“It was a life and death situation,” Rudy

confirmed. “Pakiramdam ko, kinukuha na ko ni Lord that time.”

In fact, at the height of his delirium, Rudy disclosed to another writer that he had begun seeing the faces of stars long dead including Jay Ilagan.

What got him through his ordeal?
The support and prayers of friends and fans, he said, and of course, the unwavering devotion of his wife, actress Lorna Tolentino.

“I realized how much my wife loves me,” he admits. “I can never thank her enough for all the love, caring and devotion. Since day one in the hospital, she was with me all the time except when she had to attend Star Talk.” Star Talk is the TV showbiz talk show on GMA 7 which Lorna co-hosts every Sunday with Butch Francisco and Lolit Solis.

“The incident strengthened further the relationship and the marriage. On my part, I am so happy with the fact na ang swerte ko, mahal pala niya ko.”

For a man who had just gone through a devastating experience, Daboy looked amazingly refreshed. He could easily “out-guwapo” anyone and looks decades younger than his golden years plus four summers.

GLAMOUR QUEEN

Lorna, who was beside her husband during the press conference announcing their team-up in the sixth season of the afternoon soap, Now and Forever: Linlang, looked just as fresh and summery, what with the white tops and jeans the couple chose to wear.

But LT being who she is exuded the glamorous dramatic queen image she’s known for.

“Imagine, in two years’ time, we’ll be celebrating our silver anniversary,” she marveled, and then understated trials recent and long past by remarking that “the relationship had its fair share of ups and downs.”

She added, “We are just very lucky that we managed to stick to our vows and we have learned to fully accept who we are and that is why we are still happy together.”

In a business where marriage among stars is often measured in figurative minutes, the enduring union of high-profile celebs like Daboy and LT begs probing.

“One secret I can share on why we remain together is because he can make me laugh,” LT allowed. “Saka mahilig siyang mang-good time. Then, when he knows that I am already a victim of his prank, he has this certain hagikgik na instead of me being upset, we end up laughing together.”

Their pair-up in Linlang marks their first acting appearance together since the biopic Ping Lacson, Supercop in 2000. Rudy’s last two shows on TV were the sitcom Daboy en Da Girl in 2002 and the soap Twin Hearts in 2003.

So what was it like working with Rudy again?

“Okay lang,” LT laughed. “I’m glad he accepted it. Suplado kasi iyon eh. We have not worked together for quite some time so we are quite excited.”

PROFESSIONAL WORKING PARTNERSHIP

She said that their onscreen team-ups are played strictly by the book. “You see, when we work, hindi kami parang husband and wife,” LT revealed. “We treat each other as co-workers, as co-actors. There is no feeling of awkwardness when I act with him in a scene. We cannot afford to be ill at ease because the chemistry will suffer.”

She admitted, though, that familiarity has its rewards. “We’ve been together for the past 23 years so working with him is always a breeze.”

In Linlang, Lorna portrays Lorena, a rich widow and former girlfriend of Arman (Rudy), who has a a May-December relationship with Paolo (Polo Ravales). Lorena’s life path is strikingly similar with that of Divina (Diana Zubiri), who becomes the vessel which Lorena’s soul eventually inhabits. Divina then becomes instrumental in unraveling the many layers of deceit brought on by the other characters played by Alessandra de Rossi, Chynna Ortaleza and Dion Ignacio. Later, Rudy’s character finds out the chilling truth about the person Lorna portrays.

‘NOT EASY GETTING PROJECTS THESE DAYS’

While Lorna said she found the project’s heavy drama and the elements of “magic realism” fascinating, she was candid enough to admit that “it is not very easy to get a project these days.”

She explained, “When you get an offer, it only means that the production needs you. They also know that they offer something new and the reason they are getting you is that they are confident you can give justice to the part. In Linlang, I think they know that para talaga kay LT ito.”

During the conversation, Lorna reminisced about the days she was tagged the Pictorial Queen but caught herself. “Ibigay na natin sa mga bata ang title na yan,” she said. “Magagalit si Tita Gloria (Romero). Sabi niya we should be acting our age. I enjoy working with a young cast, lalo na si Alex. Type na type ko ang pagmamaldita niya. Although mataray ako nun pero feeling ko, I’m not as taray as Alex.”

Lorna is one of the very few actresses who have worked with film masters like Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, and Laurice Guillen. But rues that she still has to work with National Artist Eddie Romero. “Siya na lang yata sa mga masters ang di ko pa nakakatrabaho. I was supposed to work with him in a digital film kaya nga lang, my babe got sick.”

HOW DABOY STAYS IN SHAPE

Her “babe,” looking fully recovered, confessed, “Babawi ako ngayon. Trabaho nang trabaho.” After Linlang, Rudy will play a pivotal role in the new tele-fantaserye series Atlantika.

While he found his dramatic role in Linlang “fun to do,” is he ready to return to action roles?

“Of course!” he said without missing a beat. Then, flexing his biceps, he joked, “Tignan mo nga, matigas pa.”

To keep in tip-top shape, Daboy has been exercising vigorously and has cut sweet and fatty foods from his diet.

As important, he visits Baclaran church every Tuesday night without fail to thank God for his new lease on life.

After risking it all and going through the fire together, Daboy and LT have happily and gracefully accepted the rare gift of a second chance.