Rosalinda

Rosalinda... 'mi amor!' By Leo P. Udtohan

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 1, 2000

FACE it. Thalia continues to reign in the hearts of many Filipino viewers.

I once attended a general info competition and was thrilled when the quizmaster asked: What is the real name of Thalia who stars in the famous telenovela of the century Rosalinda? Only one person got the correct answer. Ariadna Sodi y Miranda.

Independence

Thalia's name denotes peace, godlinesss, love, charm, beauty, independence, and the sophistication that the modern world expects of a woman.

I first discovered Thalia when I was in third year high school, four years ago. Since then, she has occupied a special niche in my heart.

I have many friends who for years have helped me with my special "mission" to collect all forms of information about Thalia. They include Dustine Rene Bernasor on the Internet, my Mexican friends Ana Christi Christodou and Viviana Camares, my sis Ruth and close friends who had helped me collect more information via cyberspace, by infochat (not heeding the cost of surfing, so what?) and reading numerous tabloids, magazines and newpapers.

New TV persona

And now, after three years of absence from our screens, Thalia is back! She is now Rosalinda-- a beautiful woman with a rose in her hair. She once made thousands fall in love with her as Maria Mercedes, Marimar and Maria la del Barrio, but her new TV persona is similiarly captivating.

Some people look down on telenovelas. which they deem too pat for comfort- the same, old plotlines--poor girl and rich man, and they lived happily ever after, etc! But even if some soap operas are boring,Thalia's acting, beauty and charms shines through it all.

"Rosalinda" is a combination of drama, reality and fantasy. It is a telenovela filled with love, passion and revenge and is expected to be a worldwide smash. A record of 110 countries has purchased the broadcast rights to the new Mexican soap.

It tells the story of a 20 -year-old girl from the lower class and her pursuit of love and happiness. Her greatest aspiration in life is to become a famous singer. She goes to school and sells flowers in order to make money to pay for her education. Rosalinda was raised by her aunt Dolores (Tina Romero). Unknown to Rosalinda, her real mother Soledad (Angelica Maria) is in prison because she was blamed for the murder of Fernando Jose's father, a murder which she did not commit.

One day, she went to a restaurant and met a young man, Fernando Jose Altamirano (Fernando Carillo), a rich lawyer , a pianist and who sings love songs. Rosalinda instantly fell in love with him. Soon they get married, but were later forced to separate.

When Valeria (Lupita Ferrer), the mother of Fernando Jose finds out who Rosalinda really was, Fernando Jose leaves Rosalinda who was pregnant at that time. Because of her sadness, she gave birth prematurely.

"Rosalinda' has made a history in the Latin TV entertainment. More than 2, 500 flowers have been cultivated for use in this soap opera.

Debate

There's a debate on whether "Rosalinda" will be Thalia's final telenovela. What do you think? On this, Thalia has said, " Do you know how many people have said that to me? They are certain of that."

"But look, having the affection from the public and their support, I will continue doing everything." Thalia promised. "I have dedicated my life to my career.

If Thalia decides that "Rosalinda" will be her final telenovela, I am sure Thalia's fan will cry or even go on a riot! But even she decides to devote more time to her personal life (she could even get married), she will continue being the same Thalia to her fans.

"I could devote myself to my family. On the other hand, I would never leave my public," assures Thalia.

Her love that is so genuine that people can feel it strongly, that "realness", that comes only from a person whom we all know as Thalia.

Let's end this piece with the lyrics of the theme song of Thalia's latest telenovela:

'Rosalinda'

When you have a reason To love intensely you suddenly discover that, at last, your heart beats harder.

Ay, when passion calls us we find ourselves face to face to love each other madly and to give ourselves to love without holding back.

Ay, my love, stay deep within me here is your Rosalinda to live in your dreams Ay, my love, I am dying for you It is she your Rosalinda who only wants your kisses.

Ay my love, ay my love Here is your Rosalinda to live in your dreams

Take my soul, drink my body Because I am dying for your kisses, ay!

Rosalinda, Rosalinda Rosalinda ay my love, my love!