By GEORGE VAIL KABRISTANTE
PMPC (Phil. Movie Press Club)
Farmed out in different versions to www:pmpcstarnews.com, Pilipino Mirror, Remate Online, Iskandal, CMT (Columnists Monitoring Team) Update, etc. |
| RHONA MAY MERCADO HRD SPECIALIST |
The Middle East is no country for women, much less for an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) tulad ng artistang si Rhona May Mercado with the stylish letter “H” in her name to note that she belongs to the 80s, the second golden era of filmmaking na kinabibilangan ng dalawang naging National Artists for Films tulad nina Ishmael Bernal at Lino Brocka.
Ikabit mo ang pangatlong dear departed great director na si Celso Ad Castillo kung saan nag- cameo role si Rhona May sa obra ng una na “Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat Ng Lupa.” Rhona was twice the female lead of two movies “Lady Commando” and “Sintigas Ng Bakal” that she produced and starred in as well.
Now after 20 years of making a reputable name in Dubai and other parts of the Middle East she’s back in the country to produce a movie from the national hero’s novel “Noli Me Tangere” with her in a dream role yet as Donya Victorina. Also to help resuscitate the comatose mainstream movie industry.
Papano siya nag-survive and made a name in a country that looked upon women as second citizens? That in itself is worth making a movie about. Opposite to her Victorina role as pathetic high society’s sucker & slacker.
Joining the formidable ranks of men in the business world of Dubai was not a walk in the park even as Rhona May had earned a license in Human Resources Management from Stonebridge Associated Colleges of the United Kingdom.
The degree coupled yet with the true grit of an ingenuous self-determined Filipino virtually making it in not so woman-friendly country catapulted her to one of the most enviable positions rarely assigned to women in United Arab Emirates as HRD (Human Resource Development) Group Human Resources Manager of Demat Group Hamriyah Free Zone- Sharjah Government with more than ten thousand employees under her, apart from being a business consultant to big-time foreign investors and to call on for succor for Filipinos in difficult circumstances with Arab laws.
So you cannot dismiss her now as “artista lang ‘yan.”
Rhona May who owns yet the signature Brooke Cendana line of wellness products is sought by another movie and stage actor/singer Jay-Ar Rosales who heads The Elderly - Friendly Awardees of the Phil. Foundation, Inc. (EFAP) and Live for Others Movement (LOM) as resource speaker in the launch of an inspirational book titled “The Power Of Duplication” written by the country’s top business coach and mentor Mr. Khyl Paredes to be held at the Pavilion Hall, 3rd Floor, Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City on March 16, 2013 ( Sat. from 3:00 pm to 8:00pm).
A former movie star turned-woman of substance and influence in the global world of business is a tough act to follow. Now you understand if I say, “hindi lang siya artista.” She got big balls as well.
if I ever wanted someone to write about me, it is you Mr Georgevail. you are are respected writer among real writer. I was not wrong to hang around with you and trust you to be the Official Writer for Brooke Cendana Signature Beauty Products. and the WASORF Ents. Our generosity will always be with you.
TumugonBurahinGreat sister, great! Malapit na ang August which is the indie filmfest that I told you about in which our entry is slated to be part of.
TumugonBurahinI love the story... In addition po, Rhona May Mercado is more well known in her name "Madam Rhoni" here in UAE. I know her for long but I don't know that she is Rhona May. I'm excited to see her acting on screen.. Madam, I missed your "acting story" and this time its for a movie (mabruk).. wait ko nalang yung MMK mo @episode "Lipstik". Goodluck madam and more power... Miss u
Burahin