When I heard that Robert Arevalo died (last Aug 10th), I sat down – and for a few minutes I was motionless, tears trying to fall. Robert was such a good friend, a multi-awarded actor, a big loss to the industry. But what made me real sad was about him and his now widow, Barbara Perez – their beautiful love story.
I remember in one of my visits to Pinas, I had a long lunch session with my dear colleague Ricky Lo(RIP) and for some reason we were hooked on the Robert/Barbara romance. I am closer to Barang (Barbara’s pet name) and more often than not, during socials, Barang and I always huddle in a corner swapping personal chats. (Actually when SUSAN ROCES died, the very first person who called me up was BARANG and we were both crying.)
I have asked Barang what’s so special about Robert. And what made Barang choose marriage over a Hollywood contract.
This is what happened.
In 1961, Barang was the unanimous choice as the female lead of Universal Pictures’ No Man Is An Island opposite Jeffrey Hunter.
After the shooting of No Man Is An Island, Barbara went to Seattle’s World’s Fair with the Karilagan models (Barbara then was popularly known as an Audrey-Hepburn lookalike – she was with Joji Felix-Velarde, Amalia Fuentes, Bambi Lamoglia, etc.). The producer of No Man Is An Island asked her to make a side trip to L.A. to promote the film. Barang was offered a five year contract by Universal. Robert admitted he was worried about the situation.
”Aba, she was meeting big hollywood actors including Cary Grant. I sent her a telegram (no CPs yet, remember) and proposed – let’s get married!” Was Robert being selfish?
“Maybe,” Robert had admitted. “I was getting insecure.”
Barbara flew back alone as the rest of the company came home ahead of her.
Robert was the only one who met her at the Manila airport and the first thing he asked was, ‘Will you marry me?’
Barang accepted and said yes. Barbara chose love! Goodbye Hollywood contract.
Regrets? None. Like a fairy tale, Robert and Barbara lived happily ever after….They were married August 11, 1962, together for 61 years!
They tied the knot at St. Joseph Church the Worker Parish Church in Pacdal Circle in romantic Baguio City, their favorite place. “They both love Baguio,” said their daughter Anna Ylagan.
Their children often witnessed how their parents lovingly kissed and made up after a misunderstanding. There were hardly any verbal apologies. “Most of the time, like nothing happened,” Ylagan added. “Out of nowhere, they just suddenly picked up from where they were before the fight. For major fights, it’s always my dad who will make the first move.’
Robert was the son of Filipino film actor, composer, and musician Tito Arevalo and Guadalupe Francisco. His uncles included actor and director Angel Esmeralda, who was the father of actor Jay Ilagan, Gerardo de León, who was a national artist and an award-winning movie director, and actor/director Conrado Conde.
He received his education from prestigious schools in Manila and pursued Business Administration at Ateneo de Manila. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to both film and television, appearing in successful movies like “Working Girls” and “Ang Larawan,” as well as popular TV shows like “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and “May Bukas Pa.”
In September of 2014, Robert was here in Toronto to attend the screening of his film Hari ng Tondo with Carlos Siguion-Reyna, wife Bibeth Orteza and son Rafa.
Will keep you in my prayers Robert.
SB19 Captures Canada
GENTO! GENTO! SB19: Their voices pulsate to the rhythm in tune for a collective pitch of sounds magnified by their handsome looks and vibrant youth. I have stopped to ask :”WHAT AND WHO IS SB19?” Finally, the performance happened before my eyes on a 20-20 vision at the Pickering Arena. I saw them live. Up-close.
I stood up and clapped Bravo till my hands hurt. ENCORE
I screamed but my voice was only among the 2,500 plus roaring audience. SOLD OUT.
Congratulations TALA Productions!
Coming Soon
As we write, Martin Nievera is starting to pack his bags in Pinas to be here with us. On August 26-27, PIDC celebrates its 25 years of Mabuhay Fiesta at Nathans Phillip Square. Make sure you are in the audience as the Concert King will make harana. Martin fulfilled his promise to the PIDC peeps who flew to watch him in his Vegas show with David Foster last June, “I will be there!”
Love you Martin!
Along with Martin, other big celebs are on the list: Cesar Montano, Jay Manalo, Rosanna Roces, Boobsie Wonderland, Super Tekla, Dessa, Ima Castro, Jmrtn, and Goldie. Former Ms International Bea Santiago will be on the ramp with other famous models exclusively presented by prominent couturiers Jaki Penalosa and Kenneth Barlis.
August 20th marks the 84th birthday of Da King, Fernando Poe, Jr. Coco Martin is surprising his fans by presenting significant episodes of Batang Quiapo. ABS-CBN will show some of FPJ’s film classics.
Speaking of teleseryes, one of the most followed is Dirty Linen. My opinion? Janice de Belen continues to impress us with her acting prowess. Ang galing!
Summer is still in the air, let’s enjoy the season while it lasts. See you again in two weeks.****