Omar Principe, a member of the all-male sexy sing and dance group Masculados has admitted he met diminutive star Mahal in San Pedro City in Laguna some ten years ago and they had shared precious moments together.
“Yes, sa San Pedro po kami nagkakilala ni Mahal at masaya kami noon (Mahal and I met and knew each other in San Pedro and we were very happy at the time),” said Omar, in more ways than one, in his Facebook Messenger when I clarified with him that Mahal was a fixture in the city more than a decade ago.
San Pedro City was one of the places Mahal always visited because according to the many people who saw her, it was in this town where she found happiness with friends like Omar and other members of Masculados.
Mahal, according to some people I talked with, was always smiling and waving at them whenever she was around.
After each showbiz commitment Mahal, Noemi Tesorero in real life, would come and pay Omar and his other friends a visit or after their gigs together, the midget actress and some Masculados would go to San Pedro together during their spare time.
Omar and Mahal had developed a certain kind of bond. As a matter of fact, Principe called her “Mare,” an indication that the late comedienne had a filial link to the Principe and they might have common sponsorship in baptismal events among kids who had received the sacrament.
Omar said Mahal was the godmother of Egoy and Michelle Verdejo-Balang.
San Pedro people felt really sad and sort of abandoned by the good soul of Mahal. According to one of Omar’s netizen friend,
“Kakalungkot ‘yong news ke Mahal…positive vibes pa naman siya palagi (The news about Mahal was saddening…it’s regrettable, she was always a positive vibes),” said Chikki Magbitang.
Even a number of residents from Villa Castillo were greatly affected by the demise of Mahal. “Nakakatuwa pa naman siya. Nakakalungkot din kahit pa’no (She was amusing. It’s sad in a way),” said Benny Castillo.
“Favorite ko pa naman si Mahal (Mahal was my favorite),” exclaimed Eva Florido Lingayo.