Homecoming confessions of an ex-sex trip film PR and WEA Dancers groupie

Ruben Nepales/CONTRIBUTED

(The following are my rambling thoughts and recollections of perfect three weeks last November in the Philippines. Last of two parts.)

LOS ANGELES – In my previous life in Manila, I moonlighted by writing the English press releases of ST (sex trip) movies or what they called “bold films.” I was also a WEA Dancers “groupie.”

Memories of my old days in the Philippines and more flashed back when I met many friends and colleagues again on my homecoming trip last November.

When filmmakers Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan and Michael Angelo Dagñalan invited my wife, writer Janet Rodriguez Nepales, and me to attend the Philippine Movie Press Club’s (PMPC) 39^th Star Awards for Movies, I didn’t expect to see again after many years Robbie Tan, who produced those titillating movies under his Seiko Films.

For a long time, I have been inquiring how Robbie is to mutual friends and acquaintances. As the PR manager of WEA (Warner Elektra Atlantic) Records Philippines in the early 1980s, I sidelined as Robbie’s English PR hack for his ST films, in addition to contributing articles to newspapers and magazines.

Robbie, now a born-again Christian, bankrolled those erotic films that starred the late Stella Strada, Jestoni Alarcon, Rosanna Roces, Dennis Roldan, Romnick Sarmenta, Priscilla Almeda, Edgar Mande, Rey “PJ” Abellana, and more.

In his Escolta office, Robbie, also behind Seiko Wallets (“ang wallet na masuwerte!”), fed naughty angles and stills to me for the press releases of his movies with such titles as “Kirot,” “Sex Education,” “Hanguin Mo Ako Sa Putik” and “Puri.”

Robbie and I lost touch when I immigrated to the US. The affable producer went on to make other types of films, including Brillante Mendoza’s acclaimed “Foster Child,” and is credited for launching the careers of actors in those early sexy films, some of whom evolved into fine thespians.

So, imagine my delight when I heard Robbie’s name being called as a Lifetime Achievement Awardee, along with actor Roderick Paulate, at the PMPC night at the ballroom of the Winford Hotel in Manila. As Robbie exited the ballroom after accepting his award and delivering remarks, Janet and I dashed to congratulate and say hi to him.

Robbie, warm and personable as always, quipped about me having gone Hollywood. After catching up with him for several minutes, he introduced us to his daughter.

We also finally met in person Soliman Cruz, the Filipino actor who starred in “To the North,” an acclaimed entry in the 2022 Venice Film Festival, for which he earned best actor nod in the Gopo Awards (Romania’s Oscars equivalent).

He’s the man. With Soliman Cruz, who starred in Romania’s acclaimed Venice Film Festival entry, ‘To the North.’ Photo by Janet Nepales

Soliman, Dolly de Leon (“Triangle of Sadness”), and Chai Fonacier (opposite Eva Green and Mark Strong in “Nocebo”) are hitherto unheralded actors in the Philippines who, by serendipity, appeared in European films, all in 2022.

Speaking of WEA, as its publicity exec, I had some of the most enjoyable working years in my stint for this now-defunct Philippine franchise of the popular American record label. It was still the peak of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) so I got to work with Celeste Legaspi, the Apo Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo and the late Danny Javier, Marco Sison, Hotdog, Leo Valdez, Ivy Violan, Florante and more.

And I got to be friends with the WEA Dancers, who were at the time (early 80s) among the top groups promoting the latest dance hits by appearing in TV shows and events.

After their TV guestings, these dancers – Geleen Eugenio (lead), Miles Obra, Chet Rance, Tinna Herrera, Donna Fuentes, Lyn Tamayo, Raffy Chan, Jimmy Santos, Jesse Panelo and Joey Pastor – often proceeded to the WEA office in Santa Cruz, Manila (tapat ng simbahan).

Some of us on the staff worked in what they called an “annex office,” a quick walk from the main office where the big boss, Ramon Chuaying, ran the record company.

