Eva Castillo, diva on the rise

Author: Alwin M. Ignacio, Contributor
Column: Life

Because of "Bukas Luluhod ang Mga Tala," "Bituing Walang Ningning" and "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas," Sharon Cuneta's status as a preeminent bubblegum singing idol was propelled to megastar heights. By giving justice to the api-apihan singer to super singing sensation role via the three tearjerker-cum-musical movies now collectively known as the Sharon Cuneta trilogies.

Who would have thought that such a thing can happen in real life? The twists and turns, antagonists and heroes in the life of Eva Castillo, diva on the rise, could "out-plot" the vintage movies of the Megastar.

As of this writing, Castillo's tribulations and triumphs are the focus of the new season of SRO Cinemaserye, GMA 7's late night drama anthology.

Minerva "Eva" Castillo was Regine "Chona" Velasquez's fiercest singing rival in singing contests during their wonder years. They were dubbed as the Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos in the amateur singing circuit. In fact, she always emerges as the victor every time she was pitted against the young Velasquez. Her winning ditty then was Dulce's aria "Ako Ang Nagwagi" while Regine's signature piece was Tillie Moreno's "Saan Ako Nagkamali" or Didith Reyes' "Bakit Ako Mahihiya?"

Her future as the next big singing superstar was almost in the bag. But the dream sadly did not materialize. She learned the hard truth at 17; she became pregnant, got married, bore two kids, separated, re-married again, gave birth to five more children and then separated for the second time. Her ambition took a grand halt as she struggled to make ends meet for her children.

The drama of her life does not stop there but continued to escalate. A foreign gig with a band did not transpire. She sold beauty products. She continued to sing in amateur contests, and every time she placed second, it pained her.

Despite all these, Castillo believed that one day, things would get better. And, the heavens must have heard her prayer, because now her life is on the upswing once more, and it was her "rival" who is instrumental to her re-discovery and entry to the world of show business.

Finding the lost diva

It was during Regine's musical special, Roots to Riches, that finally gave Eva and her childhood friend and competitor the chance to reunite. In a highly emotional rendition of Castillo's signature piece, "Ako ang Nagwagi." The two did a stirring duet, it brought the house down, both singers, audience and televiewers shed copious tears after the number. This chance of a lifetime moment with Velasquez is the soft push that Castillo need to earn her key and be under the proverbial showbiz sun.

"She is my angel; she is definitely my guardian angel," quips Eva Castillo when asked about Regine. "She is the reason I am singing again. For a time, because of all the events that happened in my life, I almost quitted, not wanting to sing because I did not see it as my gift. It was her who told me that this is our special grace from God, and that we must share this talent of ours to the people."

"God must have told Miss Regine to look for me," continues Eva. "She has really been most helpful. Honestly, I thought they were just joking, when a production staff came to visit me in my house in Tondo. I could not believe na si Chona pala talaga ang naghahanap sa akin. During her concert, she told me that with this second chance that I have, I must really do well."

Already in her late thirties, Eva is more determined now to pursue her singing career. She is still doing this of course, for her seven children.

"Singing is the only thing I know and it is my source to make a living for my family," she discloses. "Since my re-discovery, mas magaan na ang buhay. Kahit kaunti hindi na ako kinakabahan on a daily basis. Dati kasi, every time I wake up, tension na agad because I don't know if we will have breakfast. Now, that is a thing of the past. I'm sure you have noticed the difference in my face mas maaliwalas na siya ngayon," she laughs.

"I had very low self-confidence before, despite my singing talent. Feeling ko when I younger, I was really ugly. And that is because of my dark complexion. I am also on the chubby side. I am ashamed of my looks then. I did not dare to join any singing contest because of I fear the rejection, I was always insecure. I only joined the amateur ones. That time, Ang Bagong Kampeon was my target, but I did not have the heart to join because of my insecurity."

That insecurity is obviously gone now. Castillo has earned her confidence back. She looks you in the eye when she speaks, even holds your hand. She occasionally bursts into hearty chuckles when a query amuses her. Her eyes turn misty during the conversation and she claims that the tears she sheds now are "tears of joy."

"I am thankful to God and to Miss Regine, and my manager Sir Louie (Ignacio). If not for them, I will not be here. Honestly, every time I perform in front of the camera, I get nervous. Mas doble ang nerbiyos ko ngayon, knowing that my life will unfold on TV."

Three actresses portray Eva in the various stages of her life Renz Juan (child), Glaiza de Castro (teen) and Manilyn Reynes (adult). Her love interests are portrayed by Dion Ignacio and Romnick Sarmenta. Jun Lana directs with Suzette Doctolero heading the pool of creative screenwriters.

What will the audiences learn from her life then?

"One would have to be, don't fall in love early," she chuckles. "Joking aside, people will learn here that we must be responsible with our choices. That we must forgive and forget. And that we must not waste second chances."

SRO Cinemaserye presents The Eva Castillo Story every Thursday nights right after Cruel Love on GMA Channel 7.

Source: The Daily Tribune