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Remembering a dear friend, OPM singer Claire Dela Fuente
T
his author fi rst met the popular original Pilipino Music (OPM) singer, Claire Dela Fuente in the mid-80's when she performed at the former Embassy Theatre *a historical 900-seat venue" on Western Avenue between Wilshire and Beverly Boulevard on what is now known as the "Koreatown" area. The variety show was produced by the Romero brothers (Vic and Mike) who were then actively promoting weekly Filipino movies at the theatre. From that initial meeting, unbeknownst to me, Claire became more famous back home, becoming a celebrity, known for her Karen Carpenter singing style and her jukebox hit song called "SAYANG." As a background, she was born on December 28, 1958 and was named as Clarita Crisostomo-Dela Fuente. When she was only 15 years old, and a freshman at the University of the East, she joined a singing contest where she sang the Carpenter's song "Love Me For What I Am," which made her win the contest and was noticed by fellow UE alumni, who was the contest's main judge, composer, George Canseco. After winning the contest, George Canseco then invited her to
sing the jingle commercial for HOPE cigarettes, which sounded "imported." that it paved the way for her to record her best-selling hit songs, such as “NAK AW NA PAGIBIG," KAILANGAN KO'Y IKAW," IBULONG MO SA HANGIN,” "PAG-IBIG MO, LANGIT KO," "SA DULO NG LANDAS," and 17 other popular songs. Though financially successful, Claire 'got married at the age of 19 years old to Moises De Guzman. In her mid-20's, despite her entertainment popularity. Claire Dela Fuente, decided to slow down on her show business career and she and her husband ventured on putting up a food business due to both of their love for food. And they established Claire Dela Fuente's Seafood and Grill restaurant which expanded into four locations such as in Pasay, Pasig, Ortigas and Mall of Asia. Claire's passion for entrepreneurship didn't end in the food business, because in 1993, along with her husband, they established a transportation
business, which only lasted for a few years, but she later became the president of the Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association (IMBOA), whose members
Antique. This was where we truly 'got to know what a great personality Claire dela Fuente had. She was kind, humble and gracious and to this day, I will never forget her passion for singing, as she had such a melodious kundiman voice, singing songs like "SA DULO NG LANDAS," “'DI MAGBABAGO," “MGA BULONG NG PAG-IBIG," “MINSAN MINSAN," and many more.songs she gladly sang, requested by the crowd who were all seated at the amphitheater-like set-up at the large backyard of Sally's ancestral house. The memorable weekend with Claire was indeed a time well spent with her which this author will never forget. CLAIRE DELA FUENTE As someone who had 28 December 1958 — 30 March 2021 a strong background in the transportation made up 70% of all bus opera- business, Claire Dela Fuente tors in Metro Manila. made headlines in 2003, when In 1998, while this author was she spearheaded a "boycott of visiting with family, a sorori- the color-coding scheme that ty sister, Sally Zaldivar-Perez the MMDA had imposed for a (whose Dad was Governor at week, on all public utility vehithat time) invited us along with cles, as part of a traffic experthis author's sister Isabel Rivas iment." Apparently, her vocal to bring Claire to entertain in resentment made her "at odds their town fiesta of San Jose, with the then MMDA Chairman,
Beaches and Harbors to unroll access mat at Venice Beach
V
enice Beach will soon bec ome more accessible to visitors, especially those who have difficulty crossing the sand. On Tuesday, April 13, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) will unroll a new access mat near the Venice Boulevard beach parking lot. “One of the great joys of going to the beach is spending time on the sand
near the water,” said L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, whose district includes Venice. “Now, with the use of this new mat, people who have difficulty negotiating the sand can more fully and safely enjoy a glorious day at Venice Beach.” Made of a fine nylon mesh, beach access mats are designed for people who use wheelchairs or may otherwise need a firmer surface to traverse
the sand. Once installed, the mat will start at the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and end in a “T” shape closer to the water’s edge. The mat will be available annually from roughly spring through fall. Semi-permanent mats are part of DBH’s efforts to ensure everyone can visit the County’s iconic beaches; the Venice Beach mat will be the eighth. Beach wheelchairs remain available.
CALIFoRNIA... FRom PAge 1 “In order to take the next step, we must continue to do our part to keep this momentum moving in the right direction, and that means continuing to wear a mask and ensuring everyone who is eligible gets the vaccine.” When California fully reopens the economy, the Blueprint for a Safer Economy will end. As this developed, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 53 new deaths and 479 new cases of COVID-19. Public Health has identified one case of the South African variant, B.1.351, and three cases of the Brazilian P.1 variant, both variants of concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the South African and Brazilian variants as variants of concern because they are potentially associated with increased transmissibility and reduced susceptibility to certain therapeutics.
Although these are the first reported cases of the South African and Brazilian variant in L.A. County, it is likely there are additional undetected/undiagnosed cases. To date, 33 cases of the Brazilian variant and 10 cases of the South African variant have been reported in California. Among 70 specimens analyzed at the Public Health Laboratory this past week, 64% of the specimens analyzed were the UK variant of concern, B.1.1.7 and 20% were the California variant of concern identified as B.1.427 or 429. This means 84% of the variants identified this past week are variants of concern with the probability of increased transmissibility and more severe disease. Three cases of the New York variant were also detected this week, which is a variant of interest. There were no cases of the Brazilian P.2 variant identified this week. All key metrics indicate less community transmission; the rate of decrease is slowing for hospitalizations and cases.
Bayani Fernando." That same year, Claire decided to go back to school and studied Transportation Management and further finished her Master in Business Administration in 2005, at the University of Western Australia. Sadly in December, 2006, her husband and best friend for more than 28 years, Moises (Boy) De Guzman passed away due to his five-month's struggle with cancer. He was survived by his wife, Claire and their two sons: Gregorio "Gigo" (born 1986) and Gracielo "Mickey" (born 1996). In 2008, Claire collaborated with the famous Richard Carpenter in her international album called "Something In Your Eyes," and in 2010, she recorded a duet with another famous singer, Michael Bolton called "THE CHRISTMAS SONG," which was included on her "The Christmas Album" record under the banner of Viva Records. It is with deep sadness for this author to learn of CLAIRE DELA FUENTE's passing last month, on the morning of Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at the age of 62 years old, due to cardiac arrest, triggered by complications of COVID -19. May her legacy of songs she left for all of us, live forever. May her song "SA DULO NG LANDAS," give meaning to her life well lived. May she RIP.