Imagine the bedlam at this annex when sometimes the WEA Dancers, who were always joking, laughing and chasing each other, were around at the same time with the late Levi Celerio, who would later be declared a National Artist for Music and Literature, playing a leaf as a musical instrument, and Nonoy Tan, strumming his guitar, composing his songs which would become award-winning hits.

Sometimes it was the late Emil Loseñada who was plucking the strings and penning his Tagalog and Visayan novelty songs.

And there were the merchandising artists creating promo materials and sometimes, even album covers. It was a rowdy, or shall we say, “free-spirited” group at the annex.

With promo exec Tato Malay, I occasionally tagged along when the dancers performed in clubs. At one WEA Christmas party, I joined a contest where employees performed the WEA Dancers’ then-popular macho gigolo steps.

Guess who was crowned Mr. Macho Gigolo? Looking back, maybe it was not fair because the WEA Dancers, all my friends, were the judges.

When Ramon, another friend I had not seen since leaving for the States in 1985, saw Girlie Rodis’ Facebook post that Janet and I were in town, he asked her for my mobile number. A casual phone chat with Ramon, who became more successful in the entertainment business, led him to organize a get-together.

I did not expect that it would grow into one of the WEA family’s biggest reunion parties in years. Of course, the WEA Dancers came in full force at the Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse in Quezon City. It was also my first time to see them.

Geleen jokingly asked if Precy Tan, WEA’s office cashier, was around so she and her fellow dancers could make bale (cash advance).

In a déjà vu situation, I joined the musical chairs contest where Ramon announced a cash prize of PHP1,000. WEA Dancer Jimmy Santos and I ended up being the final two contestants. I overheard dear Geleen admonishing Jimmy, “Magpatalo ka, magpatalo ka!”

But Jimmy still vigorously competed against me, which I admired. We both fell on the floor when the music stopped and we went after the remaining chair. Janet and some of our friends were alarmed when they saw us fall on the floor.

Thankfully, Jimmy and I were fine. Ramon, either admiring our dogged determination to win or desperation to earn a thousand pesos, called it a tie and handed a crisp PHP1,000 bill each to Jimmy and me. Tired but having had fun, I said to Janet, “Mahirap kumita ng 1,000 pesos sa Pilipinas!”

‘Mahirap kumita ng 1,000 pesos sa Pilipinas,’ quips the writer, Ruben V. Nepales, right, with Ramon Chuaying, left, and Jimmy Santos. Photo by Janet Nepales

A trip back home usually includes at least a trip to one of the beautiful islands – Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu and many others. Grabbing an opportunity to revisit Boracay, we hopped on a Philippine Airlines (PAL) plane and experienced again the airline’s friendly service even on the short flight to Caticlan, Aklan.

A Crimson Resort and Spa staff member met us at the Caticlan airport and whisked us in a van to the hotel’s modern jetty dock, complete with refreshments. Then we boarded a boat for the quick trip to Boracay where another van took us to Crimson.

The smooth journey from Caticlan to the hotel reminded me of our first trip to Boracay in the early 80s. It was quite an adventure then. We landed in Kalibo, took a long, bumpy bus ride to Caticlan and rode on a small motorized bangka.

The small boat bobbing up and down, left and right as it sliced through large waves made me pray to all the saints I know. We arrived at the island which had no power then so it was truly magical at night – just kerosene lamps lighting the simple hut accommodations.

These days, with the smooth trek to Crimson from the airport, I was not pale as a ghost when we checked in. The resort definitely does not have the huts of yore. Crimson is a five-star resort offering luxurious accommodations, from private villas to rooms with balconies offering a view of the gorgeous beach.

Many years ago, when we stayed at Shangri-La Boracay, we walked along the white sand beach to the spot where Crimson now stands. So the resort is also in Station Zero, away from it all, which was how we wanted it since we’ve already experienced and enjoyed Station Two’s restaurant and nightlife attractions.

