Not many San Pedronians may know it, but a four-hectare property in the city is now the site of Salvador H. Laurel Museum, which houses books and other memorabilia of the late Vice President.
AFTER its virtual launch on May 29, “My Lives behind the Proscenium,” a new book by Celia Diaz-Laurel will be one of the contents of the Salvador H. Laurel Museum and Library located in a four-hectare property atop San Pedro City in Laguna.
Publicist Toots Tolentino has already mentioned the availability of the book after its launch and the late Vice President of the Philippines’ lib will be one of its recipients.
According to the website of the library, the SHLML is an oasis for lovers of history and arts, this 10-minute drive from the San Pedro Exit via the South Luzon Expressway is both a refuge and reroute from the hustle and bustle of the metro’s politics.
After all, as
intimated by Celia, widow of the late Vice President, the museum is to keep the country above all.
It preserves and celebrates the insurmountable professional and political achievement of the late statesman.
Unknown to many, this is where Doy seriously contemplated of his crucial decision to give way to Cory Aquino for the ultimate good of the country.
Meanwhile, “My Lives behind the Proscenium,” an autobiographical coffee table book, celebrates the 93rd birthday of Diaz-Laurel.
The book is a five-chapter memoir which chronicles Celia's colorful, celebrated, but equally challenging six-decade life on stage.
With foreword from fellow theatre luminary, Joy Virata, this will surely be a feast not only for arts and theatre enthusiasts, but for historical penchants as well. Spanning from pre-war Philippines until the present times, this book shall be a worthy read for everyone.
“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.
Revered names in the arts, particularly in the performance medium are featured in the book like Lea Salonga, Dido de la Paz, Jonee Gamboa, Vic Silayan, Mitch Valdez etc.
“My Lives behind the Proscenium” is Celia's 10th authored book, is edited by her children Suzie Laurel-Delgado and Cocoy Laurel with guidance of veteran writer Dulce Festin-Baybay. (BV)
Tags: #history, #SalvadorLaurel, #biography, #CeliaDiazLaurel