Celso Ad Castillo: What's not in the News?

Celso Ad Castillo the multi-awarded director, scripwriter, and actor who has done more than sixty films including Asedillo, Julian Makabayan, Burlesk Queen, Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara, Nympha, Kapag Iginuhit ang Tibok ng Puso, Isla;  Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak; Paradise Inn; Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa; Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw; Sampung Ahas ni Eba; Snake Sisters, and Virgin People, has finally packed up last monday. It's all in the news. He died of cardiac arrest at the age of 69. What's not in the news? 

Seven years ago, Celso Ad Castillo was my guest in Lopez. My good friend and cultural officer of Laguna Province Tony Bernardo and I entered into an agreement to have a series of cultural immersion and exchange programs which we believed would be beneficial to both Laguna and Quezon youth leaders. In one of those cultural interactions, we invited Direk Celso Kid who was then president of the Concerned Artists of  Laguna. Lopezeños were lucky to have heard his lecture on acting, directing, and film making. He encouraged the attendees to make digital films that could go global and world-class, but reminded them "to be humanistic in dealing with real stories." He was interviewed by the school organ's editor-in-chief, and those interviews appeared in "The Light" and "Ang Tanglaw." 

"Ultimate art-- that's what movies are. A director is like the ship's captain who takes charge of  the journey." Those were the words of  Celso Advento Castillo when interviewed by Queen Sroges at the Pansol Wharf  in  Lopez.

"That's what propagation is all about, " said Celso Kid, "reaching out places. It's hard  work  but I believe there is reason  for everything, and I will find that reason."

Indeed, the reason was that he had been given a chance to talk to the youth who learned the secrets of the trade from the master. Those students who attended were the best in their respective schools. They will not necessarily become actors or directors but the attitude towards art that the speaker has inculcated into them will never be forgotten and may be applied in whatever dreams they pursue. The seeds of learning they received from the director will surely grow. During the photo op after his lecture, he introduced his sons to the crowd. 

After the event, we had a good time with the youth leaders at the floating cottages in Pansol. We had videoke where he sang "Handog" with feelings, with the following lyrics: "Tatanda at lilipas din ako, nguni't mayro'ng awiting iiwanan sa iyong alaala..." 

The next day was August 19, Quezon Day, and we took him to the birthday celebration of Atty. Yulde. He had fun, and he experienced the warmth of  Lopezeño hospitality. When the youth leaders of Lopez went to Laguna as part of the cultural exchange, he made sure that he saw us and spent time with us. He had prior commitments that day but he took time visit, even if we were already on our pyjamas. 

Now, the great director who was committed to art is gone forever. There will never be another Celso Ad Castillo in the movies. We will no longer see him but his works are still there and can be viewed anytime. That should somehow compensate for the loss. 

May you rest in peace, Direk. In behalf of the cultural and youth leaders of Lopez, SALAMAT. Pahinga ka na.

September 12, 2013... he would have turned 70 today, so I was surprised to receive a confirmation of my friend request from somebody who has gone to the place unknown to us. Until I found out that one of his sons accepted all the friend requests from his father's account "for them to know the details about the new book Celso Ad Castillo An Autobiography and his Craft." It was Celsokid Castle, Celsokid Castillo III who confirmed my friend request. Isn't he one of the two boys that Direk took with him in our town? Anyway, I am re-posting this blog in remembrance of a man with a good heart.