The Sad Story of Cita Astals

The woeful yet intriguing story of Cita Astals was all over the news a few months back, but i can't seem to get over it. So many unanswered questions keep lingering on the back of my mind. I'm getting confused as to what extent should i draw the borderline of reality.

My vivid recollection of Cita Astals dates back to Home Along Da Riles,  a top-rated sitcom in the 90's where she played Dolphy's classy and good-natured boss. For a while Cita Astals became a familiar boobtube celebrity. She was a recognized character actress; she established an image of a smart and articulate woman. Her venture into politics was remarkable, having served three terms as Manila councilor until her loss to Isko Moreno in the vice-mayoralty race. Then rumors began to circulate that Cita Astals has been seen wandering in the streets and exhibiting odd behavior.

The following video compilation of Cita Astals features a clip of her dance number on Eezy Dancing and a  Wish Ko Lang episode which tackled her mental illness issues. As i watched the videos my faculties kept pacing back and forth, i felt like being challenged to how far i can hold on to my own sanity. I just can't fathom the fact that a beautiful and successful life be turned upside down in a snap of the finger. Indeed, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!

    

Sinulog 2011 Controversy

 

It always fascinates me watching the various contingents in grandiose bright coloured costumes while dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs. Equally heartwarming is the sight of foreign tourists enjoying the fun and festivities. For years, the same scenario had given me that enormous sense of pride in Filipino talent and ingenuity.

I'm referring to Cebu City's annual Sinulog Festival held every third Sunday of January. More than a hundred contingents from different regions of the country compete in two categories, namely, the Sinulog Based and Free Interpretation. The free interpretation attracts more crowd for its spectacular motifs, faster dance moves, and lively beat of drums. It is the same category that made Daanbantayan known all over. Choreographed by Barry Luche, the municipality's Tribu Kandaya was the grand prize winner in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2003.

After a 7-year hiatus, Daanbantayan Mayor Luisa Loot decided to join the 2011 Sinulog Festival. The mayor tapped her nephew Barry Luche to choreograph Tribu Kandaya. Despite his ongoing commitment as choreographer for defending champion Tribu Himag-ulaw of Placer Masbate, Luche had to accept the request of Loot. Eventually, Placer Masbate won first place in the free interpretation, while Daanbantayan finished fourth in the same category. The mayor was dismayed by the outcome, and intends to file a lawsuit against Luche for his alleged abandonment of Daanbantayan contingent.

Sinulog Based winner (Tangub City)

Free Interpetation winner (Placer Masbate)

Free Interpretation 4th (Daanbantayan)