Mitch and Fe share life lessons on solitude and support

August 24 ------ Mitch Valdes and Fe de los Reyes appeared as guests on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda”.Much of our conversation revolved around the good old days of making music and performing live for audiences in the 1970s and 1980s, including the fashion and dance trends of that time, as well as the men.

Mitch recalled how she loved wearing blue eyeshadow, paired with her afro hairstyle in her early days in the local entertainment scene. She often performed on stage and television as a singer and comedienne. “The fashion was fun. Remember, I also had this Cyndi Lauper look,” she began. “Noong ‘70s kasi, I led a double life. I was a musical theater performer and a rocker in the band. And then I also had TV shows. But during the ‘80s, I made some changes. Nag-lounge act ako like Tessie Tomas and Nanette Inventor.”

The singer-comedienne didn’t expect she would need to be fully made up and dressed to the nines when performing in a lounge act. “So, in just one gig, you must go with three luggage — one for the accessories, one for the pairs of shoes, and one for clothes. “I also need to visit the salon for hair and makeup. I had everything fixed and ‘endured’ that look throughout the ’70s and ‘80s. In the ‘90s, I told myself, ‘I don’t want this anymore,’ so I went back to this look (pointing to her face without heavy makeup),” she added. On TV, Mitch was a regular on “Champoy” with Tessie and Nanette. She explained that there was no rivalry among them, “because I think we were complementing each other. Besides, Nanette and I were also together on ‘Tit for Tat.’”

Fe, although based now abroad with husband Mario Mendoza, continues to sing in the US. She never forgets how Music & Magic started making a name in 1979. It had nine members with Fe, Kuh Ledesma, Bobby Taylo, Nonoy Mendoza, Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, Butch Elizalde, Eva Caparas, Jet Montelibano, and Toto Gentica. “We were a family,” recalled Fe. “But if there’s another name for Music & Magic, it would’ve been Blood, Sweat & Tears (laughs). Blood because we were also fighting, nag-aaway rin kami kasi ganun naman ‘pag pamilya meron rin nag-tatalo, but in a good way, nothing serious. We’re still a family.”

Fe recalled Kuh as the mother hen of the group. “She’s really the dominant one in the group. She’s the lead singer. I was the backup singer, along with Angeli and Eva. Who’s the most beautiful of the four of us? Of course, I’ll say it’s me. But I must say we all have different kinds of beauty. Sabi nga nila, kinuha lang nila ako dahil sa legs ko, hahaha!” It’s impressive how Fe has stayed full of energy, always ready to switch from a funny girl to a talented singer, not to mention she could easily break into a choreographed dance.

Mitch and Fe recently had a show last July titled “Sex and the Seniors” at The Teatrino in Greenhills. It was a performance filled with music and laughter, just as the audience expected. It was clear that both singer-actresses remain passionate about delivering nothing but excellent performances.

The singer-comediennes revealed that Floy Quintos gave the show its title, but they clarified that there was no physical act involved, contrary to what the title suggests. “Kami pong mga seniors, hindi naman kailangan ‘yung talagang sex. Kasi naman ‘pag senior ka na, sexy ka,” said Fe. I asked Mitch and Fe how important men are to happiness at this point in their lives, and without hesitation, Fe said it’s important, especially her husband, Mario, who has been very supportive of her. “Sobra ang suporta ng asawa ko dito sa gusto kong gawin ngayong senior na ako,” stressed Fe. Mitch, on the other hand, said that before, like any girl, she had romantic perceptions about men, such as “‘yung pa-tweetums, pang-sunset, pang strolling on the beach.”

However, she later realized she preferred being alone. “Mas gusto kong mag-isa — mas restful, mas peaceful. I am an introvert, and I find it difficult that after a hard day’s work, when you get home, you have someone to attend to. Meron kang aasikasuhin, aalalayan, etc.” Mitch emphasized that she’s not against marriage, nor does she hate men; she just believes that each person is unique. In fact, most of her best friends are men like Joel Torre, Mel Villena and Ronnie Lazaro. The contrasting views of Mitch and Fe show different ways fulfillment can happen later in life — whether through valued companionship or the peace of being alone. What makes them great partners on stage is the joy they derive from their craft and the deep bond they form, not only with their audiences but also with each other.

Source: philstar.com