A birthday tribute to the oldest living Sampaguitan

Remember that lovable gentleman in the heart-warming McDonald’s commercial about a “forgetful” grandfather mistaking his granddaughters “Karen” and “Gina” one for the other as he divides a sandwich between them?

He’s Rudy Francisco, the Sampaguita Pictures matinee idol who turned his back on showbiz just when he was a breath away from full stardom to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. Described by his actor-son R.S. Francisco as “tall, dark and handsome with an aquiline nose and deep-set brooding dark eyes,” Rudy was in showbiz for only six years (1950-1956) and appeared in 16 movies with, among others, his brother Fred Montilla (who served as Quezon City councilor), Gloria Romero (still active), Lolita Rodriguez (based in California), Eddie Garcia (the Durable One) and others.

“Stardom was offered to my dad on a silver platter,” said R.S. (fondly remembered for his performance as the title role in Madame Butterfly). “He was a reluctant actor. He quit the movies but he never really left Sampaguita Pictures for which he became the in-house legal counsel.”

The “reluctant actor” couldn’t say no to a persistent offer to star in that iconic McDonald’s commercial which so endeared him to the public that he became known not anymore as the early ‘50s heartthrob but as the Pambansang Lolo.

“I pushed him into doing it,” R.S., who is into TV directing, recalled with a laugh. “The role of the lolo was going to make or break the commercial and the ad agency was having a hard time looking for the ‘perfect’ actor. I thought of my dad but he said no. But on the day of the auditions, he finally agreed to do it. As I drove him to the auditions, he was in a jolly mood.”

During the audition, Rudy was told to act ulyanin (suffering from Alzheimer’s) and he did so with conviction, rekindling the actor in him.

“After the audition,” continued R.S., “I got a call from the producer who sounded anxious. Something was bothering him, he told me. He said that when my dad bid him goodbye, he introduced himself with a different name so they thought that he was already ulyanin. In fact, Dad was ‘method-acting,’ immersed in the role. He’s also a prankster and has remained such up to now.”

When Rudy turned 92 recently, Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda suggested that she host a party for Rudy at the old Sampaguita Studios which has been converted into an events place. It turned out to be not just as a loving tribute to the oldest living Sampaguitan but a reunion among Sampaguita veterans.

In real life, Rudy is a lolo to granddaughters Mica and Megan. Aside from R.S., Rudy has another son, Rac, an executive of a leading networking company. Next year, Rudy and Dako delos Santos will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

Of course, that calls for another big celebration.

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