This Sharonian that Sharon Cuneta does not know

For sure, Megastar Sharon Cuneta is singing a different tune now.  Feeling blissful and victorious, perhaps, now that her immortal beloved Francis Prancatius Pangilinan is among the newly proclaimed senators of the Republic of the Philippines.

Prior to getting the electorate’s approval, Cuneta’s crying during the press conference given by Regal Film’s Roselle Monteverde for then Citizen Kiko unsettled this columnist. 

To witness my idol pouring her heart out, hurt with all the fake news, hatred and vitriol thrown, not only at her husband but also her kids, it was torturous to take in. 

All I wanted to do was to run to her and “balutin siya ng hiwaga ng aking pagmamahal,” give her my shoulder to cry on, pat her on the back, assure her with my “there, there, tahan na” and “this, too, shall pass.”

But there I was, frozen, as I watched her lamentation. I dared not cross that line because, you know, I am the Sharonian that Sharon Cuneta does not know.

 ‘Dear Heart’

Blame my private school education and middle-class upbringing, Sharon Cuneta had me with “Mr. DJ, can I make a request, pwede ba yung love song ko?” the line from what I believe (please correct me if I am wrong) was her first pop hit song, would you believe, happened when she was 12 years old.  Other bubble gum songs followed suit and another stand out, “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok,” her 1981 anthem became the theme song that I shared with my last ex-boyfriend. That ex of mine even sent a video of him singing the Rey Valera composed ditty.

Then, the Sining Silangan-produced, Danny Zialcita-directed, coming of age motion picture Dear Heart arrived in cinemas. Not only was the love story of April and Jimmy (Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion’s respective characters) a cinematic blockbuster, the Sharon-Gabby love team was born.

It was in Dear Heart where Cuneta baby-talked her way to stardom, and the gloss and affluence in the film became the template of early Sharon movies bankrolled by Viva Films.

The lifestyle of the new rich and famous were the standards set by Viva Films that became the backdrop and milieu of PS I Love You, My Only Love, Friends In Love and To Love Again, wherein Cuneta and the rest of the cast donned Christian Espiritu evening and smart casual outfits or branded outfits such as Pierre Cardin, Oleg Cassini and Lacoste.

Oh, remembering the expansive abodes, the dinners served, polo games, ballets, places to be seen during the 80s era, with Sharon as the center of its opulent universe, was truly inspirational and aspirational.

Rebecca, Dorina and Bianca

Soon, Sharon Cuneta’s reinvention happened in a trilogy of dramas with music, where the rags-to-riches arc was capitalized, with her characters coming from lower income families, becoming rich and popular because of her singing prowess, and adding complications are leading men and female antagonists hell bent to make Cuneta’s character suffer.

Sharon gave life to Rebecca in Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala, Dorina Pineda in Bituin Walang Ningning and Bianca in Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas.

Aside from Cuneta’s performance, the compositions of Willie Cruz added more gravitas and power to these movies. “Pangarap Na Bituin,” “Bituin Walang Ningning” and “Sanay Wala Nang Wakas” are all Cuneta-interpreted songs, which, to this day, are being used as singing competition pieces, interpreted by top local and international choral groups and revived by popular OPM artists.

A trivia, Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala was the fiercest box-office rival of the Vilma Santos starrer and Mike de Leon-directed Sister Stella L in 1984. “Walang katarungan noon para kay Ka Dencio” became the Santos movie bomb at the box-office.

Essential Sharon

This Sharonian that Sharon Cuneta does know consider Nung Iniwan Mo Ako, Madrasta and Crying Ladies her most essential movies.

Nung Iniwan Mo Ako, which centered on a crumbling marriage and the ups and downs of single parenthood, had Cuneta as Amy, and she gave one of her most heartfelt, sensitive and impactful performances ever. Her, Sharon seemed not to act at all. Her delivery of lines, quiet moments, were always authentic.

In Madrasta, as Marilou, the challenges and emotional turmoils of a stepmother trying her darn best  to be accepted and fit in a new family, the struggles that her character faced, became more potent because of Cuneta’s standout performance. It was standout because the audiences and critics alike said she gave Marilou all the right feels, commitment, rawness and truth.

In her take of Stella in Crying Ladies, a film that presented the not-so-typical lives of paid Filipino mourners, Cuneta played against her romantic drama, leading lady template, and gave her fans and audiences a tough cookie but marshmallow on the inside type of a woman, and doing a comedic role suited her well.

Present and future

With her husband’s senatorial bid secured, some political analysts gave Cuneta’s participation and support  credit for her husband’s victory.

For sure, the Megastar will downplay the observation and give credit to Pangilinan’s political track record and experience, and that the people who voted for him, she is forever grateful for giving Pangilinan their vote of confidence and most importantly their trust.

This Sharon Cuneta fan waits for your new movies, concerts and, yes, I think you are superb on Saving Grace.  I will love you always from a distance, and with great admiration and respect.