Will Mommie Elvie ever see P-Noy?

Curtain-raisers:

• Could it be true that a popular mayor has a big crush on a pretty theater actress from an influential family? He hasn’t made a move to court her yet but he just might…soon? The mayor (first name has a “J” and an “N,” and surname a “B” and a “Y”) happens to look like the ex-boyfriend of the actress (first name has a “C” and an “S,” and surname two “L’s” and two “O’s”) who also happens to look like the mayor’s late wife. Hmmmm, there’s the link. Not surprising if a mutual attraction develops.

• Did a network scrap a teleplay on the pretext that the script was unfinished as its way of politely getting rid of a young actress from the cast? A new teleplay was conceived, with the network’s newly-recruited actress in the cast, while the “discarded” actress was given another show (not drama) as maybe a form of consolation?

Mommie Elvie, 84, recently realized her dream of meeting Vice Pres. Jojo Binay at his Coconut Palace office.

• The ongoing drama involving two women (the estranged wife and the beloved companion) fighting over the remains of a politician calls to mind a similar but not as controversial real-life moving scene years ago at the death bed of a drama actress. Two men were bidding her goodbye, to the actress’ right the director that she loved and to her left the character actor that she married. No harsh words, only quiet tears. She died peacefully with a smile on her lovely face.

* * *

I have a strong suspicion that the mother of Mommie Elvie Villasanta was fond of playing whatever “memory game” when she was infanticipating. No wonder Mommie Elvie, the 84-year-old host of her own show Mommie Elvie @ 18 (on GMA News TV Saturdays at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.) was born with a photographic memory.

Ask her what the capital is of any country and she can give you the answer in a jiffy. She can even locate (can you?) where Timbuktu is.

Watching Mommie Elvie, with her only son Ariel as co-host, is a delight. The show has crossed channels (starting on TV5) until it has found a new home on GMA News TV.

It must be her sense of humor that has helped Mommie Elvie survived life’s hard knocks. Born on Dec. 14, 1927, she’s the younger of two sisters (older is Emma, mother of Joey de Leon). She went through World War II un-traumatized and a series of surgeries, the latest having been on her breast.

A late-bloomer, Mommie Elvie started her showbiz career at age 75, initially in TV commercials and endorsements, and TV guestings.

The show, produced by Ariel and his wife Cristina Castillo-Villasanta, is directed by Aleah Aliporo-Eugenio who also conceptualized it.

“It’s a tribute to all sons and daughters who love and honor their parents,” said Aleah. “The show is about life and death, and everything in-between. Watch it and you will love your own mother even more.”

Last year when she met the movie press, Mommie Elvie revealed her bucket list. Several wishes have been realized so far — meeting Ai-Ai de las Alas and Vice Pres. Jojo Binay.

When she met the press again recently, Mommie Elvie recalled how thrilled and touched she was when she visited Vice Jojo at his Coconut Palace office. Not only did Vice Jojo entertain her, he also personally escorted her to her car. During the meeting, Mommie Elvie thanked Vice Jojo for his concern for senior citizens. During his term as Makati mayor, Vice Jojo saw to it that senior citizens watch movies for free, a privilege that senior citizens all over the country hopefully can (and will soon?) enjoy. As a nod to then Mayor Jojo’s effort, Armida “Tita Midz” Siguion-Reyna would stage regular Aawitan Kita-style shows “live” for senior citizens.

Mommie Elvie, 84, recently realized her dream of meeting Vice Pres. Jojo Binay at his Coconut Palace office.

Mommie Elvie’s one big wish now is to meet Pres. Noynoy Aquino, one of her idols, No. 1 on her bucket list.

“Sana man lang bago...,” Mommie Elvie said misty-eyed.

If ever, that would make Mommie Elvie the happiest mother on earth.

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