Sisters Merlinda and Mae Velonza of Elvinda Subdivision in San Pedro City recently both died of cardiac arrest and many people in the area are still shocked about their passing.
What was touching, though, was the interval of their deaths.
A few days after Merlinda passed on, it was Mae who kicked the bucket.
When Asia’s Timeless Diva Dulce learned the sad news, she was deeply heartbroken.
Who were Merlinda and Mae and why Dulce must have shed tears for them?
The sisters were the two daughters of Etta Velonza, iconic beauty expert and inventor of Etta’s Whitening Cream which was the precursor of all derma and health and wellness products in the market, long before the advent of many skin care creams and lotions peddled by Dr. Vicki Belo and her ilk.
Sadly, Etta has Alzheimer’s and the family tragedy was a final blow to her no matter how she must take it with her state of mind.
For those who have forgotten or haven’t got the information that Dulce has roots in San Pedro City, let me refresh or retell you of her personal history.
It was in the late 1970s when Dulce direct from Cebu City got to Elvinda through a friend who knew the Velonzas. Etta believed in Dulce’s musical talent so much so she took in and began caring for the budding singer.
Although Etta’s turf at the time was beautifying the public, her penchant for developing individual artistic talents was also in her radar.
Dulce’s stay at the Velonza’s care was not without domestic assistance to the brood because she tagged along with Etta to Quiapo in buying ingredients for the cream powder.
She also helped in the chores of Etta’s household while waiting for her chance to join the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” singing contest at the time.
Melinda and Mae were Dulce’s foster sisters who were at her beck and call, especially about her needs in her singing.
Dulce, Maria Theresa Magdalena Abellare Llamedo in real life—or Maritess as she is fondly called by kith and min—was a cooperative provincial lass in search of a greener pasture in Manila.
Etta was one of the few persons who pushed the singing career of Dulce with the help of Merlinda and Mae.
“Oh! My God,” exclaimed Dulce in her chat box to me.
Then she asked who was taking care now of Etta. “Sino na pala ang nag-aalaga kay Manang Etta (Who’s taking care of elder Etta?”), she queried.
“Nalungkot naman ako, kapatid (I feel sad, brother)…I trust Martini the one based in Singapore took care of everything and her needs,” the iconic chanteuse sighed.