad, may naka-jockey, may naka-topless, lahat ng klase nandoon. Eveybody was trying to attract the attention of everybody else’s.”


Jane Fonda was there. Tuesday Weld was there. Susannah York was there. Farrah Fawcett Majors was there. Alex Nolte was there. Liv Ullman was there. A handful of other aspiring starlets was there. So how did our very own Hilda Koronel fare beside such international celebrities? “Oh, I didn’t compete with them, I didn’t even try,” says Hilda. “Lahat sila, mga sikat talaga, so tipong malabo kung iku-compare mo ang sarili mo sa kanila. I just acted myself because that’s what Pierre had told me: just be yourself.”


Pierre is Pierre Rissient, the Frenchman who took pains to enter Insiang at the Cannes Film Festival. “Pierre is very much like Lino. Mahilig mag-discover ng new talents.”

Hilda Koronel, Private Person

By Ricardo F. Lo
February 2, 1978 Expressweek

 Strictly a private person. Very private. That’s what Hilda Koronel is and that’s what she will forever be. A VPP. She lives all by herself in Cubao, between Nepa-Q-Mart and Stella Maris College, and if you don’t know, you wouldn’t suspect that an actress lives there. It’s so quiet amid the otherwise noisy neighbourhood and you’d never see a single movie fan or an autograph-seeker hanging around the gate.


That’s how she wants her life to be: quiet and uncomplicated, which is an Herculean task really because she belongs (in a way, yes) to a profession laden with intrigues and sensationalism and everything but quietude.


“I wish people would stop being curious about my private life,” Hilda would plead every once too often.

 Although she hides behind a veil of mystery, she is constantly being hounded by gossipmongers and the deeper she retreats into her shell, the more nosy the public becomes. “I mind my own business,” she would declare, “and I wish people would mind theirs, too.” But she being a public figure (a tag Hilda attaches so much aversion to), how can people leave her alone?


And so they continue to prey into her personal life. Is it true that she has been actually married to Jay Ilagan and she now wants that marriage declared null and void because she wants to marry her new boyfriend from Ateneo? Or, have they really gotten nitched in HongKong last month? No, you don’t ask Hilda such questions or you run the risk of being summarily dismissed: “Just because I’m in the movies doesn’t mean that I am duty-bound to tell the public everything about me. I, too, am entitled to a degree of privacy.”


At 21 (she celebrated her birthday last January 18), Hilda has gone through tough tests in life (which she calls “little deaths”) which could have easily crushed a weak-willed woman to pieces. Family crisis. Emotional crisis. Professional crisis. She survived them all. “My God,” says a Hilda diehard, “she should get a special award for Valor!” Those experiences must have tempered her so and hardened her inside.


“I used to be bothered by gossip,” according to Hilda, “but now, no more,” so you can call her a snob or suplada or whatever name you want to hurl at her, and she wouldn’t mind. “I’m just being myself,” she once said as if in self-defense. “Why should I pretend to like people whom I don’t like? I have to like a person before I go out of my way to talk to him or greet him. I’m just being natural, I’m just being myself.”

 And the movie people seem to have learned to accept her for what she is. Her film assignments come few and far-between (by choice, yes,) but when she does agree to make a movie, it’s actually because the role is good. She respects the word “actress” and she doesn’t flaunt it around like a price tag. Last year, she did no more than four films, but all of them are memorable. Like ‘Halikan Mo At Magpaalam Sa Kahapon.’ Or, the recent ‘Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising’ where Director Mike de Leon sort of immortalized every angle of Hilda’s beautiful face. “Oh, that lovely face,” said Lino Brocka, one of the directors who adore Hilda and who, along with nine other “beauty experts” (including Romeo Vitug, Auggie Cordero, Tingting Cojuangco, Pitoy Moreno, Lupita Concio, Joseph Estrada, Julie Yap-Daza, Dante Silverio and Celso Ad. Castillo) unanimously voted Hilda as The Loveliest Face in Local Movies in a poll conducted by Expressweek two years ago (actually, Hilda tied with Pilar Pilapil for the first place; Pilar also got a perfect vote of 10). “Ijust love that face,” added Lino who never fails to capture “that face’s” sensitive features in intimate close-ups.


She really is like Lolita in more ways than one. Never mind if some detractors are saying that Hilda is just trying her best to live up to that Image. Like Lolita, Hilda doesn’t enjoy swinging in the Showbiz social whirl, she shuns parties (“Sometime I do attend some, but only to show my face”), she refused to talk about her private life, she seldom smiles, she carries with her an aura of enigma, and she has a few friends from among the movie stars (“I have only ten close friends but all of them are true, real friends,” Hilda admitted. Jay, in spite of their split, happens to be one of them).


R. F. Lo

HILDA KORONEL: Looking good is the best revenge!

Ricky Lo

Conversations with Ricky Lo (2001)

 

Forty carats. Hilda Koronel looked 40 carats when she showed up (15 minutes ahead of schedule) for this late-afternoon Convesation at Cravings (Greenhills), a few blocks from the townhouse where she’s staying with her children, herself driving the black Benz which she parked near the Cravings entrance.

