by Addie Borbon
Somebody asked me…what is it that I would do if things were different, if I didn’t marry at 23, had two kids… Instantly, that question brought me to the time when I was 19. I auditioned for a show sponsored by a laundry detergent. It hired a recording Artist, Janet Arnaiz, and other stars from “That’s Entertainment”. At that time, it was a chance of a lifetime.. I sang one song during the audition and thank God, I got it! It was Mr. Jinggoy Salvador who coordinated that audition. I was to front act for Janet, sing four “dance-able” tunes and the best part of it was I was getting paid!! Excellent for a 19 year-old!
So I sang my heart out and tried to dance a little (two of my songs even had back-up dancers!) in front of a not-so-enthusiastic Davao audience… Feeling like a true performer and artist! Well, at one point I really felt how it was like…
I had the opportunity to meet Janet Arnaiz before because she has also sang in one of the Fashion shows I’ve been in, so down-to-earth. Met her this second time and she greeted me like she’s known me a long time. Anyway, we had a motorcade with the announcer saying over the van’s speakers, “Show sponsored by Mr. Clean with guest stars, Janet Arnaiz and…Bernadette Borbon!” Over and over…I was thinking, What?! People would be wondering who the hell is Bernadette Borbon??? I found out later that the announcer studied in City High where I also studied! So that’s why!
If matters could get any worse, as we went to the venue for the show, people huddled over to Janet. I was lagging a few meters behind. After awhile, a number of people also surrounded me, would you believe, asking for MY autograph???!!!?? Help! I am NOBODY! I am not a star!!! But what the heck, I signed anyway! Realization came when one of Janet’s staff told me that in her attempt to evade the autograph-signing, she had informed them that I was also a star! Naughty,Janet…tsk, tsk, tsk. Poor fans…going home thinking their autograph had been signed by somebody famous. But really quite the opposite! Whew, it WAS an experience…
So it is pretty obvious what my secret dream is already. (Not so secret anymore). IF things would have happened differently, I would’ve wanted to become a singer. The unbelievable thing is a few days after that show, my father got a call from Janet Arnaiz’s manager wanting to know if I was interested to try it at the national scene. Oh, how my heart raced!!! But sadly, my father, without hesitation, graciously turned them down…. I had to finish college, he said…
Oh well, so much for dreams. That world wasn’t meant for me, I guess. Snap back to reality, Addie. Back into the arms of the children you prayed to God for… out of the limelight but staying close in the shadows…just like the backroom people who also make the show possible even without being seen… So much like our dear Father in heaven who does what is best for us while staying in the background, not doing the entire show Himself but offering you the chance to take part, do your own thing and taking your best shot! With His direction…
As for me, I am usually part of an audience which watches their sons’ music recital! I get butterflies in my stomach even in my seat. This stage mother is staying behind the scenes and allowing her children to let their light shine. After all, it’s THEIR turn…
