The woman of steel behind the gentle smile

In a palatial house somewhere in Quezon City, Madame Violet reigns supreme. A mild-mannered, kind-hearted woman in her early 50s, she welcomed us one evening into her home. We were scheduled to do an interview with her.

Violeta Sevilla is known in showbiz circles as Madame Violet, a name given to her by Manay Lolit Solis. She has one film credit to her name but she has already carved her own niche in showbiz, thanks to the superlatives that her actors in Cass and Cary showered on her during the promo of the movie. Stories about her generosity spread like wild fire. She even posed with her stars in publicity photos for the movie where she sat beside her idol, the beautiful Gloria Romero. Yes, Madame Violet is a rabid Gloria Romero fan who considers Dalagang Ilocana as the best film ever produced. Aside from Gloria, she also likes Amalia Fuentes and Susan Roces.

Born in Pampanga to a middle-class family, Madame Violet showed early signs of an entrepreneurship. She wanted to go into a business and she did. She says that it had been a roller coaster ride with more ups than downs. With a lot of hard work and prayers she became successful. Her family is into construction, real state and the garbage trucks business. "Okay naman," she declares with a smile. But you know that beneath the gentle smile is a woman of steel who knows her business well.

And why did she get into movie production? She says that her first cousin Joe Carreon was instrumental in her showbiz entry. A couple of years ago, they started to talk about movie production until of course Cass and Cary happened and became her first venture. Today, Violet Films is on the pre-production stage for their next projects.

Back to our interview in Madame Violet’s home, with us were Manay Lolit and Manay Celia Rodriguez with whom we enjoyed a catered buffet dinner. With Manay Lolit and Manay Celia, life becomes worth living.

Madame Violet’s house is well-maintained. It is not over-decorated with opulent, decadent and often gaudy expensive statues and furnishings. The house was built in 1974 which makes it 28 years old. Credit Madame Violet for making it look fresh and tastefully done. The garden where the buffet table was set up was well manicured. The fountain in the middle of the garden was unobtrusive. You see, Madame Violet takes care of her house, her garden, her staff, as well as her actors and friends in the industry.

We asked Madame Violet, your life will be made into a film, who among the young stars would you like to play Violeta Sevilla? "Claudine Barretto," she replied.

You see, all through the interview, Madame Violet never for a single moment lost her timing. She’s quick! Watch out for her! (Madame, Jobert Sucaldito says hello!).

Alpha’s new recording artist

Ronald Navarro is one of Alpha Records’ newest recording artist. He recently completed his self-titled album released by Harmony Music.

Ronald was a former gospel singer with the group Papuri back in the 80s. He has already released two gospel albums, Kailan and Sinta and has played with different bands in stints that have taken him to various places. He was also the voice behind several commercial jingles.

Ronald’s sound is very catchy as displayed in the songs contained in this album such as Hindi Kaya Ng Puso, Langit Ang Pag-Ibig Mo and Init Ng Yakap Mo. Other cuts to look out for the album are Giling, Mahal Mo Nga Kaya Ako?, Wala Ng Iba, Hinda Nalang, Mahal Na Pala Kita and Salamat.

On the other hand, Alpha has just awarded a record deal to the comedy team Jack N Poy and just released their album titled Paulit Ng Isa.

The record’s carrier single is Ang Galing Nya, which contains a sampling of Lou Bega’s Angelina. Other cuts in the album are Cellphone, Sa Sobrang Lungkot and Di Ako Yun, a hilarious adaptation of Shaggy’s It Wasn’t Me.

Jack N Poy is composed of Delon Gamboa and Edward de los Reyes. Performing since 1995, the duo continues to reap laughs and giggles in several bars in and out of the country.

Paulit Ng Isa and Ronald Navarro, The Album are now available in CD and cassette formats and are sold in major record bars nationwide.