The day before (Jan. 18), Hilda turned 40 but she didn’t look it. She looked 40 carats but not 40-years old. She came alone, sans the usual alalay (facto-tum) showbiz folk can’t do without.

The widely-smiling and bedimpled Hilda looking up from her piece of cheese cake and ice-tea, answering questions candidly, was far different from the teary-eyed and belligerent Hilda who faced the movie press two years ago to denounce her doctor-husband (unnamed to protect his innocence and privacy) for “philandering,” and ugly domestic dispute that ended up in court.

These days when she’s not busy with showbiz, while waiting for a good role, Hilda Koronel is plain Susan Reid, single parent. Because her court case was pending, Hilda begged off from discussing the “incident,” only hinting at it.

Which was just as well because the focus of the conversation was on Hilda Koronel after the “storm”, how she’s weathering the after-effects and surviving beautifully – alone.

You look much slimmer. How did you do it?

“Diet, exercise and konsumisyon. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Sama-sama na lahat.”

You do power-walking, I know. But isn’t it bad for your (enlarged) heart?

“The weight is worse. That’s why I have to lose weight to make it eaiser for my heart. I’m now down to 120 lbs., my ideal weight. I power-walk for two hours everyday, rain or shine, walang playa.”

Why did you say “konsumisyon?” I thought the worst is over for you.

“That was before. I don’t really want to talk about it. (The court case against her estranged doctor-husband.-RFL) Nasa court na ‘yon, e. Do I have any regrets? No. None. I wish I didn’t have to do it but I had to. Maski sa mga anak ko, wala akong dapat ikahiya. I talked to them before I did it (‘Washing dirty linen’ in public, so to speak-RFL); I told them everything.”

They’re old enough to understand, I suppose.

“Leona (by the late Jay Ilagan) is 18. My adopted, Ivy, is 20-plus, married at may apo na ako sa kanya. Isabel (by Bambi del Castillo), 16, is in the States. Gabby (by Spanky Monserrat), 14, is here; and my son (by the doctor) is also here, he’s turning 7. My kids are free to go back and forth between me and their dads, as they please. Kung saan sila Masaya, sige lang. Maski kami noon ni Jay, when we broke up ganoon din ang set-up.”

You’ve done only two (“comeback”) movies so far (Habang May Buhay in 196 and Hanggang Dito Na Lang last year). Are you happy with both of them?

“I was happy with the first one althought it was a smaller role (with Donna Cruz as her daughter playing the main lead) because it was meatier and nicer than the second one (as the wife of Eddie Rodriguez who was also the director). Come to think of it, I think I’m not so happy with both roles.”

Do you still have a contract with Viva Films?

“I only had a two-picture contract with Viva. I’m a freelancer now. (She’s managed by Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano’s Genesis.-RFL) All I’m doing now are telesines. There seems to be no good movie roles for actresses my age. I’m not that old, am I?”

Baka naman you’re still craving for the roles you were doing during your Lino Brocka days. (It was Lino Brocka who groomed and built her up into the fine actress that she is now, in films like Santiago; Tubog sa Ginto; Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag; Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa; Init; Insiang; etc.)

“No naman. Of course, you can only hope to do similar roles today, pero saan kukunin ngayon ang mga ‘yon? The trend now is to get young stars who are willing to undress, usually mga unknown and therefore cheaper ang pay. How can you compete with them?”

What are your terms before you accept a role?

“Just like before – first, a good script. Co-stars? We have a lot of new younger good actors. Directors? There are many talended ones, younger ones, at sana maka-trabaho ko sila. The only one from the new batch that I’ve worked with is Joel Lamangan, but only in a telesine.”

While waiting for a good role, what occupies your time?

“Taking care of my kids, especially my youngest. I’m a full-time mother. He studies at Xavier, with a tutor for Chinese everyday. I drive him to and from school. In-between, I exercise. Mabagal ang pace ng buhay ko ngayon. Very leisurely. Nothing much is happening.

Just like the movie industry?

“In a way. We’re so unhappy with the state of the industry, dib a? Walang nangyayari. They’re producing I don’t know what kind of movies. Parang ayaw na talaga kumita. Mostly smorgasbord movies pa rin. If a company has a lot of contract stars, ipinapasok lahat sa isang pelikula. What happens to the story? Wala nang cohesiveness; paulit-ulit na lang. If there’s favoritism on the part of the producers, mas lalong walang mangyayari. It’s the trend and it’s sad. I guess if nothing good happens this year, baka dying na nga talaga ang industry.”

There were talks about remaking Insiang. Whatever happened to it?

“I think the talks were started by Viva. You know, nagpakawala sila ng bali-balita, maybe to find out how the public would react. The talks went out of proportion at muntik pang maging controversy. Nadamay pa nga ako, e. Gimmick, as usual.”

You were being pitted against Amanda Page (said to be the choice for the Insiang role).

“I never said anything against her; I never said anything bad against her. All I said were good things. But some movie writers tried to create intriga at naniwala naman siya and she started saying things against me.”

But personally, how do you feel about an Insiang remake?

