Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Screen acting goddess Lorna Tolentino has led a very inspirational life. In dealing with the challenges and pains in her life, she has been the personification of grace and resilience.

Her greatness as an actress is only equaled by the depth and beauty of her soul.

LT went through a lot while caring for her then ailing husband, legendary actor Rudy Fernandez.

She took on as many responsibilities as she could, while maintaining a brave face.

I still remember receiving a very touching text message from LT following Rudy’s death. It was a quote that helped lift her up during a time of grief: "The most beautiful people I have known are those that have known defeat, suffered, known struggles and losses, and have found their way out of the depths. They have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that is filled of compassion, gentleness and deep loving concern. Beautiful people just don’t happen. Everyone has a message. Our lives are our message. What makes us special is the signature of God on our lives."

I could very well say that LT’s experiences have made a meaningful dent in my personal life.

I’m lucky to know her as a friend and to be able to learn the graciousness of grieving from such a strong and compassionate woman.

Perhaps she may not realize it but she has really helped a lot of people in the same situation by letting her story known.

She was the loving caretaker of Rudy while he was battling cancer. All those times that they traveled here to the US for medical reasons, she shouldered all the chores from cooking, dishwashing to taking care of her husband’s needs. She even candidly remarked to me one day that, "Ganito pala mabuhay dito sa Amerika..."

LT and I had a running joke everytime na makikita ko siya sa salon. "O nagpaalam ka ba sa boss mo? Nakapagluto ka na ba?" I would ask playfully. It was amusing because I thought I would never see an award-winning actress be so humbled to be doing manual labor.