It took Waraynon filmmaker Noriel Jarito ("Rindido," "Huramentado," "Bat-Man" etc.) to discover that a local film actor is just around the corner in Northern Samar.
Although it also took years for Noriel to find out that he has a town neighbor who inhabits local show business, the director is thankful that the celebrity in his midst runs parallel to their artistic vision although one of them opted to become a public servant.
Jarito is referring to actor Rey Ravelo who has spent years trying to achieve something in showbiz.
But after some time, Rey, Demetrio "Caing" Avalon in real life, rerouted, redirected, reinvented if not redesigned his life.
Several movies are still tucked under their belt but he still chose public service rather than live the glitz and glam world of make-believe.
"Kasabayan siya nina (He was the contemporary of) Jenny Roa at (and) Banjo Romero in the 90s," said Noriel who stumbled upon Rey during his annual Pambujan International Film Festival ni Pambujan, Northern Samar held last year.
"Mula noon, lagi na ksming nagkikita at nagkakausap ni Rey (From there on, we always see and talk with each other(," quipped Jarito.
One of their conversation pieces is Ravelo's stint in the local movie industry.
"Rey lives in the neighboring town of San Roque. It's a few kilometers away from Pambujan si it's easy to bond," informed Noriel.
"Malaki na ang nagbago sa buhay ni Rey. Konsehal na siya ng bayan kaya naiba na anv mundo niya pero gano'n pa rin dahil pareho lang naman ang sistema ng showbiz at pulitika (There's big change in Rey's life. He"s already a councilor in his town so his world has change but it's stilll the same banana because the socio-political system of showbiz snd politics is the same)," philosophized Avalon.
Demetrio or Caing is currently enjoying the countryside of Samar.
"Puwede naman siyang bumalik anytime sa showbiz kung gusto niya (He can aleays go back to showbiz anyrime he wants to)," ecplained Ravelo who still looks good-looking and every inch an actor.
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