Hoy! Say Moh! Soxie Topacio!

Posted on July 30, 2017

Soxie Topacio; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

The first time I met Soxie Topacio was a few years back in PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association). He was directing HIMALA the Musical and was there for a rehearsal. Naturally he was barking directions left and right. But as soon as you start talking to him he had a ready smile was warm and accommodating. Although the only time he could spare for a brief interview was through a cigarette break. I told him I remembered his work in DUPLEX on TV and that made him smile.

from left: Composer and Musical Director Vincent De Jesus, Angeli Bayani (Ensemble), Director Soxie Topacio, Ricky Lee (Librettist) and Bong Cabrera (Mayor). HIMALA The Musical had a successful 10th Anniversary run at PETA in March 24, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

When news broke last July 21, 2017 that Soxie Topacio had passed away from pneumonia and complications from lung cancer, I was genuinely shocked. I did not know that he was diagnosed with lung cancer as reported by PDI.

Soxie Topacio & Cynthia Guico; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

During PETA’s 50^th Anniversary in April he was in high spirits, hosting, singing on stage, I couldn’t imagine him being sick. Although I did notice he was wearing a hat that did hide the loss of his silver hair.

from right: Soxie Topacio, Joel Lamangan, Dessa Quesada-Palm, CB Garrucho, and Beng Cabangon. SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

But during Philstage’s GAWAD BUHAY awards in May, I did notice he was more frail. He seemed less energetic and didn’t even bother to wear a hat. That night was special because they were able to give a glowing tribute to the work of the consummate thespian, teacher, writer and director of stage, TV and film.

Soxie Topacio and nephew Rendell Topacio wait for the opening curtain. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

A lot of credit should be given to PHILSTAGE Pres. Audie Gemora and the jury for having the foresight of giving him the NATATANGING GAWAD BUHAY award (Lifetime Achievement award). PHILSTAGE is an association which counts the most prestigious theater productions, dance groups and companies among its members. The PHILSTAGE jury consists of Vlad Bunoan, Gibbs Cadiz, Glenn Mas, Elka Requinta, Jovy Zarate, Ralph Galan, Steve Villaruz, Martin Lopez, Chantal Primero, Romano Jorge, Tats Manahan, Ricky Toledo, Chito Vijandre Cora Llamas, Vincent Gregory Yu, Fred Hawson and Philip Cu-Unjieng.

Clockwise from right: PETA Founder Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Repertory Phil. Founder / Chair Emeritus Baby Barredo, Rep Pres. & CEO Mindy Perez-Rubio, PHILSTAGE Pres. Audie Gemora. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

PETA was then able to produce an admirable tribute for that segment of the awards show. A wonderful script written by Phil Noble encapsulated Soxie’s colorful career. Which was brought to life by Norbs Portales, a young actor of PETA whom he had mentored. Norbs channeled his inner Soxie and portrayed the famous character Nene from DUPLEX and IT’S A DEAL. Shows that were enumerated by INTERAKSYON and also his most recent TV work.

Norbs Portales performed as Soxie Topacio in the role of Nene. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Nene or Neneng is the Filipino term for young girl, while Soxie at the time (80s) was an overweight gay man. So his TV name alone was comedy gold. Norbs used the flamboyant voice that made Soxie famous complete with replacing ‘s’ with th and z’s much like a homosexual Elmer Fudd from Looney Tunes.

right: Norbs Portales reminded us how hilariously funny Soxie was as a comedian. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

We learned in such a casual, hilarious way how National Artist for film Lino Brocka was one of the people who helped Soxie break into TV and film. We learned how PETA founder Cecile Guidote-Alvarez inspired him and others to give of themselves and their art for the country.

National Artist for film Lino Brocka

We were laughing so hard that the message of his sacrifice and contributions went straight to our hearts. So it was really no surprise when the Ramon Magsaysay Awards considered as the Nobel Peace Prize of Asia, included among its awardees PETA- as an organization. The awardees were announced just this week, July 28. I don’t think it was a coincidence that Soxie Topacio passed away just over a week before.

A young Cecile Guidote established PETA in 1967. Soxie Topacio joined in 1969 at age 17 and was soon conducting theater and acting workshops in the remotest and poorest parts of the country. (10)

God and man conspired to give Soxie a huge send off in recognition of his life and work. He would be so proud that PETA is honored in this way. He played no small part in that as member since 1969.

Soxie Topacio was given the NATATANGING GAWAD BUHAY. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Included below is the tribute during the Gawad Buhay awards written by Phil Noble and co-written / performed by Norbs Portales as Nene (Soxie’s famous TV character). Immediately after the performance by Norbs he called Soxie on stage who sang ALAY NG LUMIKHA, one of the PETA anthems with playwright Rody Vera and a half dozen members.