“Why not? If I can do a good movie, kahit na mother role ang ibigay sa akin, I’d do it. After all, I’m already a mother. May apo na nga ako, e! Maybe I should play the role Mona Lisa played in the original Insiang (Where Mona played Hilda’s mother.-RFL).”

Who would you like to play your daughter?

“Siempre naman somebody who can act.”

Like who?

“Marami. There’s Aiko (Melendez), there’s Carmina (Villarroel). I can mention only those I have worked with. Sina Vina (Morales) at Donna (Cruz). Maganda na, mahuhusay pa.”

Do you keep track of what’s happening in showbiz?

“Hardly. As I’ve said, I’m busy being a mother. But I do see these young actresses every now and then on TV and they’re good. Sa TV ko lang sila nakaka-trabaho, including Jolina Magdangal, at sana nga sa movies naman.”

Do you see yourself in them when you were only starting in showbiz?

“In a way. Pero kapag kasama ko sila, they’re so serious. Maybe they’re nervous. Of course, the showbiz atmosphere now is different from that of my time. Noon ako, ang routine ko was home to school then to work and back home. My producers (Lea Productions) were really disciplinarian. Mahigpit. Pati nga ligawan bawal, e. Unlike now, anything goes. Iba na nga ang generation ngayon.”

Was all that for your own good?

“To a certain extent. Kasi naman they sometimes went beyond discipline. Pati personal na mga bagay nadamay sa discipline sa trabaho. Ayaw ng ligawan simply because they didn’t like my leading man. Like in the case of Jay and me. They felt that Jay was not the right guy for me. They crossed the line between the professional and the personal.”

Were you ever “guilty” of mixing your career and your lovelife? You were young(er) and more impulsive then.

“I think so, especially noong time naming ni Jay. Bawal, e. But then, paano naman babawalan ang pagtibok ng puso, ‘no? Do I regret anything that I’ve done? No. Definitely! You can’t go through life without experiencing some bad times. Talagang may turbulence parati, e. I treat them as lessons in life. You stumble and you fall and what’s important is that you don’t stay down, you try to get up. If you stay down, sa akin failure ‘yon.”

How did you come to terms with aspects of your life that you can’t change?

“There are things that I can’t really change. What I do now is not to look at the past so much. When I do, I try to take stock of things and find out what I learn from them. I don’t cling to the past. Wala akong mga ‘what if/what if,’ o mga ‘I wish I did this or that.’ I leave the past behind. I live for the present para naman mas maganda ang future ko.”

Have you changed after the recent incident with your estranged doctor-husband?

“I guess so. I feel na parang this is a new lease in life for me.”

Anyway, it’s not the first time you’ve had a falling-out with a man…

“I’ve gone through a lot. It’s my fourth marriage (the one with the doctor-husband). But our break-up is the most painful dahil matagal kaming nagsama, far different from my experience with Jay dahil mga bata pa kami noon, e. ‘Yung sa amin ni Jay was doomed from the start dahil we started young. We kind of outgrew each other.”

Jay was the first…

“…and then I married Bambi (del Castillo, now married to former model Bessie Badilla, based abroad). I had a daughter with him. There was a court battle for the custody of our daughter. Nasa kanya ‘yon. I haven’t seen her for more than eight years. She’s 16.” (Bambi and Bessie have two kids of their own. From Singapore where Bambi was working, the family has moved to the States.-RFL)

And then?

“Then came Spanky (Monserrat), after a long gap. Nagpa-ligate ako because I didn’t want to get married anymore. But then I married Spanky, nagpa-unligate ako. So I had a son. It’s rare case daw that I was still able to have a child and I’m grateful for that.”

Something’s always going wrong with your marriage(s). Were most of your men too weak for you? Na-terrorize ba sila sa ‘yo?

“Some are weak, some naman are too tyrannical. They want to control me. I think some of them fell in love with Hilda Koronel the actress and not Susan Reid the person. Ang nakikita nila ‘yung screen image ko; they couldn’t see the person behind it. Except Jay dahil artista din siya. Some of them wanted me to stop working, sa bahay ka na lang, and them umiiba ang tingin nila sa ‘yo. They cut me off from showbiz. Even Lino at that time, he wanted to see me but he could not.”

Maybe you didn’t have your priorities in order at that time.

“I wanted to have a family and my career, although talagang priority ko ang family. Lino nga was teasing me, ‘Everytime you are at the peak of your career, you get married.’ Oh, well, I guess you can’t have the best of both worlds. When I think about it, my relationships with my husbands might have gone bad but I like to think that my relationship with my children is okay. I never had a father and perhaps I tried to look for both a father and a husband in one person. I failed on that point. A father, a husband, a friend and a brother all in one person. Mayroon bang ganoon?”

Do you look forward to your fifth marriage?

“As of now, happy ako sa buhay ko. For the time being, ayoko na. But you can’t tell what tomorrow brings. What will be, will be. But I don’t want to grow old alone. Nobody wants to grow old alone. I have the kids but they’ll soon have families of their own. And then again, I feel that lumagpas na ako doon sa period na I have to have a man. Now I’m happy by myself, even without a man, kuntento na ako. I feel liberated. If I don’t feel like cooking, I don’t cook. If I want to go out, I don’t have to ask permission from anybody. Not that I go out often because even when I was young, hindi ako palalabas.”

