SHARON - THE MEGA ICON
Malaya, May 14, 2003

WHAT do Sharon Cuneta, Nora Aunor, Dolphy, Lea Salonga, and Fernando Poe, Jr. have in common?

The Megastar, Superstar, Comedy King, Broadway Star, and Movie King are listed in the book written by Visitacion "Chit" R. de la Torre, "Cultural Icons of the Philippines." Ms. De La Torre cited them for their enduring popularity and awesome talent, leaving a lasting imprint in the hearts and minds of Filipinos.

The author noted that Sharon herself does not know who gave her the Megastar title, but it is certainly well-deserved. "Talent and success, popularity and fortune seem to have blended well in her image. She is sweetness personified - malambing to everyone which probably explains why people get attached to her," Ms. De la Torre wrote.

Sharon is very much in the news these days because of her sixth team-up (in 15 years) with Richard Gomez in Viva Films' "Walang Kapalit," billed as a mega-event, a celebration.

"Walang Kapalit," rated B by the Cinema Evaluation Board, is directed by Joel Lamangan, who gave Sharon a best actress award in the June 2002 Manila Film Festival for "Magkapatid."

Sharon has received numerous awards as TV host, recording star and concert artist, and, of course, movie actress, topped by her grandslam for "Madrasta" (Urian, Star, Famas and Film Academy best actress).

The Megastar has co-starred with Robin Padilla, Rudy Fernandez, Bong Revilla, Christopher de Leon and even "Da King" Fernando Poe Jr. But the public is excited most when she shares the limelight with Richard Gomez, the big screen exploding with chemistry and electricity - as shown anew in "Walang Kapalit," a love and family drama.

Ms. De La Torre wrote further in "Cultural Icons of the Philippines" in praise of Sharon:

"From prime time to fringe time, from music to acting, from masa to AB crowds, from career to home, what the Filipino movie or musical fan sees is a well-balanced, well-integrated Sharon. She does not act when she's with people - she is herself, naturally, amiably, effortlessly trusting and intrinsically optimistic. However, when she's on stage performing or emoting before the movie cameras, and loses herself in what she's doing, and thus endears herself to millions of fans here and abroad."

The author also noted that Sharon "has emerged as the favorite of top advertising companies in the country to endorse products or services." A credit to her credibility and sincerity and convincing power, a testimony to "Sharon's wide acceptance as a cultural icon."

Sharon reigned as movie queen in the '80s and continues to do so in the '90s, until the new millennium.

All those years what's the most important lesson Sharon has learned? The Megastar answered Ms. De La Torre: "To appreciate everybody that I've come across. Everyone, good and bad. I continue to learn a lot from the people I work with, the people I meet in this industry."

Sharon Cuneta lives by the Golden Rule, a rarity in showbiz. She is always considerate to other people, be they an extra or a legman on the set or a big-time producer or a co-star. She is not blinded by the glitter and adulation in showbiz, but would rather live simply and modestly in the countryside with her family and loved ones.

As she told Ms. De la Torre: "Showbiz is not my life. It's a job I happen to love. And if I happen to make a difference in the lives of people, I'm glad. I love to make people I love happy."

Words of wisdom from the Megastar, truly a cultural icon of the Philippines, just like the two other acting and singing stars, Nora Aunor and Lea Salonga; the eternal clown Dolphy; and the long-reigning King Fernando Poe, Jr.