We soared to the highest skies with Darna, swam into the deep blue seas with Dyesebel and lived again reincarnated as Maruja (“tunay kang pinagpala, sa yaman , sa ganda ay sagana”)
They’re the top creations of the greatest Filipino comic writer/artist MARS RAVELO. I remember them days when we bought all the comics in a nearby store to follow his series. Our never-ending questions: Will Valentina overpower Darna? Will Gabriel be happy again to see a resurrected Maruja? Little did I know that I would be like family to the Ravelos (he made me call him Uncle Mars), and it all started with a phone call in the late 60s. I was just starting to cover the movies and at home, one afternoon, my phone rang (there were no CPs, no emails yet)
“May I talk to Baby? Naandyan ba siya” the male voice greeted.
“Speaking, ako po ito,” I politely replied.
“This is Mars Ravelo!” his voice boomed.
I sat there, unbelieving. Someone playing a bad joke?
“Si Mars nga,” he firmly said.
I almost asked, “Ano po ang susunod na kabanata kay Maruja?”
Then the astounding offer. “Iha, I would like to meet you. Can you come – marami tayong paguusapan. Can you write for us?”
Wow! He explained he’d like me to be actively involved in the entire comics/mags of Ace Publications (owned by the Roces – like Kislap-Graphic, Bulaklak, Mod, the popular best selling komiks – Hiwaga, Pilipino, Tagalog, Espesyal, etc., Uncle Mars was the over-all managing editor).
“Believe me, if you write for us, you will have a wider following, we reach the grassroots…” Ah, my mails addressed at the publications from the post office swelled. Imagine me, receiving 300 fan mails a week?! The rest is history.
And who was/is THE MARS RAVELO (October 9, 1916 – September 12, 1988)?
Very few know that Mars is Marcial, but 20,000,000 komiks readers will swear that Ravelo was one of the greatest things that ever happened to the local komiks industry, for his were the ideas and innovations that defied what were then regarded as “sacred institutions” in the profession and influenced the course of the komiks industry in the Philippines. Oddly enough, Ravelo’s initial foray into the local komiks field was for a man of lesser guts extremely discouraging. It would have been more than enough for the average neophyte to call it quits. But Ravelo was made of the stuff that makes champions. The young (33) Ravelo that confidently presented his first cartoon strip to a vernacular magazine editor that fine day in 1949 was already a “fighter”. He was then drifting from one low-paying menial job to another but even then, his innate desire to excel was evident. He spent a lot of his childhood in public libraries. Being a storyteller in the making, Mars sometimes cut classes during his schooling days so that he could spend time in public libraries, reading up on more stories and knowledge about the world. A high school sophomore dropout, he stopped his schooling due to financial reasons, but he already discovered his potential as an artist and began writing and drawing at a young age. He took on various jobs, including being a janitor, before he found success in writing. His stories became mega hits at the takilya like Wanted: Perfect Mother, Facifica Falayfay, Jack en Jill, Rowena (Amalia Fuentes), the multiple Darna films, and the all-time classic MARUJA which had catapulted SUSAN ROCES into the Royal Throne. It was also Ravelo who did Haydee, the launching vehicle for Hilda Koronel.
Uncle Mars was also noted for writing Roberta (1951), which was later adapted into film (1952) by Sampaguita Pictures. Roberta literally built the studio from the ashes. A destructive fire razed Sampaguita to the ground, burning already finished films and expensive studio equipment. The management of Sampaguita decided to cast a new child star, Tessie Agana (actually a relative of the Vera-Perezes of Sampaguita, in a popular illustrated novel in Tagalog Klasiks. It was filmed on the totally burned studio, showing Tessie and a younger brother played by Boy Alano begging and scrounging for food. Critic Mario Hernando called Roberta one of 30 iconic Filipino films. Roberta broke box-office records, hyped ‘The motion picture that will tear your heart to pieces!’