No Valentine?

“None. Wala talaga.”

You don’t have bitterness in your heart now?

“None, I guess. Magaan na ang pakiramdam ko. And I don’t mean only physically but also emotionally. I’m down to 120 lbs. and I feel good. Oh, yes, I guess looking good and beautiful is the best revenge.” 


(February 8, 1998)

HILDA KORONEL: Off The Cuff

Lorna Kalaw-Tirol

Above the Crowd (Celebrity, October 15, 1979)

Artworks by Nonoy Marcelo

 

 

“But I’m such a big, fat pic,” she protested when the idea of a Celebrity interview was first broached to her. She was deep in rehearsals for Nick Joaquin’s Mga Ama, Mga Anak, where she was playing her first stage role, and I had gone to see her at Philamlife Auditorium one evening. She did look much heavier than she does in the Lux commercial, particularly around the waist and hips, but otherwise she looked gorgeous.

Hilda Koronel went out of circulation soon after making her first supposedly bold movie, Hayop sa Hayop, and soon after rumors floated about her reconciliation with one-time beau Jay Ilagan. There were subsequent rumors and nasty gossip in the movie press – about a pregnancy, which wa confirmed in June this year by news of the birth of a baby girl.

I had intimations about the state of affairs in the Koronel and Ilagan households when I called up the Ilagan home at about that time to arrange for an interview with Jay Ilagan. A little girl volunteered the information that “Ay, hindi na dito nakatira si Tito Jay, kina Tita Susan na,” although a male voice promptly took over the phone to correct whatever wrong impression that little girl may have conveyed. Not true, he said, sounding flustered, Jay was staying in his own home. I had been calling the Ilagan house many times before then and had spoken to the actor’s mother often enough to recognize her voice anywhere. I was positive it was the same voice I heard when I called Hilda Koronel’s home three months later, but not wanting to seem too forward, I had desisted from asking the older woman if she was indeed Mrs. Ilagan. She saved me the trouble, however, by identifying herself. But the next time I called and, as per instructions the day before, asked for Mrs. Ilagan, I was told, “Aling Mrs. Ilagan?” Aha, I thought, so there were two Mrs. Ilagans. I asked for the older Mrs. Ilagan.

Hilda Koronel lives in a Spanish-style house near the end of a Cubao street that is lined with apartments and unpretentious-looking homes. There is no doorbell at her gate and it is a long time before anyone opens the door, so I have time to, as they say, case the joint. A black MSR Manta with seats upholstered in black and white checks is parked in the driveway. Among the clothes hanging in the driveway to dry, I make out red jogging pants and black leotards.

After about 10 minutes the first head, a boy’s, pops out of a side door. He prompty puts his head back in. Then a woman comes out, takes a look at me and disappears. Nothing happens. A middle-aged woman in a white uniform, perhaps a yaya, comes towards the gate but she only wants to check whether the clothes on the line are dry. Noticing me, she asks what my business is. Then she enters the house and the first woman comes out again and invites me inside.

The living room is incredibly tidy; the granolithic flooring looks unstepped on. I sense a conscious effort to carry over to the house’s interior design the Spanish influence of its exterior. There are two sala sets: one, heavy and richly carved and upholstered in deep red; the other, a more cozy set in moss green. There is a profusion of blown-glass floral and fruit arrangements on the marble tables and a huge plastic potted plant stands at the archway leading to the dining room. I wonder, with  all the children whose voices I now hear, how the house could be kept so neat.

The children – there must be four or five of them – look at me curiously as I sit on the green sofa. Two pretty little girls take turns peering at me and then look at each other amusedly. A curly-topped  little mestizo is not so friendly; he leers at me from the top of the stairs and makes faces and then blurts out, “Galit kita, punta-punta ka pa ditto.”

Hilda Koronel finally comes down wearing a flowered housedress in ice blue and oversized green and white bedroom slippers. I can’t help noticing several deep lines around her neck, the kind that overweight during pregnancy can bring about. She says she weight 188 pounds just before her delivery and, thanks to almost daily workouts at the Mandarin’s Hatch and Reed gym and squash and tennis and a strict diet, she is now down to 130, which is still 20 pounds in excess of her normal weight. Hatch and Reed is “very effective, but it’s up to the person really. If you don’t put your heart in it, it won’t work. I think in anything it is like that.”

I am to find out, as the interview progresses, that that statement might as well explain Hilda Koronel’s astounding self-development not only as an actress but also as a woman. Eight years ago, I passed up a chance to interview her, then Lea Productions’ hottest property, for a national publication. Interviewing Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos had been ordeals in themselves and so, when my editor suggested I do Hilda next, I said no thank you, without a second thought. I was not sorry I declined the assignment. The writer who eventually took it came back to the office after interviewing Hilda, spewing invectives because the 14-year-old Lea star had only one word in her vocabulary: “okay.” It was all the girl could answer, Ninotchka Rosca fumed.

