Despite the fact that Donna Cruz doesn’t want to go back to acting, she says she will consider gracing the silver screen once again if DoReMi would have a reboot. It can be remembered that the original movie, which headlined the lovely singer-actress alongside Regine Velasquez and Mikee Cojuangco turned out to be a mammoth hit in 1996.
“That’s right,” avers Donna. “On condition that DoReMi will have a remake in the future and Reg and Mikee will accept, I’m game. Everyone knows that said movie always has a soft spot in our hearts because that’s where our friendship started. Until now, our closeness remains and that film will always connect us to our fans who watched it before.”
Talks of a remake surfaced after she and Mikee made a guest appearance in Regine’s recent concert at the SM Mall of Asia titled, R3.0 in celebration of the latter’s 30th anniversary in show business.
“It was so much fun that we shared the stage once again. That’s what I like whenever the three of us meet—everything’s light. You won’t feel that it’s work. It’s simply relaxing. We enjoy every minute of it.
“I wish the remake will push through. But if not, it’s just fine with me. It’s hard to preempt things. Whatever God’s plan is, let it be. As I’ve said, as long as it’s DoReMi, my husband, Dr. Yong Larrazabal will readily give me his consent. He is supportive of any project, which requires my collaboration with my best friends in the biz.”
Everybody thought that the former Viva princess will stage a showbiz comeback especially upon the release of her new album under Star Records last year titled Now and Forever.
“Oh, no. I didn’t have plans of doing movies or soaps once again. As I always say, my family is my top priority. I can’t leave them for a long time. So, acting is definitely out of the frame.
“It’s just my singing. I miss it. I wanted to make a new album and I’m so glad because my husband produced it. He knows that in my case, once a singer will always be a singer.”
At this point, acting is not even an option for the talented star.
“I’m so happy with my family life and I just want to concentrate on it as of now. But if DoReMi will indeed have a big screen reboot and it’ll be offered to me, I will sign-up for a one movie deal and enjoy the whole experience once again specially that it’s with Regine and Mikee,” ends Donna.
* * *
The City Government of Tacloban led by Mayor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez recently commemorated the fourth anniversary of super typhoon Yolanda. Dubbed as “Padayon Tacloban” or “Move Forward Tacloban”, the two-day event was highlighted by mass celebrations, candle offering, wreath laying, commemorative walk, releasing of sky lanterns, and meaningful musical numbers which mirrored the theme.
Among the special guests were Sen. Bong Bong Marcos, former Davao del Norte Representative Anton Lagdameo and prolific singer-songwriter Wency Cornejo who performed his hit songs “Habang May Buhay”, “Hanggang” and “Next in Line” to thousands of Taclobanons at the city’s premiere coliseum.
In her inspirational message, Mayor Cristina pointed out her office’s accomplishments towards Tacloban’s remarkable recovery from Yolanda’s wrath in 2013.
“Since that devastating experience, I’m proud to say that Tacloban gradually rose and managed to stand where it is now. As you can see, business is booming here at present. Lots of establishments are being opened which means more work opportunities for the local residents. It’s very encouraging that’s why we plan to hold a huge business summit here next year to attract more investors,” she stated.
It’s amazing how Tacloban gradually redeemed itself from the pit, so to speak after four years since Yolanda struck.
“Of course, we’re still what you call a work in progress. There’s still lot of things to do to further improve our state. But I’m really happy because all roads lead there. In every area of concern, there are note-worthy developments.
“Take for example the transfer of displaced families. You will be surprised that almost all of them became open to the idea of getting resettled without much resistance. Under the housing project of the National Housing Authority, 10,677 units were already completed, 9,538 are ready for occupancy while 5,580 are already occupied. All in all, there are 7,215 families that have been moved and we’re to transfer more in the coming days.
“Lots of street lights have been installed as well in the whole city plus water tankers that service the resettlement areas. We’re currently working on ways for North Tacloban to have a permanent water supply. When it comes to health, we have successfully put up day care centers in various spots. More families were also given livelihood start-up kits for rice retailing, ‘sari-sari’ stores and livestock farming. More livelihood funding has been earmarked for implementation in the coming days.
“Also included in my priorities are nutrition programs, scholarships for poor but deserving students, more typhoon resilient establishments, development of beach resorts, improved hospitals, preservation of the ecology and natural resources and sustainable peace. These are just some of the projects which I vow to continue working on in the future.”
According to the sultry politician-actress, due to Yolanda, Taclobanons realized how strong they are as a family, community and city.
“Ironically, adversity brought out our collective strength and our dream of a better and resilient city. For us, the ultimate memorial of that tragic event is learning from the lessons and building resilient communities—that is how we honor the departed, the survivors and the recovery workers,” Mayor Cristina said.