‘MOUNTAIN MAIDEN’ – This is a sequel of sorts to this column’s piece on a “despatsadora” (saleslady) who became a beauty queen, winning the top title in a nationwide pageant and nearly making it to the finals abroad.
The “mountain maiden” in reference was an extra in a movie who caught the eye of a cinematographer, who felt the extra was “puedeng beauty queen”—dark and exotic looking, “parang Elizabeth Oropesa.”
The line producer agreed, “Pero kailangan ang reinvention, total overhaul bago dalhin kay Madam.”
She came from Sampaloc, Manila (or was it Tondo), but the line-producer felt, “Kunwari galing sa bundok, isang mountain maiden. Di ba mas may drama?” Of course, eyebrows were raised all over town.
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MAKE-OVER – And so, the make-over began, starting with the legend that she was a “mountain maiden,” growing up in a far away province.
And then came the salon treatment – making her dark complexion smooth (not fair), updated make-up and hairdo, with completely new wardrobe.
Then, like Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) in “My Fair Lady,” the movie extra became his Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn). He taught her social graces, correct speech, how to walk and talk. The works.
When he felt that the “mountain maiden” was ready, she was introduced to Madam who said, “Puede ganar” (can win).
True enough, she won the top title and then competed abroad. She didn’t win, but then for a movie extra, she made a giant leap in showbiz.
After appearing in a few movies (leading lady this time), she retired and settled abroad.
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GREAT ACTRESS – Highspeed segues to Elizabeth Oropesa, the great actress who resembled the “mountain maiden.”
Oro also joined a few beauty pageants decades back, but she wasn’t meant to be Binibini, or Mutya or Miss RP. She was meant to be an actress, a great one, with many awards to her name.
In the upcoming “Moonlight Over Baler,” she gives another award-winning performance as the World War II teacher who waited in vain for a long lost love. “Ang babaeng naghintay at umasa,” in the words of director Gil Portes, whose late aunt was the inspiration behind the movie.
Co-starring with Oro are Vin Abrenica, Sophie Albert, and Ellen Adarna.