Today, Hilda Koronel, way past her Lea years, has blossomed into a very articulate and self-possessed young woman with a mind and a will of her own. At Maryknoll College, where she is an international studies senior, the teachers concede that she has “a good mind” and regret that her energies have to be dissipated in so many activities. Hilda herself says that if she had all the time in the world, school would be so easy.

In this very candid interview, Hilda Koronel, who is known to be a very person, speaks of her film career, the movie industry, school, the men in her life, Jay Ilagan and her children, including three-month-old Leona Paula, who has “her Papa’s eyes.”

Where does Hilda Koronel end and Susan Reid begin?

I know where my Hilda Koronel ends and where my Susan Reid starts. My private life is really Susan. I give the public just a little part of me. Of course, they’re used to Hilda Koronel. When I was just starting and people would call me Hilda, hindi ko maalala. Even in school nobody calls me Hilda, nobody. I feel I’m a person there, hindi idol. I forbid it. Even my checkbooks carry the name Susan Reid. Sa movies lang talaga ang Hilda. But even my movie friends calle me Susan. When I call the parlor for an appointment, I use Susan. Sanay lang and public na konti lang Hilda Koronel ang alam. I really treasure my privacy. I keep a dividing line.

Which is why people say you’re a snob.

Yes, but that’s not true. I give them only up to a certain point. Otherwise the whole system will swallow me up. That’s what I was telling Lloyd (Samartino, her co-star in Nick Joaquin’s Mga Ama, Mga Anak). Lino and I and the rest of the cast were telling Lloyd about the star system, that you have to put up with a lot of things if you’re a newcomer. And I said, Hala, if you’re not strong, they’ll just swallow you up and you become a part of the system and then you’re nothing afterward. Dinaanan din naming.

You started in the movies at 14?

No, I started when I was 12 in 1969. I didn’t get into the movies through “Nightowl Dance Party.” We had relatives in Channel 11. I started in “Nightowl” when I was seven, eight, and every year I would win. I won second in the finals. Jessica (the former bomba star) ws first. I was well developed at an early age. It was fun winning. After a while I stopped. Then we had a friend who headed a recruiting office for extras. We usually went to the studios to watch shootings. Once we went to LVN looking for this woman and a film editor saw me. He asked if I wanted to be in the movies. I said yes, out of curiosity, and he took me to Lea, where they shot my picture. The following week I was in a film. It was fast, there was no time to think about it. Matagal na din iyon – 10 years. Siyempre, when I was young, halo-halo ang views, ideas. My guiding factor was Lino (Brocka). I met him when I was 18. When I was 13, 14, I didn’t know I was making mistakes. I would do taping, I was so young, ang mga tao nasasaktan ko pala but I didn’t know and he would come to me and say this is wrong. He would explain and I would cry kasi hindi ko naman sinasadya. So eventually I realized ito tama, it hindi. He was setting parang guidelines, this is what you should do. Parang nandoon na ang structure, but he was guiding me along that line. He was a father, a brother, a friend, everything. Parang we grew up together in the movies kasi sabay ang discovery naming sa Lea, and then as persons. Maybe he saw the potential.

Where did you grow up?

In Manila. I grew up with my Mom’s sister in a very violent place in Pasay. There were gang wars. The environment was not very good. That’s why my friends ask how come I was not psychologically affected by my environment. Usually, hindi ba, they say you are what your environment is. But what happened to me is the opposite. I don’t know how I was able to distinguish right from wrong at the time. The people I grew up with had different ideas and opinions from me. My uncle was very strict – black was black, you couldn’t argue. Go to church every day, you could not look at boys, that was a sin. I told myself I couldn’t let my own children grow up that way. My friends say dapat naging ganoon din ako. But I don’t understand why I turned out this way. No one was guiding me. I didn’t see my father that much. Then he and my mother split up. So most of my life I had no father. But I’m not bitter. Hindi naman ako lumaking masama. Wala akong hang-ups.

How many movies have you made?

Ang dami-dami na. I don’t remember. My first movie was a screen test, Leslie, with Boots and Liza. After that, tuloy-tuloy na. Maybe it was fate. It all happened so fast. They asked me, you want to be an actress. Tapos, screen test. Tapos, starring role na.

But you always wanted to be a movie star.

No. But when I was small, people always told me, “A, mag-aartista ang batang ito paglaki niya.” Me, because laging inuulit sa akin, I hated the idea. Wala akong hilig umarte. There were plays in school and every year, Santacruzan sagala, but I hated it. I entered the movies out of curiosity.

You were advanced for your age.

Yes, I was. When I was young, 12, I had the mind of a 17-year-old. Now I feel 30-plus, 40. That’s why when I was 19, I couldn’t date boys my age. Even now, when I was separted before, I couldn’t date boys my age because my mind was so far advanced, more mature, hindi kami nagkakaintindihan. They were young, fun-loving, they loved to dance, my mind was somewhere else. I love to read books and I like to discuss things I read, the movies, a little of everything, and you can do this only with an older person. I would go out with men – not 40’s, DOM na iyon. When I was 19, I would go out with men mga 28, 33. The youngest I went out with was 27 or 26. The best age gap for me was about 14 years. They knew how to treat women and magandang kausap. Mahilig din akong sumayaw but I can’t do it every night. I wanted something deeper – marijuana, drink, they all end, hanggang doon na lang. There must be something beyond those.

