User:Jvillarente/sandbox

Credit to the original author, Mr. Danny Dolor of The Philippine Star dated April 12, 1998.

"Identical twins Pepe and Maning Villarente shared a love for music, both studying piano under Prof. Tomas dela Rosa of the University of the Philippines.

They studied at San Beda College, Pepe and Maning held their recital together and teamed up in piano concerts on stage and radio.

Maning recalled that his twin brother Pepe became popular on radio in the '50s, hosting Record Your Own Voice on DZBB. Keyboard Artistry (with Leila Benitez as announcer) on DZPI, and accompanied on the piano great singers like Conching Rosal, Sylvia La Torre, Pepe Pimentel, Letty Liboon, Carmen Soriano, Fides Asencio and Pilita Corales.

Pepe was the first pianist of Tawag ng Tanghalan and was the musical director of DZPI Melody Club of the Air, Mahiwaganag Kahon ng Colgate and The Women's Club of the Air. He was dubbed "Carmen Cavallero of the Philippines."

At the height of his career, Pepe Villarente died of leukemia in 1956 at the age of 27. He was married to Marion Lord.

Maning was devastated. He flew to United States where he performed in several establishments, especially the Red Oak Bar and Restaurant in Philadelphia owned by Michael "Mike" Smilie of Walnut Investment Corp. After a few years, he returned to Manila and continued his musical career. He played the piano regularly at the Manila Hilton, Holiday Inn, Manila Pavillon, Manila Hotel. Maning also engaged in business (office and school supplies) and worked with an insurance company.

Maning Villarente still plays the pianos during Manila Rotary Club conferences and private parties. Maning lives in Sampaloc, Manila with his wife Ella and son John Paul."

Maning was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002 and was told by the doctors that he will only live for 5 years.

He died on October 30, 2009 at the age of 80.