In Philippine showbiz, there are individuals who become not just colleagues but also cherished friends. Manay Ethel Ramos was one such remarkable figure.
Our journey with her began when we first came across her column, “Studio Whispers,” in the Graphic in the mid-1960s. Little did we know that this professional relationship would blossom into a deep and enduring friendship.
We started reviewing films in 1976 and we first met Manay Ethel Ramos in 1978 at the press preview in Magnatech of “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak.”
“Ikaw pala si Mario,” she warmly greeted us.
While our byline may have been familiar to those who read our movie reviews, the stars themselves were yet to know us. Ethel was the bridge that connected us to the luminaries of Philippine cinema, introducing us not only to Vilma Santos but also to other celebrated artists.
In the coming years, she went into public relations work, taking on the role of publicist of “Miss X” (1980), which was directed by Gil Portes, who also became our good friends. Then she handled “Palaban” (1980) starring Alma Moreno and Amalia Fuentes, directed by Eddie Romeo. It was through her that we got to interview these iconic actresses, an encounter that left a lasting impression on Amalia.
She also went into talent management and her first ward was Elizabeth Oropesa. She served as the PR for Beth’s film company, El Oro Films on the 5th floor of Burke Building in Escolta. We started hanging out there every afternoon after work, with Emma Guevarra, who was Ethel’s secretary.
We became a part of the El Oro Group of writers, which included Ronald Constantino, and the late Ricky F. Lo, Mama Monchang, Babette Villaruel, Mar Cornes, Ernie Pecho, Hermie Francisco, Efren Esteban and others who have all gone to the great beyond.
We have very good memories of our stay at El Oro.
Every afternoon, we bought meryenda from Cida, who happened to be the wife of actor Berting Labra. She sold okoy, lumpia, turon, etc. and we were all so happy eating as we shared laughter and stories, with Ethel graciously treating us all.
Ethel and our barkada went to several out-of-town trips to cover the shoots of movies she was handling. It was always a happy affair, full of endless kwentuhan, tawanan and delicious food.
On one rainy day, we visited Ethel’s small apartment on Maria Clara St., near her alma mater, UST. The flood was up to our knees. We chided her for living in a flood-prone area and she said the place brought her good luck.
Later on, she was able to buy her own place in Cubao and she also bought houses for her siblings, to whom she was very devoted.
Later on, we got Ethel as ninang sa kumpil of our daughter Hannah. She and Lolit Solis became our kumare.
Another good friend, Ricky Lo was the godfather of our son MM, with Nora Calderon as the godmother. These bonds sealed our friendships with each other.
Ethel was known for her deep spirituality. She was a devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary and went to Baclaran every Wednesday.
The world of showbiz was never the same again after she withdrew during the pandemic. Our last gathering with Ethel and Ricky was at the wake of Gie Trillana’s mother in Malolos, Bulacan. It turned into a long afternoon, and we had a late lunch at Max’s in Malolos.
Ethel and Ricky were two of my very best friends in the industry. We never got to pay our last respects to Ricky as he passed at the height of the pandemic. But they have certainly left a vacant space in showbiz and in our heart.
They must be happy to see each other again now in the afterlife. Let’s all pray for the repose of their souls.
We will forever cherish the special memories that Ethel and Ricky have left with us. Days will pass into weeks, months and even years, but their memories will surely always make us smile and think of them with so much fondness.
(Regarded as the “dean of entertainment journalism,” Ethel Ramos graced the pages of Malaya Business Insight for decades, chronicling the lives of stars in her column, “Studio Whispers.” She passed away quietly in her home last Sunday, September 10. Her remains will be cremated today at the Nacional Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City.)
