Sir Christian LOL'd.

In designer James Reyes’ show yesterday at the Shangri-la, the show’s producer Inno Sotto led Christian Espiritu to our table which had one empty seat.  He asked if  Christian could seat with us.  Of course, my friends and I were only too happy to oblige because it was our chance to meet one of the icons of Philippine fashion.  I thought he was one aloof old man since I remembered him unsmiling in all of his photos from the 70s and 80s.  He turned out to be very kind and engaging to talk to.

Three minutes into our friendly exchange, I asked him the silliest question:  Sir Christian, I hope you don’t mind my asking.  But would you still have a copy of “Alaga”?  He LOL’d.   I was too embarrassed to press him for an answer.

Alaga was the one and only movie he produced and directed in 1980.  I didn’t get to see it because its theatre run was brief.   The film starred a very young Edu Manzano’s debut (losing vice-presidential candidate, top game show host, ex-husband of Maricel and Vilma, dad to popular host/actor Luis/Lucky).   The film revolves around a young, attractive man who exploits a rich older woman (Charito Solis) on his way to showbiz stardom.  Shades of American Gigolo, one of Richard Gere’s earliest movies.

The film generated a lot of buzz at that time because “it” boy Edu broke into the scene.  And more for Christian’s foray into film.  Many eyebrows were raised:  What does a couturier know about moviemaking?  A few people went to see it.  I’m quite sure the pervading cynicism towards Christian the director had a lot to do with its dismal performance at the tills.

Three decades later, ex-Gucci creative head Tom Ford screened a well-received debut in A Single Man.   Marlon Rivera, part-fashion designer, directed his first, Babae Sa Septic Tank, which wowed critics and audiences.  Times have changed.  A background in the art of fashion is now an advantage, not a liability.  Perhaps moviegoers are hankering for style and high concept.  Some may be excited to see great costume design.  I’m sure Alaga had much of that.  I was told Christian’s lovely Forbes Park home was Charito’s in the movie.   I can only imagine all that now.  Unless the kind Sir Christian would take my silly question seriously and lend me a Betamax copy.

P.S.  Sir Christian writes the most insightful and entertaining fashion reviews on Facebook.  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000255741269&sk=notes