Donna on the best things about Carlo

Carlo Caparas and Vic del Rosario inked a contract to put to screen Carlo Caparas’ hit komiks novels and short stories. He has written about 800.

The contract, described by Donna Villa as “Deal of the Century,” will put to screen and television 50 titles written by Carlo from out of his 800. Among these are Rosenda, Panday Kid, Bakekang, Kamandag, Joaquin Bordado, Elias Paniki, Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa, Pieta, Kahit Ako’y Lupa, God Save Me, Citadel, Totoy Bato, Kamagong, Dugong Buhay, Dalamacio Armas and Precious Love.

One of the most prolific, if not the most prolific komiks writer in Philippine komiks history, Donna said that Carlo is “pinakamasipag.” “When he is not writing, he is directing. My daughter Peach said that when she is about to sleep Carlo is writing and when she wakes up, he is till writing.” Donna and Carlo also have a boy, CJ, 19 years old who is in the TV series, Bangis aired on TV5.

Donna and Carlo have been together for 24 years. “We have remained respectful of each other. Wala kaming binago sa isa’t isa. Nandiyan pa rin yong respeto — respeto sa trabaho, sa pagkatao, sa lahat.” Carlo remains the “boss” when it comes to his work and his creations. Sa bahay, ako,” said Donna. “We always find time for each other. We indulge in things we both enjoy like scuba diving and traveling. Kahit sandali lang basta may bonding kami.”

While it is said that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, Donna had it otherwise. “I don’t cook. I buy food. And the best way to a man’s heart is through his mind. We talk about a lot of things. We discuss diverse issues. Kasi may pagka-cerebral kami.”

Donna and Carlo first met 24 years ago in the movie Kung Tawagin Siya Ay Bathala, which was Carlo’s first directorial job and Donna’s second movie. It also starred Dante Varona and Gloria Diaz. “We were friends for seven years pero matagal na raw niya akong crush,” recalled Donna.

“I am happy to be his wife. I am very proud of him and his achievements,” she said. As an artist, Carlo has his moods. “An artist can be moody pero naiintindihan ko. I let him be. Hinahayaan ko siya na magsulat, ng magsulat.”

Twenty-four years together and still counting, they have remained sweet to each other. “Remember he is the best writer. You can imagine na yong mga scripts na sinusulat niya, ginagamit din niya sa akin. Nag-te-text din yan sa akin ng sweet messages, or bigla na lang maraming flowers sa kwarto kahit walang okasyon.”

The best thing that Carlo has done to Donna? “He gave me my children.”

But how does she deal with Carlo’s girl admirers? “I am not the jealous type. He is a celebrity. He is attractive to a lot of women. At least sexy siya hanggang ngayon.”

She said that the best part of Carlo’s body is his heart. “He has such a good heart. Whether close ka o hindi, he has an incomparable compassion for everyone.”

Kahit Ako’y Lupa, another komiks title which was made into a movie starring the late Rudy Fernandez, is the one work among his 800 that best describes Carlo. “Siya yong aping api na lumalaban at nananalo in the end. Laging inaapi na lumalaban at nananalo.”

Next week, taping starts for Santa Nina, a teleserye which will be aired on TV5. Carlo will sit as supervising director and scriptwriter. “We are very excited and honored. At least malaking production like Viva nagustuhan niyang kunin 50 titles ni Carlo. Maraming magkakatrabaho sa industriya. And that is a good motivation for us.”

“Carlo is the most successful crossover artist in his arena. From a big time novelist, to multi-awarded film director, Carlo has earned the reputation as the box office king,” said Vic del Rosario.

“We are very proud to be able to have Carlo Caparas’ 50 super hit komiks novels. Carlo is the most successful National Artist in his own field whose genius has touched the hearts and minds of local audiences generation after generation. “

Aside from being called the Komiks King and Box Office King, Carlo is the Teleserye King with his top rated Panday, Bakekang, Kamandag, Joaquin Bordado and Totoy Bato which were big hits in both ABS-CBN and GMA 7. Bangis which is aired on TV5 is also a hit.