MANILA, Philippines — JUST A THOUGHT: A kiss makes the heart young again and wipes out the years. – Rupert Brooke

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‘FEEL BEAUTIFUL!’: Such is the mantra traditionally shouted ahead of “Action!” before the clapper board signals a take on an Elwood Perez movie set.

Multi-media celebrities, from Gabby Concepcion to Ruffa Gutierrez to Kris Aquino, who were launched in Regal films, and phenomenal box office queens, from Amalia Fuentes to Nora Aunor to Vilma Santos, who had the privilege to work with the legendary, trendsetting director benefitted much from this mantra.

All this talk about feeling beautiful under pressure and in front of an unforgiving camera came to fore in a memory-filled but light-hearted evening Feb. 4 as Elwood celebrated his 67th birth anniversary at the penthouse of Imperial Palace and Suites in Quezon City. The party was hosted by Lily Monteverde, Elwood’s long-time friend and producer.

Movie queen Amalia Fuentes, one of Elwood’s closest friends, led a line-up of celebrity roasters and greeters who engaged guests in a laugh-filled evening of recollections. Amalia and Bibeth Orteza, who co-wrote some of Elwood’s films in the 1980s, delivered impromptu speeches that were smart, witty, and also humorously clever.

Amalia, who produced and starred in several of the director’s movies, said Elwood had nothing more to prove in the movie industry considering his track record and body of work.

A few days before his birthday celebration, Elwood, known for his forever-young attitude and verve, signed a management contract with Vic del Rosario’s Viva Entertainment. He is poised to make an auspicious directorial comeback soon.

Del Rosario said he felt a certain vibe that 2012 will be a good year to bring back the Elwood Perez magic on screen. Elwood is known for having directed many of the movie industry’s biggest hits, among them “Mahal Mo, Mahal Ko” (Nora-Tirso-Christopher), “Paraisong Parisukat” (Alma-Christopher), “Pakawalan Mo Ako” (Vilma-Christopher).

A few of the movies he directed have resurfaced as inspiration behind TV remakes of “Reputasyon” and “Magkaribal.” Another film, “Problem Child,” is said to re-launch Andi Eigenmann.

Some of Elwood’s well-wishers included Solar top man Wilson Tieng, Marichu Maceda, Sheryl Cruz, Ana Bautista, Cinema One head Ronald Arguelles, Joe Carreon, Joel Lamangan, Gil Portes, Ronald Constantino, Isah Red, Iskho Lopez, Claude Tayag.

(nescuar@yahoo.com)