What role affected you most deeply?

Maybe Insiang. It was a very good role, it was really made for me. I did it on television when I was much younger and Lino thought it would be a good vehicle when I reached a certain age of maturity. I think I was 14 when I did it. He said I was not mature enough then – hindi pa kaya sa character, hindi pa masyadong developed. He promised me when I got to be 18 he would do a movie for me, really for me.

With what role did you identify most?

With dramatic roles in general. When you mention my name, people think of that.

While role has given you fulfillment in terms of performance?

Dramatic roles. During my Lea days I used to do comedies pero hindi maganda. I feel I can do them too but they have to be done well. My sense of humor is different – not the Dolphy type, but siguro Mang Nano type. Maybe sarcastic.

I did not see Hayop sa Hayop…

Neither did I. I was in KL as a film festival delegate. When I arrived, wala na. Yes, in a way, I feel I’ve missed something when I don’t see my movies. Pero wala akong magagawa. Pero pag alam kong pangit ang movie, I really don’t see it. It’s frustrating. Siyempre minsan hindi mo maiwasan – you get a good script but the director is not so good. Siyempre hindi mo naman alam, you have to give everybody a chance, and it’s also work. And then you find out hindi mahusay ang director so hindi maganda ang execution ng movie.

I saw stills of Hayop sa Hayop that showed you in the nude.

Supposed to be. Did you see the one in Expressweek? The pictorials were much more bold than the movie. In the movie it was just my back that was seen, so people said harang. I was wearing a bikini. I took off the top and I was submerged in water and sitting on a rock. Then there was a waterfall overhead. Then the kissing scene. That was all. The bikini top had to go at the end because nakikita pa rin. So we taped my breasts and I was covering them with my arms. I never let go kahit nagsasabon. Ang tagal naming ginawa iyon.

Ang daming offers after that movie, about 13 offers for bold movies. Iyong iba maganda ang story, pero takot ako sa director. Hayop I did because of Lino. Otherwise I wouldn’t have done it. I’m too scared sa ibang director, nagsasamantala. With Lino, I’m not scared. I’m willing to work with other directors, but I’m very cautious. I ask for the script and I mark the parts that are questionable. We discuss. We do it in a contract, to be safe. I say, ano ba itong eksenang ito, I cannot do things like this. And I talk to the director.

How did you develop yourself as an actress?

My training ground was television and there again it was with Lino. I had no formal training. My TV show. Hilda, was a weekly thing and ran for almost five years. Every week it was a different role. Lino would teach me body movements, that by doing things with my hand I could convey certain emotions, even tension, in a scene. He would explain it to me piece by piece until I got it.

Movies I watch for enjoyment. Kunyari a Glenda Jackson movie – she’s really a fantastic actress. I notice her acting but I don’t copy technique. I don’t dissect movies because then I wouldn’t enjoy them. Dito sa atin kailangan maganda ka muna, hindi kailangang marunong umarte.

Why did you leave Lea?

When my five-year contract was about to expire, I couldn’t stand it anymore. They were leading my life for me, ‘yung dates mo sila ang mamimili. I couldn’t go out kung hindi naka-makeup kasi ganoon daw dapat ang artista. You couldn’t blame them – that was their concept of a movie star then. You had to look stunning, you had to be nice, at marami pang reasons, personal reasons.

It was not easy leaving them. I had learned to love Mrs. (Emilia) Blas – I have a certain respect for her and Miss Santos – parang magulang ko na pero magulang na mahigpit. I was living with them, together with my mother. They were training me in the wrong way – I was growing up and I realized something was wrong with my life. I was learning to be dependent. So we talked about it. For almost a year I did not have work. They said they would allow me to make movies for other companies pero sila ang makikipag-usap as producer. But Lino was always there to help kasi siyempre hirap na hirap kami.

Then, after the contract, it was like starting again. Parang bagoong pasok na naman sa pelikula, parang you had leprosy, nobody wanted to touch you. I got that feeling. Kasi siyempre producer sina Mrs. Blas. Then, after a while, siguro sa tiyaga lang, freelancing. Movies were hard to come by noon. Lino would help, at first with bit parts in his movies. It was a slow work, but I got there.

At least now I’m stable – I’m not up, I’m not down. That’s the position I want. I’ve proved my point. It was a big thing; I worked hard for it. Now they respect me kahit papano. Pag ako ang kausap they respect me at alam nila kung sino ang kausap nila. They know how to treat me, hindi katulad noong araw. They’re very careful with me. I’m very nice to them, but iyong niceness ko lang, hindi na ko puwedeng sumobra doon.

What is your asking price per film today?

When I left off last year, it was already P110,000. Nung bumalik ako ngayon I’m asking for the same thing. Some producers say bakit naman, e matagal kang nawala. I don’t think that should make a difference. And for that price I’m not doing any bold scene.