Soxie Topacio was given the NATATANGING GAWAD BUHAY. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then also included below is Soxie’s acceptance speech where we learn from his own words his personal journey. He relates the experience of conducting (with other PETA members) acting workshops in war torn villages, typhoon victims and fighters for varying causes, even the urban poor. His speech puts everything into clear perspective. This is especially valid given Pres. Duterte’s most recent mindless, brash statement of ‘bombing Lumad schools’ as NPA sympathizers or hot bed of NPA recruitment. Soxie’s experiences in Cagayan De Oro and many other remote areas bring to light that they are themselves victims of violence.

PETA Pres. CB Garrucho; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Through his speech we find out exactly how and why PETA deserves the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Mother Soxie’s personal evolution and growth as teacher-artist is just one example of PETA’s mission.

Thank you to PHILSTAGE organizers of Gawad Buhay, Thank you Soxie Topacio, thank you and congratulations to PETA.

Read on enjoy, laugh, reflect and be inspired.

Norbs Portales performed as Soxie Topacio in the role of Nene. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

GAWAD BUHAY/PETA Tribute

Written by Phil Noble

Norbs Portales as Soxie in the role of Nene

Hoy! Saaay mooooh?

Diyan talaga ako na kilala ng buong Pilipinas. Bilang si Nene noong 80s sa DUPLEX. Oy ako lang naman ang baklang kapitbahay ni Ading Fernando, also known as Daddy Groovy. Pang Gulo! Chismosa!! Laging bisita wala akong bahaay. Ang saya.

Norbs Portales performed as Soxie Topacio in the role of Nene. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Sa PETA talaga ako nagsimula. Fresh na fresh pa ko. Virgin na virgin. 17 years old ay ka tagal na yoon. Actually meron nagpakuha yung PETA meron daw event. Opening sa Paco park bibigyan ng award si Paul Dungol. Naku galit ako noon. Sabi ba naman ni Nonon Padilla, “Nasan na mga Putang Inang taga Araullo High School na yan?”

Aaay ayaw namin noon kami na inimbitahan kami pa yung minumura?

left: Soxie Topacio had an unforgettable run in with Theater director Nonon Padilla (right), in his first encounter with PETA.

Pero ganoon talaga sa PETA murahan. Ayon we taped, we performed. Tapos nung nasa U.P. nako nakasalubong ko si Nonon Padilla. Eto nagmura sakin noon e.

Do you study here?

O yung minura mo dati! Ano?

If you have time and you want to audition go to the 4^th floor.

On video wall is Maryrose Raj who played Josephine Bracken in PETA’s RIZAL.

Haaa? Na tense naman akooh! Na punta ako ng Fort Santiago. Na star struck ako kasi yung gaganap na artista kay Jose Rizal si Dindo Fernando! Si Josephine Bracken, si Rosemary Raj! Ha! Join akoh.

Since then I stayed. In one season ang dami kong ginawa: nag SM ako, nag Sound ako,

Nag Voice ako at nag artista ako. Lahat yan sabay sabay nakakaloka!

Actress Melvi Pacubas, one of many teacher-artists like direk Soxie in the early years of PETA.

Ginagabi na kami, wala kaming sweldo. Humihingi lang ako ng pera sa Nanay at Tatay ko. Go!

Alam mo sunod sunod nakapag direk ako. Una ANG PIGING, 1973, at sunod sunod na. Mga memorable plays ko MAKLI-ING DULAG. Isipin niyo ha, sa opening scene pa lang sumisigaw na si Joel Lamangan, “Pumasok kayo! Pumasok kayo!”

from left: Me Ann Espinosa, Soxie Topacio, Mae Paner and Joel Lamangan; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Kaming mga audience Ha? Ha? Ha? Mga audience ka sali pala sa play!

Eto pa 1896 ang first true musical ng PETA. Pati si Ariel Rivera pina kanta ko!

On video wall is Ariel Rivera from PETA’s 1896. (20)

MINSA’Y ISANG GAMO GAMO, first play ni Ate Guy. Pag pasok ba naman sa unang rehearsal, BOOM! Drop script na loka yung mga taga PETA di kinaya.

My friends in PETA sila talaga yung nagdala sakin sa mundo ng TV at pelikula.

Nora Aunor was cast in PETA’s MINSA’Y ISANG GAMO GAMO

Pano kamo e pag na busy sila, ENTER frame ako. Tumawag ang ABS ‘Yes hello busy po si direk Lino Brocka kayo lang po ang pwede pumalit sa kanya’. Tumawag ako kay Lino ano ito? Sabi naman ni Lino Brocka, “Oo lang ng oo tanggapin mo na.”

