MANILA, Philippines - Because he was born on the same day as Dr. Jose Rizal, June 19 (1961), Joel Torre was named after the National Hero — Jose Rizalino.
‘My idol, my hero,’ said Joel who turned 50 last June 19, a special day that he celebrated with friends that include Ronnie Lazaro (bottom, left), Mylene Dizon and boyfriend (again!) Ira Cruz, Smokey Manaloto, Spanky Manikan and John Seyles (in blue shirt), director of Amigo, Joel’s latest movie set for premiere tomorrow, June 28, at Trinoma, and opening in theaters on July 6.
The celebration was held Sunday last week at JT Manukan (JT for Joel Torre; located at Home Depot, Julio Vargas Avenue, Pasig City), one of the chicken restos owned and managed by Joel and his family.
On hand to help entertain Joel’s guests was his sister Dolly (one of the 13 Torre siblings).
A veteran of critically-acclaimed movies (starting with his launching vehicle, Peque Gallaga’s Oro, Plata, Mata, in 1981), Joel considers Mike de Leon’s Bayaning Third World as one of the most memorable because he played Rizal in it. He also played Crisostomo Ibarra in Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s Rizal (with Cesar Montano in the title role).