Feature

Daisy Avellana: Capiz’ pride 

and Philippines’ treasure

by Pepin

Modern Philippine theater wouldn’t have reached a prominent status if not through the efforts of one of its pioneers, Daisy Hontiveros Avellana, a renowned National Artist from the province of Capiz.

Avellana spent most of her career on stage, taking on heavy roles and playing as a leading lady to her real-life partner, Lamberto Avellana, a National Artist as well.

But it is not only her acting prowess that brought her fame. She is also a brilliant film writer and director. Her masterpiece, “Sakay” in 1939, was hailed as one of the most exceptional Filipino films of all time.  Her other noteworthy works include scripts for the movies “Badjao” and “Anak Dalita”.

In 2006 at the age of 88, Avellana produced another masterpiece, “The Vigil”, a dramatic reading of a play by Ladislas Fodor . This production was made possible through the Barangay Theater Guild (BTG) that she and her friends have founded way back in 1939. This was her last work.

Avellana died on May 12, 2013 at the age of 96. She will be remembered as the Philippine’s First Lady of Theater. Her works and her life remain as an inspiration, not only to the people inside the theater and film industry, but also to all the Filipinos.