Sabi ko naman Ahh Ok sige. At nakapag sunod sunod na. Nakapag direk ako BABAE. Sunod sunod na sa TV kay Rosa Rosal, Tanghalan at nakapag direk na rin ako sa pelikula.

Norbs Portales performed as Soxie Topacio in the role of Nene. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Favorite ko siyempre DED NA SI LOLO na Oscar hehehe.

Kasi I have friends who gave me opportunities. And that made me.

PETA Mgt Committee seated from right: CB Garrucho, Maribel Legarda, Beng Cabangon, Queng Reyles, Marichu Belarmino and Anj Heruela. Standing from right: Bong Billones, Gail Billones, Leloi Arcete, Julie Bautista, Melvin Lee and Pamela Ovejas. SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Alam niyo? Si Lino talaga ang dahilan kung pano ako naging Executive Director ng PETA. Pano kamo? Sabi niya, Hatiin natin ang organisasyon hindi pwedeng one man rule lang. So ako, si Gardy (Labad), si Nonon ako yung Executive Director so after 2 years tumawag ba naman sakin. Hello Soxie, busy ako ikaw na bahala sa PETA ha? Tawag ka na lang pag kelangan niyo ng pera.

Nakaka LOKA! Haaay! Haay! Hay!

Norbs Portales performed as Soxie Topacio in the role of Nene. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Pero ma kwento ko sa inyo. Mula sa pagiging stand up comedian, sa pagiging artista at sa pagiging director sa stage, sa TV, sa pelikula alam niyo kung ano ang inspirasyon koh? Ay mga bata kami sinabi ni Cecile sa amin:

“You only live once! Yan ba ang kontribusyon mo sa bayang ito???”

TI-NA-MA-AN akooh! HENDE ko naman na Entindihan! Asan na ngayon si Mama?

Honorees from left: Repertory Phil. Founder / Chair Emeritus Baby Barredo & PETA Founder Cecile Guidote-Alvarez. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Nag eskapo sa Amerika na iwan kami. Na wa kami lahat. Kelangan ko tuloy sa workshop e di workshop sa Cebu, sa Escalante, sa mga manggagawa. Naka salamuha sa lahat ng uri ng tao.

Ay doon ko lang na realize di pala pwedeng sarili lang. Hindi pwedeng ka eskwela lang, di pwedeng kapit bahay lang. DAPAT buooong bayaan?

Simula noon yon ang pinahahawakan ko sa LAHAT ng mga gawain ko.

Direk Soxie is grateful to all past and current PETA members. Each of them teacher-artists in their own right. SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ang sining ko ay para sa BAYAN KO.

At yon, yon ang panata ko.

Ako si Soxie Topacio, magandang gabi na lang sa inyooh!

AT tinatawagan ang totoong Soxie Topacio si Soxie Topacio!

Soxie Topacio was given the NATATANGING GAWAD BUHAY. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Soxie Topacio acceptance speech for the NATATANGING GAWAD BUHAY AWARD

Nais kong pa salamatan ang Philstage for giving me this award. Ang piliin ka ng kapwa mo Theater artist ay isang malaking karangalan para sa akin. Nais ko ring pa salamatan ang lahat naging kasapi ng PETA noon hanggang ngayon. Dahil kayo ang humubog sa aking pagkatao. Gayun din ang mga workshop participants ng PETA sa mga nagdaang maraming taon.

PHILSTAGE Pres. Audie Gemora & VP Maribel Legarda; The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Bukod sa PETA nais kong pa salamatan ang mga ibang theater groups na naka trabaho ko. Tulad ng Gantimpala, U.P. Rep, Teatro Tomasino, Sining Kambayoka, U.E. Dramatic Club, Kulturang Atin Foundation at marami pang iba.

Actor / director Nonon Padilla, one of many teacher-artists like direk Soxie in the early years of PETA.

Noong sumali ako sa PETA ay 17 years old ako. That was the year 1969. Noong panahon na yon ang U.P. Campus ay punong puno ng mga kaganapan. Kabikabilang boycott, mass action, walk out. Eto ang tinaguriang First quarter storm.

At sa gitna ng lahat ng mga rally na ito ay na saan ako?

Sa loob ng sinehan.

foreground from left: Carlon Matobato and Gio Gahol; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista (30)

Hindi ako naging interesado sa political events na nangyayari sa bayan. Kasi ang alam ko lang, ang iniikutan ng buhay ko ang pamilya ko. Pero nung sumali ako sa PETA nagbago ang takbo ng buhay ko.

Tuwing nagrerehearse kami o kaya may hindi na gustohan ni Cecille Guidote. Lagi niyang sasabihin. “You only live once. And for that one life what is your contribution to your country?”

