More than just business and sports...

From my Manila Standard column 10/15/10

He's known for being a highly respected business tycoon, and a passionate god father of many sports. But he has spread his wings even further and has inspired the creation of a silver screen masterpiece.

Love, tragedy, redemption encapsulated in a film, which boasts of an impressive cast of characters and exceptional production quality worthy of local pride and international praise. With the aptitude of establishing another milestone in Philippine film making industry, Rosario will be one of the masterpieces which will be widely anticipated in this year’s Manila Film Festival.

The story revolves around Rosario Herrera (played by Jennilyn Mercado), a beautiful and celebrated socialite, who was ahead of the 1920s state of mind. Years of living in New York made her liberated which the bucolic town of Isabela shunned upon. Even her parents (Philip Salvador and Eula Valdez) who were wealthy owners of a tobacco plantation were scandalized, especially when, during her summer visit, she had an affair with an older man, who was the administrator of their tabacalera. They locked her up in a convent but her desire for Vicente (Yul Servo), drove her to escape, leave her family and run off with him to Manila where they got married and had three children.

But tragedy struck the family as Vicente fell ill with tuberculosis. Rosario got help from her cousin and best friend Carmen (Isabel Oli). Feeling lonely and deprived though, Rosario had an affair with Carmen’s fiancé Alberto (Dennis Trillo). When Vicente recovered, he found out about the affair and filed and adultery case against them. The two were soon exiled to Hong Kong where their son, Jesus was born.

Four long years in exile passed and they returned to the Philippines, but only to be met with an arduous provincial life. Poverty forced them to seek opportunities in Manila but Alberto eventually abandoned his family forcing Rosario to do odd jobs just to survive.

She then met Carding (Sid Lucero) while working at his uncle, Miguel’s akesorya. But Miguel (Ricky Davao) was overcome with lust and attempted to rape Rosario. Carding mauled his own uncle in retaliation and managed to escape. He offered to bring Rosario and Jesus with him to the province and provide them with a good life, but because she didn’t want to tarnish his virtuous name, she left, never to be seen again. Even after he professed his undying love for her. She died a poor woman, full of regret.

The hardships and adversities of Rosario’s life was narrated by the 82 year old Jesus Herrera Gonzales, a role taken on by the legendary Dolphy. He had reconciled with a nephew whose mother Soledad, was Rosario’s eldest daughter with Vicente. He had been intrigued about his grandmother’s story and sought his uncle’s account.

That nephew is business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan.

This was the very reason why Pato Gregorio and the people behind Smart Sports decided to adopt the theme of the movie when the Talk and Text Tropang Texters paraded during the 36th season opening ceremonies. Their muse was lead actress Jenelyn Mercado who gave us a taste of the sophistication of this film.

I myself cannot wait to see this! Follow me on Twitter to get more information on Rosario: www.twitter.com/patriciahizon