Eddie at 89: I have no need for Viagra

At the end of a rainbow, you’ll find a pot of gold.

That’s what the song says.

But at the end of the movie Rainbow’s Sunset, you’ll find not a pot of gold but a Pandora’s Box of bittersweet memories about two lovers at the sunset of their lives, savoring the remaining moments of their multi-layered existence in defiance of accepted social norm.

The lovers are played by Eddie Garcia and Tony Mabesa in a family drama reminiscent of the 2000 Metrofest poignant movie Tanging Yaman directed by Laurice Guillen with Gloria Romero as the Alzheimer’s-afflicted matriarch of a deeply-divided family. It’s not coincidence that Gloria was tapped as the wife of Eddie’s character, so understanding and so magnanimous a better half that she sympathizes with her aging husband’s bromance even if their children (Tirso Cruz III, Sunshine Dizon and Aiko Melendez) are vehemently against it — you know, lest the (nosey) neighbors gossip about it.

Produced by Harlene Maclang Bautista’s Heaven’s Best Entertainment, the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry was directed by Joel Lamangan from a well-crafted screenplay by Eric Ramos. Rainbow’s Sunset is the finest family drama in a long time, with a gathering of actors of all ages whose performances are so absorbing that you can’t help feeling like a member of the family. It also reminds me of On Golden Pond, the classic movie starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn also as a couple in the sunset of their lives but without the bromance angle. The title is symbolic: rainbow is an LGBT color and sunset is, well, not about the amazing changes of colors that you watch from the Baywalk as, to quote the song, heavenly shades of night are falling.

Asked if the story was based on real people, Joel said, “Let’s just say that it’s inspired by real life.”

In the movie, Eddie’s character is a former politician whose education (from high school to college) was financed by the family of Tony’s character, so there’s a debt of gratitude on Eddie’s part although, as he said, he loves Tony as much as he does Gloria, so he moves to the cancer-stricken Tony’s home and takes care of him in his dying days. Well, somebody does die but I won’t tell you who. (The theme song, Sa Iyo Na, is sung by Ice Seguerra with an infectious rawness, and with so much feeling that adds to the movie’s dramatic impact.)

Rainbow’s Sunset comes on the heels of Hintayan ng Langit in which Eddie plays a newly-departed who bumps into an old love (played by Gina Pareño) in a purgatory-like place (thus, hintayan) while waiting for the go-signal to heaven.

Seated, from left: Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia and Tony Mabesa in a ‘family picture’ with members of the Rainbow’s Sunset cast, including Aiko Melendez, Sunshine Dizon, Tirso Cruz III, Jim Pebanco, Tanya Gomez, Sue Prado, Marcus Madrigal, Albie Casiño, Ali Forbes, Ross Pesigan, Shido Roxas, et al. Director is Joel Lamangan (back row, sixth from left)

What’s Eddie’s idea of heaven?

“I don’t know,” he smiled, adding half in jest, “I haven’t been there.” Seriously now, “To me, heaven is right here on earth. If everything is going smoothly, you are in heaven. If you have problems, you’re in hell. Between heaven and hell, there’s purgatory.”

Eddie is turning 90 in May next year. So what’s in the mind of a man in the twilight of his life? (Gloria is into her mid-80s, celebrating another milestone on Dec. 16.)

“Wala,” Eddie told Funfare. “Just go on with what I’ve been doing. Wala sa isip ko ang retirement. But if people don’t like you anymore, that’s the time to retire.”

At his age, Eddie said that he continues to function “normally,” meaning he’s as “capable” as he was at his prime.

“Yes,” he confirmed, “I’m normal in everything.”

Hmmm, including sex?

“Oo naman! When it comes to sex, you don’t have to force it. Wait until you really want it and that’s the right time to do it. Huwag pilitin.”

And how often does he “want” it?

“Once a month is enough.”

No need for, uhm, Viagra?

“I have no need for it. I tried it once and I didn’t like it. It’s bad for the heart.”

In Rainbow’s Sunset, Tony’s character is terminally ill, waiting for the end with calm resignation.

So what does Eddie think about death?

“Once you are dead, you are dead. I have no fear of death. Friends and relatives will remember you for a month and then they forget you.”

For sure, a good man like Eddie will go straight to heaven. If ever, who does he want to meet in heaven?

“Friends who have gone there long ago, like Dolphy and Ronnie Poe. And also, my mom and my dad, my son and my youngest daughter.” (Eddie’s son died in a motorcycle accident.)

And what’s the first thing he will ask them? Touching his beard, Eddie broke into a wide smile.

“How have you been while you are here?”

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The event is set for Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 to 5 p.m. at E-Lanes Bowling Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan City, sponsored by Century Tuna, Belo Medical Group, Tapa King, Home Rituals (The Village Spa) and Icon Hotel. For player registration and tickets, call 0917-5330203.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)