Filipino hat maker Harvy Santos already lost count of how many hats he made for “Wicked,” but he can still clearly recall the joy he felt when he finally saw his creations on the big screen.
In Lyn Ching’s report on “24 Oras,” Thursday, the senior milliner for the Hollywood musical film said that he first saw the movie in a private screening for his team.
“It was insane. We were there. We were crying, not just of the story but sheer [pride], ’cause it’s like having a baby. It’s like, ‘Uy, akin ‘yan. Uy ‘di ba sa ‘yo ‘yon?’ We were nudging each other, and it’s so humbling. We feel really, really proud,” he said.
Harvy originated from Cavite and has made a name for himself in Europe.
Among the guests who saw his hat exhibit some years back was no less than the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“That was a very special moment. She has this great command of the room. She’s got a very good sense of humor, she even made a joke. I was telling her I used to be a ballet dancer and she replied, ‘That must have been a leap!'” Harvy said.
Some of the Filipino materials Harvy uses for his creations in London are sinamay, buntal, and more.
“And I still have yet to make the perfect salakot for Ascot,” he said. “We need to update the salakot, right?”
“Wicked” premiered in Philippine cinemas in November.
It starred Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo and was directed by Jon Chu.
—Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News
