It excited her no end that after more than four decades, veteran actress Perla Bautista has been given a title role to play – as “Fausta,” a holy woman who founded the Sacred Heart College (SHC) in Lucena City run by the Daughters of Charity. Perla was handpicked by director Felino Tañada and Sr. Fe G. Gedalanga, DC, president of SCH to play the role.

Hermana Fausta Labrador opened a charity school on April 27, 1884 at the age of 26. She died on Sept. 14, 1942 at the age of 84, leaving behind a lasting legacy: SHC, the oldest Catholic school in Quezon province.

“She only wanted to served God; she ended up changing a million lives,” reads the blurb of “Fausta.”
Co-starring with Perla is Tommy Abuel, who plays Fernando Amorsolo. After World War II, award of Hermana Fausta asked the painter to do a portrait of the SHC founder using a picture as model. He refused, saying he only painted live models. But the ward wouldn’t take no for an answer so Amorsolo asked who the woman was. Upon learning of the noble deeds of Hermana Fausta he agreed.
The Amorsolo painting hangs on the wall of the board room at the president’s office. The face of Perla is superimposed on the painting, used in the layout of the movie.

Talents from Lucena and nearby Tayabas are playing other roles in “Fausta,” which premiered last month in SM Lucena. Perla hopes it’ll be shown in other theaters as the life and times of Hermana Fausta Labrador is inspiring and heartwarming. The award-winning actress is all praises for the warmth and kindness of the SHC sisters and all those involved in the making of “Fausta.” She considers it a great honor to play the title role in “Fausta.”

Victor Aliwalas wins ‘SOP’ TAG Awards

Model-turned-actor Victor Aliwalas recently scored a victory in the recent “SOP” TAG Awards held in the top-rating musical variety show “SOP.”

The awarding was held last April 5. Victor won in the Most Popular Male Hottie category besting other strong contenders such as Aljur Abrenica and Chris Cayzer. “I’m very happy and at the same time surprised with the results,” says Victor. While awaiting for his next GMA soap, Victor finished an indie film entitled “Tutok” where he co-stars with Emilio Garcia, Allen Dizon, Ian de Leon, Lloyd Samartino and Boots Anson-Roa. In “Tutok,” Victor plays an ambitious newsman and correspondent.

Victor also recently shot a music video for Sony-BMG artist Lovi. The music video is for Lovi’s hit song “Dito Sa Puso.” Victor and Lovi shot the video in Batangas under the direction of Paul Soriano. Indeed, Victor is getting good feedback for this stint as a leading man.

Family KTV Hub formally opens

There’s a new videoke lounge along Macapagal Ave., at the Bluewave Complex, and it formally opened its doors recently to karaoke fanatics and music aficionados alike. Called Music 88 Family KTV, it opened via a grand opening event simply dubbed “An Evening of Musical Soiree.” The event showcased the watering hole’s latest digital sound technology, homey ambiance, friendly service and delectable food options. Operated by Ced & Cez Ramirez, the couple that runs the equally successful Plato Platina restaurant and Bazzo bar, this new joint offers patrons a great musical experience.

Ced Ramirez, Ces Ramirez, Rep. Jose Antonio Roxas, Faith Cuneta, Amb. Theo Arnold, diva Carmen Pateña, reigning Miss Earth Carla Paula Henry, Frank Evaristo, Manette Agbayani, Beth Victoria, ATAF founder Cristina Altura and Greta Lauron cut the ceremonial ribbon. It was a night of great sound and food with a fine roster of guests and attendees gracing the affair.

Each of the LCD television units at the videoke lounge contains an extensive list of songs from English to Tagalog, Korean to Chinese and even Japanese! The songs includes hits of yesteryears as well as recent years.

Music 88 Family KTV Bar is such a homey place where food is as great as the music offered. In the coming weeks, a music lounge featuring stand-up comedians will also be put up to widen patrons’ nightly cruise options.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 14, go to Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, Manila Seedling Foundation Pres. Chito Bertol, Jerome John Hughs, Gloria Garcia Ramirez, Jason Ricketts, Agnes B. Mohammad, Linda A. Carera, Francis Lumunsad, Naida Angping, Vicky Divina, Amante Galang, Nanette Manebo, journalist Cito Beltran and Ms. Mitzi Piad.