What do you think of the local film industry?

I don’t go to social functions and parties. I don’t enjoy them. Hindi naman ako nagmamalaki pero there’s a lot of hypocrisy. I can only stand some people, iyong mga nakakusap ko, but the others I cannot stand. I am basically that kind of person – I cannot talk to people I don’t like. Hinda nila nakikita ang real value. I hate it when people are nice to me but when I turn my back titirahin ako.

When I was much younger, in Lea, it was like that. I was taught kailangang lahat ng pangalan ng reporter alam mo, lahat sila babatiin mo pag nakita mo, you have to be nice, Kya like this. I hated it. I used to do it because I was under contract. I have friends in the movie industry, including writers, but I don’t go beyond…oy, like this, like that, making tsismis and all. Parang hypocrite ka na rin. Kaya sinasabi nila ang suplada ko daw. Kung minsan nahihiya naman ako kay hindi ako kumikibo, but I say hello. I think that’s enough. You don’t have to make arte which you don’t mean naman.

Meron diyan mga reporers, grabe ang pagkabakla, lalapitan ka, oy, ineng, balita ko, etc. etc., aasarin ka. I hate that kind of talk. If someone talks to me sensibly, kahit ano ang gusto mong itanong, sasagutin ko. When I give my opinions, I’m very blunt. Some misinterpret what I say, so masasaktan naman ang mga kasama ko. I don’t want to do that. I just want to be myself. Hilda and Susan are one and the same person. Maybe some people in the movies think I’m mayabang kasi hindi ako nakikihalo. Why should I go somewhere if I don’t enjoy myself?

Are you aspiring for superstardom?

No, not superstardom. Maraming sakit ng ulo. And you have to do so many dumb things which I cannot swallow because before I do something I have to think first – is it logical, is it reasonable? I don’t have a manager. I hired Boy de Guia as PR only because after Hayop, medyo maraming ng offers so Lino said I need someone at least to schedule pictorials. But as for managing my own affairs, I do that myself. I tell Boy to schedule, hindi siya ang magsasabi. That’s why they don’t control me. Nobody can run my life for me.

Do you keep an alalay?

I have an alalay. Hindi mo maiiwasan kasi marami kang gamit. She’s been with me for years and when we have no shooting she works at home. I don’t like fans coming here. They used to. I would go out, sign autographs and then go inside. I don’t let them stay here.

I’ve done certain things na hindi magawa ng superstars. Nobody dared – ako pumipili kung sino ang kakausapin ko. I can say things I want to say. At first medyo naiinis sila, but I got away with all these things.

Maybe I was getting few offers for a while partly because of the image I created, partly because, especially when it comes to movies, it’s hard to talk to me. Hindi mo ako pwedeng lokohin. Kaya nahihirapan ang mga producers makipag-usap. Tatawaran ka pa. When I give you my price, that’s it. I won’t give you a certain amount to give you a chance na makatawad. And when I say something, I do it. And when I say no, kasi alanganin ako, ayoko talaga dahil ayokong mapahiya.

How important is acting to you?

It’s very important. I love doing movies but the industry is so frustrating now. The income is okey but only up to a certain time. Malalaos ka rin, you have to be practical. And this is a very ungrateful business. I hate to see the day na like iyong nakikita kong old stars, still working but subordinate sa mga superstars and they would wait. Ayokong maging ganoon. That’s why I want another career for myself, so kung medyo alanganin na ako sa movies and they don’t make good movies anymore, and Lino’s not there anymore, I guess I’ll concentrate on something else. I’ve been asked why I didn’t take mass communication. But I know that already. I may not know the theories but I know how it works.

How are you doing in school?

I’m doing very well. If I had all the time in the world, school would be very easy.

I really enjoy school and the competition is there all the time. I really love to study. Sa movies, alam mong marunong ka. Sa school, you get zeros, minsan hindi ka makasagot, natatalo ka once in a while sa debates, nakakamali ako.

How do the other girls take you?

The first year was terrible because the girls did not know me. The seniors would bully us. I would answer them back, minsan napapaaway na ako. But you show your character, tapos barkada ka na. I get no special treatment; in fact, I always have to prove I know something, like if I have a new teacher. I never take advantage of my friendship wth the permanent teachers.

Somebody described you to me as a free spirit. Is that true?

Yes, I’m very independent in everything and very headstrong, that’s why madalas ang conflict. But I’m very reasonable and if your reason is very logical, I give in. Pero pag hindi ko talaga kaya ang ni-reason sa akin, ay, imposible.

As an only child, I learned that I have to do things on my own most of the time. Of course, I need people pero kahit wala sila magagawa ko. You cannot put me down. Madadapa ako but I always stand up. I crawl back. Sabi nga ni Jay minsay para daw akong munggo, kahit saan itapon, tutubo. Sabi niya kahit mamatay siya he won’t worry about me and the children because para akong munggo, magus-survive kahit saan.

How do you feel about compliments paid to your beauty?

