Speech of Ms. Celia Rodriguez, recipient of The Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award
Transcribed by Ruben Marasigan
“It warms my heart. And believe me, it makes me feel humble.
“More than five decades in this industry. Decades of incredible hardwork and efforts, sleepless nights, sorrows and happiness, failures and success.
“Yet I will never change this to another job.
“I hope I will still have some good years in this filed of time and space called life. I will continue doing movies and TV.
“And things that I would enjoy doing. If my body allows me.
“I would always like to prove my worth in my work. But… honestly I do not have any artistic guilt.
“God knows, I have done my part. And if it is not enough, so be it.
“My friends, I would like to say this to my colleagues especially those starting in this industry.
“Being the biggest box office star, given all the powers in this industry, do not define you as an actor.
“What defines you are the love and the respect that you have from your peers.
“Everything in this world is temporary.
“Success is defined to our hearts even it’s only a tune by God. For in the end, all of us has only one audience.
“There’s only one audience in life. And He is above there, the greatest audience in our life.
“If you want to exit in this industry, please… exit quietly with respect and dignity. And of course with nobility of silence.
“This recognition will be impossible without the hundreds of thousands of people who have touched my life. And I hope I have touched theirs.
“From the producers, directors, scriptwriters, my co-actors, even people at the back of the camera, the members of the press, my fans… I will not be here tonight without you guys.
“To my manager, Mr. Rams David… I’m sorry Rams. There are times when you have to be patient with me.
“Because I refuse to go with the usual things in the industry. I’m sorry when I disappoint you most of the time.
“Because if I see anything that is unfair and mediocre, pumapalag po ako. But I know Rams that being a manager, you always have an understanding and forgiving heart.
“And I like you, Rams.
“I would like to express my profound gratitude and love for my family.
“Mama, I wish you are here tonight. You would have been very proud of your daughter.
“To my siblings and their husbands here and abroad, my nieces and nephews… you are always there for me. And I feel your love and unwavering support.
“My best friend, Fanny Serrano who is always there for me. And of course Leony Diaz, thank you.
“Thank you guys for your lasting friendship.
“To my PA… production assistant, I love you for your loyalty and patience.
“To my spiritual adviser Sister Leah Darwin who always reminds me to focus more on the eternal rather than the temporal.
“You are my angel, Sister Leah.
“I would like to dedicate this award to the love of my life… my three children. The greatest treasures in my life.
“I’m sorry they are not here tonight for this very special occasion. Because they are all scattered all over the world.
“My son Angelo, a doctor in Sydney, Australia. My daughter Camille, in LA, California.
“And my youngest daughter… in heaven.
“I miss you all guys very much. Especially you, Jackie.
“I know you’re up there Jackie looking at your mom. Clapping and giggling. And so happy for me.
“But … to God that I can’t have you even for the last time. But I know you are in a better place than where we are right now.
“Last but never least, I would like to give this award to the one who made everything possible… to my beloved Jesus Christ.
“My beloved Jesus Christ. My One and All.
“Thank you Jesus for Your unconditional love. For always taking care of me, my children, and my family.
“I wish I had enough words to express to You. This deepest gratitude I feel for You, Jesus.
“I hope You feel my great, great love for You.
“My colleagues in the industry, please pray for our country. It is the only one we have.
“Again PMPC, thank you for this honor. And God bless you all.”
