Charmed Life by Gretheline Bolandrina

"Ruben Tizon, 82, was the best actor awardee in 2001 (at the age of 76) for his role in the movie “Batang Westside,” died of stroke at Overlook Hospital, Summit, New Jersey, Friday, December 7, 2007. Survived by his wife Myrna, sons Arthur and Ruben, Jr, daughter Elisa, daughters in law, Hermie and Maryann and several grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Bayonne Funeral Home. Tizon’s body was cremated, December 11, 2007. Tizon, as a very young boy, graced the pages of Philippine Free Press as the youngest person ever to ride on a flying airplane. He was hand in hand with the American GI’s liberating Manila during the war as translator. He then became a stage actor at Haba-Haba Theater and Atomic Theater entertaining American military men. He is the Father of Passion Play in the Philippines. He wrote, acted and directed plays at the famed Cultural Center of the Philippines. Famous actors like Vic Vargas, Rita Gomez, Gloria Romero, Charito Solis, Paraluman and Dindo Fernando were among his headliners. He was involved in more than a hundred movies and stage plays as actor, scriptwriter, screenplay writer, production manager and/or director. He was a very religious man. He visited inmates at the Muntinlupa Prisons and conducted bible studies. It was there where he met and befriended the notorious Cesar Guy and Roger Arienda. Both Guy and Arienda's life were transformed to good faith. Tizon, very friendly and always quick on wisecrack, made lots of friends from the entertainment business, from his church, from work, from his neighborhood and wherever he went. He lead a very happy life in the Philippines and in the United States of America."

The words above were by Ruben's son, Arthur. A friend I met through sheer serendipity, aptly enough at press events. He takes beautiful photographs, I supply the words. We had worked on a few press conferences and concerts together. We covered the Philippine Fiesta in New Jersey two summers in a row. We correspond periodically, updating one another in various Filipino-American events, exchanging photographs and views on certain issues. Unfortunately, I have not met Tito Ruben in person. I could only assume that we would have hit it off too, like old friends, old souls. Exchanging not just pleasantries but showbiz news and such. In one of Arthur's e-mails, he said "I have known you for only a short time but I already have your sincere friendship. Like you and your articles my Dad was blessed too with a charmed life"! Arthur requested that I write about his Dad. Initially, I was at a loss. Arthur's words above are far better than any article I could possibly come up with. A son's own view of the life his father lived. A very public life yet minus the controversies that accompany the big names of today. A public life that touched and enhanced other people's lives. In certain ways, Arthur mirrors his father's friendliness, his work ethics. He sees the world through his camera lens. He has a creative streak. He is a man of the people, very approachable. Nothing better to pay tribute to a father's love than by living a wonderful life that one's father had paved the way for. Each of us deals with the loss of a loved one in our own way. Personally, I think it helps to celebrate the life that was lived than to just grieve over the loss. Though tears also help. But when the tears have dried, continue to live. To dance the dance, rethread the journey taken, smile and appreciate the blessings, laugh at the jokes. Always remember the memories. To Tito Ruben, farewell for now. Your love remains in the hearts of all that you have touched. To Arthur, my friend, a man of great strength, I know you have peace and comfort in your heart. We will keep in touch, e-mails here and there, and see each other, soon when out paths cross once again.

Feel free to e-mail me reactions, comments and or suggestions for ideas to ponder. Contact me at Gretheline@aol.com or through Carousel Productions.

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