HAPPY NEW YEAR SUPERSTAR!

Dearest Ate Guy,

I would just like to thank you for all the great films and music you've shared. All of which still continue to give me immense joy. I've long been relieving what others call your glory days. The important films you've made during the 70's and the 80's. I wallow in the pleasure of watching these classics over and over again, and I do consider myself to be very lucky to have most of those important films on video. I still get excited whenever I watch Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos and marvel at your genius in Himala and Bona. But there's this certain connection between me and your films which has played a huge part in my life when I was growing up. As a young boy, I would ditch school, go to the theaters and spend the whole afternoon watching your movies. The images on the silver screen resonates with me and to my surprise, after all these years it still does.

I consider myself to be among the fortunate few who was given the chance to spend time with you. How can I forget the Power Of Two Concert Series with Kuh Ledesma three years ago? I even flew to San Francisco to witness this event first hand. You weren't feeling well the very first time we've met but you graciously accommodated all of us. You even allowed us to accompany you during the rehearsals for the show. And sitting next to you while having dinner, I was starstruck! Along with other Noranians I followed you to San Diego, then here in the East Coast. The sleepless nights I spent driving back and forth to Atlantic City just to be near you. I never felt exhausted even once! You've always been a constant source of strength. But I guess like any other, I'm just human and when we were in Virginia Beach I got sick and you were there inside our hotel room, nursing me to health. You never left my side until I fell asleep. I was genuinely touched by your thoughtfulness, it made me cry... I cannot believe that the one person I admired my entire life was sitting next to me, taking good care of me. How can I forget all those memories? It's one of those special moments I'll cherish and forever be greatful for.

I know things haven't been easy for you this past year, what with the drug charges and all, but like any other problem that came your way, you were still able to rise above it all. You have proven not just to us your followers, but to your detractors as well that you can pull yourself together and still be triumphant at the end. On this New Year's day, I wish you good health, happiness and inner peace. May the Lord Almighty continue to shower you with all His love and Abundant Blessings! Things may not always come your way like they used to but always remember that no matter what, I'll be here to love you unconditionally and continue to support your future endeavors. As I listen to Superstar, your latest compilation CD I was reminded of how much I loved one particular song which the late great composer George Canseco wrote espcially for you, I was suddenly reminded of all the journeys in life that I took with you, (well, you weren't physically there but you know what I mean). I always listen to this song with much fondness.

LUHA AT HALAKHAK

Sung By: Nora Aunor

Words And Music By: George Canseco

Arranged By: Amado Trivino

Minsan ang ngiti,

Sa wari'y kay tamis

Di mo alam na sa likod pala,

May nakatagong hinagpis.

Dangan ay dapat kang humalakhak,

Sa ngalan ng pakikisama

Huwag kang pahuhuling, umiiyak

Kung di mo nais mag-isa.

Kapag ang tagumpay,

Ay nasa iyong kamay

Marami ang sa iyo'y nagmamahal

Mailap ang pagkalumbay

Subalit ang talunan sa daigdig,

Walang kasing kaawa-awa,

Iniiwasang parang may sakit

Na nakahahawang pagluha.Ang buhay nga naman,

Walang iniwan sa dalawang maskara ng sining

Isang humahalkhak at isang lumuluha,

Ikaw, ano ang maskarang naitakda sa iyo?

Luha o halakhak?Dangan ay dapat kang humalakhak,

Sa ngalan ng pakikisama

Huwag kang pahuhuling umiiyak

Kung di mo nais mag-isa.

Kapag ang tagumpay,

Ay nasa iyong kamay

Marami ang sa iyo'y nagmamahal

Mailap ang pagkalumbay

Subalit ang talunan sa daigdig,

Walang kasing kaawa-awa,

iniiwasang parang may sakit

Na nakahahawang pagluha,

Nag-iisang lumuluha,

Isang kaibigan may wala.

A Very Happy New Year!

With Much Love And Admiration,

Jojo