Chill and laidback at Station Zero in Boracay. Photo by Janet Nepales

Besides, Crimson has several good restaurants, including Mosaic Latin Grill which is like stepping into a sophisticated restaurant in Mexico or South America. Sunset is spectacular from Mosaic’s balcony but the magic hour is beautiful in most spots at Crimson.

At the gorgeous Mosaic Latin American Grill in Boracay. CONTRIBUTED

Didier Belmonte, the resort’s French general manager, sat down with us for illuminating chats at Mosaic and Saffron Café. With Didier’s 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry around the world, including South America, he gave us an interesting expat’s perspective of living in Boracay.

Didier Belmonte, Crimson Resort general manager, shared an interesting expat perspective on living in Boracay. Photo by Ruben Nepales

Leaving paradise that is Boracay is always tough but checking in at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City brightened our return to the city. Nikolas Weinstein’s massive sculpture, The Mangrove, seemingly reaching the sky, was a welcome sight in the lobby just off EDSA.

Opened only in May last year, Solaire North is Quezon City’s first and only five-star integrated resort. If Solaire South is a sprawling oasis, Solaire North is a vertical haven of 38 floors with equally posh rooms and plenty of dining options, from fancy to food courts.

But we were drawn to Manyaman since we were back home and haven’t had enough of Filipino dishes. This resto’s Kapampangan food hit the spot. So even at Fresh, amid its delicious international breakfast buffet, we always walked first to the champorado with tuyo counter.

Champorado with tuyo is irresistible even amid Solaire Resort North’s delicious international breakfast buffet fare. Photo by Ruben Nepales

How does touring a restored historic mansion adjacent to the Malacañang Palace with Vilma Santos, Dingdong Dantes, Tirso Cruz III, and Christopher de Leon sound to you?

When we received an invitation for a get-together dinner for CineGang Inc., described as a private initiative to promote Philippine cinema on the world stage, we didn’t expect the star-studded company as we toured the Laperal Mansion, which housed both the late Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos during their respective terms as President.

The Laperal Mansion, formerly called the Arlegui Guest House, is one of several heritage houses, including the Goldenberg Mansion (also near Malacañang), that were commendably restored by the government. Two guides walked us through each of the 14 bedrooms named after and furnished in honor of the Philippines’ past presidents.

Laurice Guillen, Christopher de Leon, Vilma Santos, Tirso Cruz III and Janet Nepales at the Laperal Mansion. Photo by Ruben Nepales

It was interesting to see the decorative touches that the country’s top interior designers added to reflect the personalities of the former heads of state, from Cory to Manuel Quezon. A pillow in the Cory room is embroidered with a quote from her memorable speech to a joint session of the US Congress in 1986: “As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it.”

A Cory Aquino quote is embroidered on a pillow in the room named after her. Photo by Ruben Nepales

Inside the Benigno Aquino III room at the Laperal Mansion. Photo by Ruben Nepales

The mansion now serves as an official guest house for visiting heads of state or government.

Janet Nepales and Vilma Santos tour the Laperal Mansion. Photo by Ruben Nepales

After the tour, we sat down for dinner hosted by the First Lady, Louise Araneta-Marcos, who made a presentation on the efforts to promote Filipino films on the international scene. Of course, what’s a Pinoy gathering without karaoke singing? Tirso and Christopher led the karaoke session.

Christopher de Leon, Tirso Cruz III and Vilma Santos at the after-dinner karaoke session. Photo by Ruben Nepales

As part of its mission to bridge the gap between Philippine and Filipino American film communities, the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), in partnership with CineGang Inc., held two panels and invited Filipino creatives.