Between the 1950s to the 1970s, Ravelo wrote and collaborated with other illustrators and writers to produce more than 300 komiks stories. Several of these were adapted on screen.
We had a live chat with the Ravelo children 3 nights ago. Here is our Q and A.
Name the 5 best works of Uncle Mars and why
A: 1. Rita- this was how our father got known; 2. Darna – The most popular, became a symbol of us Pinoys; 3. Maruja- This was his favorite novel. He believed and dwelled on reincarnation; 3. Jack en Jill – in 1954, about siblings Benit (Lolita Rodriguez) and Gorio (Dolphy) play twisted roles: she drives a jeepney, he does all the household chores; she gets into brawls with men, he prefers to be called “Glory,” a comedy; 4: Bondying- a lovable character in 1951 published in Tagalog Klasiks. Bondying is a full-grown man who still dresses and talks like a baby; 5. Tubog sa Ginto – he was the first to introduce homosexuality in Pinoy movies; and 6: Wanted: Perfect Mother – actually most of the scenes from our own family.
Were you able to witness how Uncle Mars was inspired to write his masterpieces?
A: His inspiration came from people around him, the people he loved. Darna, his mother. Ding, his younger brother, Narda his childhood friend.
What influenced Uncle Mars in his writings?
A: His abounding experiences and fertile imagination made him write his creations. Sabi nga niya “wide reader” siya. Maliit pa siya istambay na yan sa National Library at duon siya nagbabasa ng favorite niyang mga stories. Gusto daw niya si Mark Twain.
Did you ever think of going into production to film the classics of Uncle Mars?
A: We thought about it but too expensive eh.
What do you think would he be writing today?
A: I think he would still be writing Darna, Dyesebel and some of his faves. Maybe he’ll be creating another superhero. Ang last na ginawa nya nung buhay pa siya ay Darna and the Time Machine. The current new Darna on ABS-CBN TV is Jane de Leon as the superheroine Darna and her mortal alter-ego, Narda.
Corie’s Surprise
Talk about glam n glitter in high-pitched waves. We were highly perched atop Glen Abbey Golf Course with a 360° degree panoramic view at the launch of LA COUTTS Toronto and the introduction of its first new product models, the Duncan and Bella cross-body/shoulder bags. Here’s a toast to the woman behind this venture, our dear kababayan and community leader Corie Coutts.
“A bag at a time; raising the bar an inch at a time. For us Filipinos here in Canada, we should not limit our heart desires. The ocean is vast and has plenty of fish. It’s up to us though how to catch them,” the ever-humble Corie said.
Our eyes feasted on the live mannequins of Edgar Sulit as they paraded bags which are thoughtfully designed with golfers and non-golfers in mind, “whether you are at the golf course, doing errands, meeting friends, or traveling, these bags are fashionable and versatile.”
I wonder, what is the next surprise from Corie? Certain it will be an ace, commonly known as a hole-in-one! Or…why not a film project based on her life? That will be a box-office hit! Sige na!
48 hours later, we found ourselves gyrating to some night fever not with John Travolta, but with dear Consul General Ron Castro. It was like being with the Addams Family, actually a post-Halloween event, the 1st RAHS (Ramon Avancena High School), International Fundraising Event here in Canada chaired by Jean Pardo. Everyone was perfectly garbed – it is not everyday that you rub elbows with Captain America, Batman, Cleopatra, Barbie, Wonder Woman, aswangs and manananggals, and other inspiring characters that helped raise funds for a good cause. Did I hear right that the next plan is going to please the science fiction fandom? Why not.
Asap 2022
All roads led to Las Vegas to watch ASAP Natin ‘To last November 5, 2022 at the Orleans Arena. The jampacked star-studded show included AC Bonifacio, Bamboo, Belle Mariano, BGYO, BINI, Darren Espanto, Donny Pangilinan, EZ Mil, Gary Valenciano, Iñigo Pascual, Janella Salvador, Jane De Leon, Jim Brickman, Kim Chiu, Kyle Echarri, KZ Tandingan, Lovi Poe, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, to name a few. The loudest buzz though was about DonBelle, the Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano team who spread so much kilig and love vibes on the ASAP Vegas stage!
