One of the main reasons why I fell in love with theatre was because of my grandaunt Celia Diaz Laurel who I fondly call Lola Celia. The first time I saw her on stage was in The King & I at the CCP where she played Lady Thiang in the late 70’s. The word to describe how I felt back then was spellbound. It opened my eyes to a world I wanted to be a part of. Since then I asked my Mom to take me to watch more musicals by Repertory Philippines.
I will never forget Lola Celia gliding down the staircase as Baroness Elsa von Schraeder in The Sound of Music in the early 80’s at the Meralco Theater. Her presence was magnetic exuding so much class. Another memorable moment for me was when she played Stephanie Dickinson in Cactus Flower at the Insular Life Auditorium in Makati in the early 80’s. I was hanging out backstage and wanted to watch the show from the wings. The show was about to start but Lola Celia was nowhere in sight. Everyone was panicking wondering where she was and who would play her part in the event she does not show up. In the nick of time Lola Celia arrived and quickly changed into her costume by the wings and as the curtain rose, entered the scene in character and gave a marvelous performance. Back then there were no cellphones to update anyone about her location, apparently she was caught in traffic after coming from a political rally to support her husband Papa Doy. I marveled at the way she handled her duty as a wife, mother, grandmother and artist with grace.
Since my Mom was working for Papa Doy in the early 80’s, I would tag along with her to “Shaw”, the home of Papa Doy & Lola Celia at Shaw Blvd. in Mandaluyong. I was a young boy totally enamored by the world of theatre that I wanted to be with theatre artists and learn from them. I would see most of them hang out in Shaw back in the day. Music filled the home led by Tito Cocoy and Tita Iwi’s amazing voices. I will never forget the times I would go up to the masters bedroom where Lola Celia would create the costumes for some of the biggest musicals of Repertory Philippines, one in particular was Camelot. The whole dressing area and bathroom was filled with fabric, beads, sequins, feathers, and all kinds of props and costumes that were intricately done. The level of excellence in her craftsmanship is unparalleled to this day.
What I admire the most about Lola Celia is her dedication to her craft. She gave her all in everything she did as an actor, as a set and costume designer. Everything she created was pure magic. Lola Celia is truly the consummate artist.
In celebration of her 93rd birthday, Lola Celia is coming out with her second book MY LIVES BEHIND THE PROSCENIUM, chronicling her life in the theatre edited by her children Tita Suzie Laurel-Delgado and Tito Cocoy Laurel.
For book reservations and inquiries, kindly please contact Ms. Miriam Castillo c/o 0918-4110804 or Jenn c/o 88697298 1pm – 5pm.
To my dearest Lola Celia, Happy Birthday! I am so grateful to you for inspiring me to be an actor but most especially for imparting to me the value of excellence in our craft. I love you very much and I can’t wait to see you again and celebrate with you.
Blessings,