All set for MIFF panels in Manila. LA-based Ruben Nepales, David Magdael, Annalee Paulo, Janet Nepales, Winston Emano and Lisa Lew. CONTRIBUTED

Janet Nepales gives remarks as Vilma Santos looks on. Photo by Ruben Nepales

“A Filipino in the Lead: An Afternoon With Nico Santos and Mark Dacascos” featured the two Fil-Am stars in an engaging, often humorous, and spirited exchange. In the morning, “How to Award Season Your Film and TV Project” presented top Fil-Am Hollywood publicists and awards campaign wizards David Magdael and Annalee Paulo, moderated by Winston Emano, himself a PR veteran, and Lisa Lew, a multiple Emmy Award-winning producer.

‘A Filipino in the Lead’ panel featured FilAm stars Mark Dacascos and Nico Santos with Winston Emano as moderator. Photo by Ruben Nepales

‘A Filipino in the Lead’ panel, presented by MIFF, featured FilAm stars Mark Dacascos and Nico Santos. Photo by Ruben Nepales

MIFF cofounder and executive producer Lisa Lew (left) and Vilma Santos at CineGang Inc. dinner. Photo by Ruben Nepales

Christopher de Leon, Dingdong Dantes, Janet Nepales and Ed Lejano at CineGang Inc. dinner. Photo by Ruben Nepales

Later in the evening, Janet and I hied off to Shangri-La Plaza to see for the first time designer Francis Libiran’s elegant showroom. It was a fun mini-reunion with Francis and his manager, Arsi Baltazar, whom I met even before my WEA days.

The night got even more convivial and laughter-filled when globetrotting Bessie Badilla, who was also in town by coincidence, designer Nat Manilag, and our buddy, Narciso Chan, joined the four of us for buffet dinner at Edsa Shang.

Designer Francis Libiran flanked by Bessie Badilla and Janet Nepales at his showroom. Photo by Ruben Nepales

We welcomed the chance to return to Solaire Resort South when we watched Raymond Lauchengco’s 40^th anniversary concert, “Just Got Lucky,” at The Theatre. In the first part of this homecoming piece, I raved about Lea Salonga’s “Stage, Screen & Everything in Between“ show, also at The Theatre.

Lea was a tough act to follow but Raymond delivered a highly entertaining show in his own style. Sharon Cuneta (via video), Bituin Escalante, Martin Nievera and Raymond’s “Bagets” gang, including Aga Muhlach, Herbert Bautista and Eula Valdez, made guest appearances in Waya Gallardo’s first concert directing gig.

‘Bagets’ stars Aga Muhlach and Raymond Lauchengco are reunited in the latter’s concert at The Theatre at Solaire South. Photo by Ruben Nepales

‘Bagets’ stars Herbert Bautista, Aga Muhlach and Raymond Lauchengco are reunited in the latter’s concert at The Theatre at Solaire South. Photo by Ruben Nepales

For these shows, both Lea and Raymond (who tied with Martin) recently won Aliw Awards’ best female and male artist in a major concert trophies, respectively. These honors solidified Solaire South’s reputation as the country’s premiere entertainment destination.

Martin Nievera makes a surprise appearance at Raymond Lauchengco’s 40th anniversary concert at The Theatre at Solaire Resort South. Photo by Ruben Nepales

On our last night in the Philippines, we finally went up to Solaire North’s rooftop Skybar with friends. Nothing prepared us for the spectacular view of Metro Manila’s shimmering lights – it’s one of the most stunning. Janet and I rued that we should have gone to Skybar every night during our stay at Solaire North.

The warm, excellent service at Skybar reminded us that the staff in all three – Solaire North and South, and Crimson Boracay – are the top reasons, more than anything else, why these resorts make guests want to come back.

On our return flight to LA, we still felt like we were in the warm embrace of Manila, from the Mabuhay Lounge to our plane seats because of the PAL crew’s top-notch care.

Homecoming over but happy to be boarding PAL again on the flight back to La La Land. Photo by Janet Nepales

Upon disembarking the plane at LAX, whose smiling face greeted us, complete with a welcome sign and our names? The same LAX/PAL ground staff member who personally sent us off when we departed for Manila, my niece, Elgeen Nepales.