Here’s a brief Q and A with Jun Del Rosario (ABS-CBN’s Managing Director for North and Latin America region).
What makes ASAP 2022 different from all past ASAP international shows?
Jun: This ASAP was produced to give the audience a concert experience instead of the usual variety show. So we made a conscious decision to remove variety segments like comedy skits, love team fan experience, and VTRs. We wanted the audience to have a world class music and dance experience. We also collaborated with several FilAm talents who are making their mark in mainstream like Francisco Martin of American Idol, the Broadway Barkada, Jabbawockeez, etc. Then we had Jim Brickman who collaborated with our singers like Martin, Ogie, Regine, Zsa Zsa.
Three Reasons why ASAP is the best longest running variety show of ABS-CBN?
Jun: 1. World class talent; 2. Ability to connect with the audience; understand them and know how to live up to their expectations and 3. ABS is dedicated to giving audiences what they deserve. This is part of our Kapamilya service DNA. We are blessed with dedicated and creative employees and partners.
Your next coming attractions here in North Amerrica?
Jun: We will surprise you, watch for bigger collaborations!
I told JUN – Come back to Toronto with your stable of stars and we will give you more support
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Power Woman
You have heard about The Filipina Women’s Network or FWN, it is a global organization of women leaders all over the world who have made a significant contribution in their communities. It is a US-registered for career women of Philippine ancestry.
Back from FWN’s annual leadership summit (held in Lisbon, Portugal last Oct 31-Nov 3) is our good friend and prominent community diva, Rosary Escaño, who nominated 3 of the awardees. Rosary, who was appointed as one of FWN ambassadors representing Canada (she was an awardee in 2017), was also one of the three Summit Weavers and co-emcee of the FWN Gala and Awards Night.
One of the awardees disclosed, “This achievement is a working award. There’s a commitment to do a project helping young Filipinas in one’s profession and local area. While they throw a spectacular gala, hand you a fabulous trophy, they give you more responsibilities. Tasks that we’re happy to do.” This kind of summit brings together the top and most influential Filipina women business owners and professionals to create a networking pipeline thru reciprocal relationships.
This year’s summit theme was Being Filipina: Liberation, Transformation, Change”.
The highlight of the summit was the awarding of the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World to 27 amazing women from 10 countries — US, Canada, Japan, Philippines, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Singapore, UAE, and UK.
From these 27 awardees, 4 came from Canada, namely: Anna Patrizio, a pharmacist and owns Schomber Pharmacy; Dr. Eileen de Villa, Chief Medical Officer of Toronto Public Health; Joycelyn David, CEO and owner of AV Communications; and, Hon. Rechie Valdez, MP, House of Commons. All awardees gave their stellar participation either as one of the panelists, speaking before the plenary of their stories and passion projects, presented amazing pitches. Dr. De Villa was keynote speaker on behalf of all the awardees.
Speaking of Dr. de Villa, we bumped into her at B2Bpreneur’s Meet and Greet event (Janet Lim’s ongoing project) a few days ago (Eileen and Rosary were guest speakers) and asked about her FWN Portugal experience.
“Fantastic on so many levels! One, it is wonderful to get a break and to be on a different setting which is a way of a little bit of change in taste, take a breather from work, and on top of it connecting with pretty amazing filipino leaders all over the world. It was a magical experience and one I will cherish for a very very long time. I am best motivated by the awards and more motivated by the act of getting things done.”
Wearing a mask, Dr de Villa did not confirm if we will see the return of the must-mask mandate. “But you see me here with it, and I will always wear one. Better to be safe.”
See you in two weeks! More surprises to announce. Christmas is in the air.