Batanguenos and Batanguenas should again be mighty proud of the Laurels and their achievements of late.
Celia Diaz-Laurel, the better half of the late Vice President of the Philippines Salvador H. Laurel, is coming up with a new book she herself has written.
“My Lives behind the Proscenium,” an autobiographical account of Celia’s life in theater will be launched online on May 29.
The book tackles Diaz-Laurel’s involvement in theater from her elementary grades to her participation in many highly regarded stage performances from outstanding theater organizations and presenters during her heyday onstage.
Batanguenos and Batanguenas must be doubly honored about some thoughts of the author about the roots of the Diazes and the Laurels.
Celia’s new publication also traces the author’s drama education in the US where was also accompanied by Doy, the late vice president’s nickname, while he was on his short political lull in the Philippines.
So many revered names in the arts, particularly in the performance medium are featured in the book like Lea Salonga, Joy Virata, Dido de la Paz, Jonee Gamboa, Vic Silayan, Mitch Valdez etc.
“Celia has written an entertaining story about her theatrical life in a straightforward, simple, style that not only will give the curious reader an insight into her life and the social milieu of her time but is a historical narrative of the early years of Manila theatre and the personalities who were part of it. She writes about her early personal life as the background for the successful career she carved out for herself—not only as an actress but as a set and costume designer,” wrote Joy Virata in the foreword of the book.
Congratulations, Batangas for your daughter Celia Diaz-Laurel.