Nakakasawa nang pakinggan. Okey lang. I know I look good, but looks to me are not important. A person should also be nice and kind. Like my boyfriends before, I would be teased, and pangit-pangit naman, like that. Ang ganda-ganda ko raw, pero… Sabi ko hindi ako tumitingin sa hitsura ng tao. What is important to me is the character of the person – is he nice, thoughtful, intelligent and a romantice like me, which you hardly find nowadays. I love romance. Take the romance out of my life and I’ll die. It’s so difficult for me to look for a guy na makakatapat ako. I like dinner by candlelight, nice music, nice setting, and you talk about a lot of things. I swoon over romantice novels, like Gone with the Wind and Wuthering Heights.

Have you had a lot of boyfriends?

After Jay, I had only about four, and they lasted a long time, about one or two years. Pag medyo alanganin na, I cut off the relationship right away.

What is the status of your relationship with Jay Ilagan?

Wala pang definite path. As of now, because of my daughter and because we decided we would try again – we were separated for a long time – this is a time to see if we are really meant for each other. But there’s nothing definite. We’re both very independent. Parang tryout stage. It’s mainly the attitude – I’m very mature, siya hindi pa masyado. There are some things na ginagawa ko, hindi niya maintindihan. Mas mabilis ang growth ko. Iba ang line of thinking niya. And I go to school – that’s one thing also. I tell him we have to keep on growing, we shouldn’t stop, and school helps. So we’ll see kung ano ang mangyayari. It’s not just the fact that my daughter is there. Of course, we think about her. But we don’t want a family that stays together pero away nang away. I cannot hide it when I’m really mad. And I’m not the martir type. Jay was my first love. I’ve been in love with him since I was 12. When I saw him I told myself ito ang pakakasalan ko. And I did marry him when I was 16. Parang love at first sight.

What was it in him that appealed to you?

He’s very kind, very nice, thoughtful. He doesn’t have a mean bone in him. But he’s my opposite – he’s not romantic. Mabait na tao. There’s no competition between us, maybe just instances of jealousy. We’re both possessive.

Did you try to hide the fact of your pregnancy from the movie press?

No, and then they said nagtago ako. I was everywhere – in Unimart, Rustan’s, buying all my things – and I was so big. How can they say nagtatago ako? But I refused to give interviews, to have pictures taken. I even went to school. First semester, summer, I was in school. Sabi ko, why talk about it, why use it? That’s one thing I don’t want to do with my daughter – I don’t want to use her. When I gave birth, may mga reporters na pumunta and I really hated the idea because it was an intrustion on my privacy. Sabi ko it was all right to mention that I gave birth, but to take pictures and to go there! As much as possible, I want to keep my daughter away from the movies. I don’t want to use her as a gimmick.

How are you raising your children?

In a way, I am strict with them. That’s part of the training. When they’re young, you mold them. They have to be trained, or else wala. Ako lagi ang enemy. Their Lola will say, “O sige, iha, you can get.” Or their Papa, will say, “Okay, you can watch television.” Pag dumating ako, O, why are you still awake? Akyat na. Siyempre pag pinabayaan mo… But I teach them to be independent, to think for themselves, what they really want to do. Like when we go shopping – what clothes do they want to wear. Ideas – I give them choices – what do they want to do. Do they want to play piano, or study dancing? Kung saan nila gusto. And I want their ideas to come out. But for certain things, like sleeping hours, I have rules. I can send a whole afternoon talking to them and finding out how they feel and how their minds work so I get to know them better. Fantastic.

You have very sensible ideas for a young mother.

Kailangan. Children are changing nowadays. You cannot treat them the way I trained before. No, I don’t read books on child-raising, but I was brought up in a very strict way. It was not good, hirap na hirap ako. I’m not saying I don’t control them at all, especially when their elders are talking. They can voice their opinions kahit may matanda. The little boy stays with my mother-in-law. The little girls are with me – they both go to Maryknoll, one is in kindergarten, the other in nursery. The boy goes to a Montessori school run by nuns – he’s the same age as one of my girls. He’s also in nursery. Medyo pilyo, so sabi ko, maigi na doon. Sobra iyan. They have love letters and phone calls.

Celebrity

October 15, 1979

Hilda Koronel turned 40 in January 1998. She had gone into a long retirement and full-time parenting, reemerging in 1996 as a principal figure in a controversy that gave her more media coverage than her return to the screen. She had accused her fourth husband, a doctor, of philandering; the case ended up in court. Since resuming her acting career, she has done three movies but mostly telesines (movies for TV). She has told movie reporters that she is happy enough being a full-time mother (to five children) and grandmother (by her adopted daughter Ivy). Jay Ilagan died in a motorcycle accident in the late Eighties, but by then he and Hilda had been separated and were with new partners. Asked by Philippine Star entertainment writer Ricky Lo why her marriages always seemed to go wrong, she said, “Some (of my husbands) are weak, some are too tyrannical. They want to control me. I think some of them fell in love with Hilda Koronel the actress and not Susan Reid the person. Except Jay, dahil artista din siya.” She harbored no bitterness in her heart, she said, and assured all who cared to know that “looking good and beautiful s the best revenge.”