JERRY OLEA
Pumanaw ang dating aktor na si Ariosto Reyes Jr. nitong Agosto 23, Linggo, bago maghatinggabi.
“He's been battling cancer for years. Things took a turn for the worse about two weeks ago. Three days ago he fell into a coma.
"He is a little older than me. He must be at least 62 or 63,” pahayag ngayong araw ni Benjie Garcia, direktor ng pelikulang Philippino Story (2013) at batchmate ni Ariosto sa Ateneo sa kursong AB Communication Arts.
Humigit-kumulang 20 taong nawala sa showbiz si Ariosto.
Nagbalik-TV siya sa episode ng Magpakailanman na "Mula Puso Hanggang Sa Buto: The Blisse Cervantes Story,” na ipinalabas noong Agosto 17, 2019 sa GMA-7.
Bale reunion nila iyon ni Vivian Foz, na nakatambal niya sa unang episode ng GMA-7 drama anthology na Lovingly Yours, Helen noong 1980.
Bahagi ng Facebook post ni Vivian nitong Lunes para sa minamahal niyang Nong (palayaw ni Ariosto, na tinatawag ding Nonong):
“My dear Nong, I will forever remember you as the most positive person I ever knew. I will miss your ‘life sermons’ though.
“As you always say, ‘... it’s part of life’... and, you led a great one, my friend... no more pains... you can now enjoy the happiest place with Santi.
“My deepest condolences to the Reyes family, especially, Maita, Angela, Claudia and Beatrice. Know for sure that he will never stop watching over you because every time we had the chance to talk through the years, all of you were his pride and joy! May God’s strength be with you at this time.
“Nong, you will always be fondly remembered...”
Kabilang sa mga nagawang pelikula ni Ariosto ang Gumuho Man Ang Langit (1969), Magsisi Man Ako (1969), Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970), Sinta (1976), Pag-ibig Ko’y Awitin Mo (1977), Kontrobersyal (1981), Mga Uod at Rosas (1982), Dormitoryo! Buhay-estudyante (1982), at Bayan Ko, Kapit Sa Patalim (1984).
Salaysay ngayong Lunes ni Direk Armand Reyes, na nagdirek ng Dormitoryo: “Nominated si Ariosto na best supporting actor sa Urian para sa Dormitoryo. Tinalo siya ni Mark Gil who won for Palipat-lipat, Papalit-palit.
“The last time Ariosto and I had a chat last year, he said he was trying to have a TV slot for a local program.
“A few weeks ago, I even sent him the poster design of Dormitoryo and he texted back: ‘Thanks.’
“Napakagaling niyang aktor. Walang hang-up sa set. Noong kina-cast ko siya, sabi ko, I needed isang plain-looking siyano kahawig nung isang chakang suitor sa Aliw.
“Tawa siya nang tawa, kasi he wasn't bad-looking, pero he prepared para he'd look the part.
"The finished film showed what a great actor he was."
NOEL FERRER
Nakakaantig ang tribute ni Ariosto Reyes sa kanyang “Mentor, Director, and Friend” na si Mr. Onofre "Pagsi" Pagsanjan ng Dulaang Sibol ng Ateneo de Manila High School.
Ang last performance bale ni Ariosto ay ang ipinadala niyang tribute para kay Pagsi sa launching ng librong Alalahanin: Memories of Dulaang Sibol.
Ang sabi ni Ariosto roon, “My life with Mr Pagsi was an open book even after I left high school. He knew my projects in show business as well as my love life.
“He was my sounding board for almost anything and my Cyrano when problems of my heart called. He patiently and painstakingly analyzed my concerns. I would leave his office refreshed and a new man.
“I will never forget a visit I had with him when I was in full swing in commercial show business. He was void of the usual niceties.
“He made me sit down, went straight to the point and said, ‘By gum, Ariosto, holy camote, what are you doing? Why are you prostituting your art?’
“That was when I realized that it was time to take a respite from show business and re-discover myself, so that every thought, word, and act of mine may always begin from You and by You be happily ended.
“It’s still the same prayer I say with our band members whenever my son and I are about to start our father-and-son show in the States. A prayer that transforms our art as an offering towards the perfection of God’s creation.”
Namatay si Ariosto sa Florida, U.S.A. kung saan siya naka-base.
Magpo-produce sana siya ng tribute concert para sa anak niyang yumao. Ngayon, doon na sila magkokonsyerto sa langit!
GORGY RULA
Sa panahon ngayon, maikukumpara mo si Ariosto kina Jericho Rosales, Dennis Trilo, at siguro kung sa mas bata, kay Joshua Garcia.
Magaling silang umarte at walang kiyeme sa role na ginagampanan, at pinag-aaralan nang mabuti ang project na ipinagkatiwala sa kanila.
Mabuti at napanood pa si Ariosto sa Magpakailanman last year, kaya kahit paano, naipakilala siya sa millennials.
Isa sa unforgettable experiences ng mga taga-Magpakailanman ang nakatrabaho pa nila si Ariosto Reyes Jr., isa sa pinakamagaling na aktor noong kapanahunan niya.
Nakakalungkot na isa siya sa nadagdag sa maraming taga-showbiz na nagpaalam ngayong taong ito.
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