Michael Odoemene and Neomi Gonzales; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Matagal kong inisip ang mga sinabi ni Cecile. It took many years for me to discover the answer to it. When Cecile left we lost a leader who knows everything. What play to put up, where to get the funds, when will be the next workshop? Mabuti na lang through the help of other PETA members we were able to revive the company.

from left: PETA Executive Director Beng Cabangon and President CB Garrucho. SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

AT mula noon na assign nako ng PETA sa iba’t ibang workshop sa probinsya. Kami ni Brenda ay nagworkshop sa Cagayan De Oro sa liblib na pook sa kabundukan. Halos lahat ng participants namin ay na matayan ng ama, kapatid at ina. Sa araw ng workshop kami nga lang ang tao.

Soxie Topacio; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Pero pag dumating ng dilim ang dami ng tao sa paligid. Nang tinanong ko kung saan sila galing, sabi ng organizer mga NPA sila. Ang mga anak at kapatid nila ang mga estudyante ninyo. Kaya pala ganoon ka bigat ang mga kwento nila, sa improvisation.

Sa Kalinga Apayao ang mga estyudante namin ay patuloy ipinaglalaban na hwag itayo ang Chico Dam na maglulubog sa kanilang ancestral homes.

A young Nanding Josef in KALINGA directed by Soxie Topacio.

Sa Ilo ilo na turuan kami ng mga mangingisda paano awitan ang mga isda para madali silang mahuli.

Sa Smokey Mountain di ko akalain ganoon katatapang ang mga bata. Grabe mag mura at marami pang ibang workshop. Sa workshop di man sila naging artista, pero na bigyan sila ng pamamaraan para maisawalat nila ang ka nilang mga loobin. Na isasadula nila nag kanilang mga hinaing.

from left: Joel Lamangan, Soxie Topacio and Mae Paner; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Na isip ko ito ba ang kasagutan sa tanong ni Cecile? Ang tumulong ako sa mga taong na aapi? Para magka boses sila at I realized hindi lang sa workshop ko na kita ang layuning kong ito.

Kahit sa mga dulang na gawa ko ay na bigyan ko sila ng boses. Sa JOE HILL binigyan ko ng laya ng manggagawa at masabi kanilang hinaing. Sa MAKLI-ING DULAG pinakita ko ang paglalaban ng mga Kalinga. Sa MARIANG ALIW na ipakita ang sakit at sama ng loob ng mga prostitute. Sa NOLI AT FILI DEKADA 2000, pinakita namin ang walang habas na sakuna na dulot ng illegal logging. At marami pang iba.

May Bayot (Elsa) is smothered by devotees. HIMALA had a successful 10th Anniversary run at PETA in March 24, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Dito sa mga dulang ito at mga workshop na ginawa ko ay na kita ko ang aking misyon sa buhay. Isang buhay na iaaalay ko para sa bayan. Pati sa pagdarasal ko ay para sa PETA at sa mga kasama. Noon ko na realize di lang political ang misyon ko, spiritual din. Again Maraming Salamat.

from left: Joel Lamangan, Soxie Topacio and Jess Evardone. SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

Additional Sources:

Makisama ka, hindi ka star dito: Why Soxie Topacio was Mother Soxie to All by Totel De Jesus

‘Makisama ka, hindi ka star dito’: Why Soxie Topacio was ‘Mother Soxie’ to all

Theater pillar Soxie Topacio, 65, passes away by Gibbs Cadiz and Totel De Jesus

Theater pillar Soxie Topacio, 65, passes away

SALAMAT, SOXIE | Remembering Soxie Topacio, artist and entertainer by Edwin Sallan

http://www.interaksyon.com/salamat-soxie-remembering-soxie-topacio-artist-and-entertainer/

Soxie Topacio was given the NATATANGING GAWAD BUHAY. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista (39)

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from left: Director Soxie Topacio, Librettist Vincent De Jesus, Cynthia Culig-Guico (Chayong), Joy Virata of REP and Lionel Guico (Pari). HIMALA The Musical had a successful 10th Anniversary run at PETA in March 24, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Joel Lamangan and Soxie Topacio; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Playwright Rody Vera gave a riveting vocal performance. SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

9th Gawad Buhay scriptwriter Dennis Marasigan who like Soxie is a writer, actor and director for stage and film. SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Joel Lamangan and Soxie Topacio; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Host Jon Santos; The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Cynthia and Lionel Guico; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Norbs Portales performed as Soxie Topacio in the role of Nene. The 9th PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY was held May 10, 2017 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Cris Gonzales and Soxie Topacio; SINGKWENTA PETA’s 50th Anniversary Concert was held April 7 & 8, 2017 at the PETA Theater Center. Photo by Jude Bautista

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