Trivia:
The much ballyhooed wedding of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera brings to my mind the sad truth of the past. That many of the high profile marriages of showbiz couples ended up in separation. To begin with, in the ‘50s, Movie Queen Gloria Romero tied the knots with actor Juancho Gutierrez. In fact, their wedding photo landed in the front page of the top newspaper then Manila Times.
Sadly, years later the duo broke up. But the one of a kind Gloria forgave and accepted back a bed-ridden Juancho. Gloria took care of him up to his demise, much to the admiration of the people around her, so with her countless followers.
Other showbiz couples who parted ways were the deceased Rita Gomez-Ric Rodrigo, Alicia Vergel-Cesar Ramirez, Lolita Rodriguez-Eddie Arenas, the late Jose Padilla Jr.-Arsenia Francisco, Mila Ocampo-Von Serna, the deceased Tessie Quintana-Johnny Reyes, Bernard Bonnin-Elvie Gonzales, Luz Valdez-Robert Campos, Rosemarie Sonora and the late Ricky Belmonte.
Of course, the most popular then were Amalia Fuentes and Romeo Vasquez whose Hong Kong wedding was much publicized too which awed thousands of their fanatic fans. Eventually, the stress and strain of marriage, personal problems engulfed Amalia and Romeo that led to splitsville.
The ‘70s, early ‘80s had prominently publicized the wedding and estranged path of the famous stars Sharon Cuneta-Gabby Concepcion, Nora Aunor-Christopher de Leon, Vilma Santos-Edu Manzano, Gina Alajar-Michael de Mesa, Vic Sotto-Dina Bonnevie and Joey de leon-Daria Ramirez.
Exceptional cases, however, came to the fore topped by the box office stars of the ‘40s and the early ‘50s Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. For many decades their togetherness was intact, blissful. Only death did part them. So with Movie Queen and Movie King Susan Roces-Fernando Poe Jr. who got married in the ‘60s. The duo’s happy years ceased due to the untimely demise of FPJ in 2004.
Three more well known couples in the ‘60s who have exemplified lasting marriages to this date are the still visible couple Helen Gambia-actor-TV host turned politician Sen. Tito Sotto, the active award winning stars Barbara Perez-Robert Arevalo, the U.S. based Eddie Mesa-Rosemarie Gil and Jean Lopez-Romano Castelvi tandem who have migrated to Canada since the ‘70s.
It’s anybody’s guess now what lies ahead of Dingdong and Marian’s marital life. What fate beckons in the offing all depends on the smooth sailing of their relationships. Hopefully, the path Dingdong and Marian trek will lead to the right, proper direction.
Robin Shows Gratitude to Nephew Daniel
In the first few days of showing of his Metro Manila Film Festival starrer Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo Robin Padilla expressed his big disappointment. It did not fare well at the box office. At that, Robin openly asked support from his nephew Daniel Padilla. The latter enacted a major role in the pic.
When the gross of the film went up, Robin knew that Daniel called his followers to watch it that made Robin grateful of Daniel, “thanks to the support of Daniel and of course I know too that after winning best picture of the film fest plus 9 other awards to Bonifacio, the moviegoers in general have been curious to watch it.” Robin snapped in an interview.
Come to think of it, seldom does a historical hero’s bio hit the celluloid strips. It’s about time that the Department of Education should enforce all the school heads to compulsory demand all the students to patronize a hero’s movie. As it is, unlike decades ago, students now have lack of profound knowledge on Filipino heroes.
Unexpected Blessings for Jennylyn Mercado
On the verge of tears, Jennylyn Mercado intimated to writer-chums she didn’t anticipate two blessings on Christmas time and the start of 2015, Firstly, Jen’s so happy for his son Jazz who spent a bonding moments with his dad Patrick Garcia who’s her ex. Jen shared that cheerful moment too with Patrick, his wife Nikka Martinez and their child. For quite a time, Jen communicates with Nikka amicably.
Secondly, Jen had been accorded the best actress trophy for her film fest entry “English Only Please”, among the nominees, I least expected to win dahil ang gagaling nila. So I couldn’t help but shed tears of joy upon hearing my name called as the winner.” Jen was quoted as saying.
With self aplomb, Jen’s conjecture will be more triumphs loom for her this 2015. Above all, she showcases her full trust in God. At press time, MMFF committee announced that English Only Please made it to the top four at the box office after winning the awards. The top grossers are Amazing Praybet Benjamin, Feng Sui 2 and My Big Bossing.
Kris Talks on Ai-Ai and Mayor Herbert
The much awaited reconciliation of ex-best friends Kris Aquino and Ai-Ai delas Alas finally occurred at the wedding day of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. Kris made the first move with these words. “I’ve a peace offering gift to you” as she hugged an elated Ai-Ai. Kris knew beforehand Ai-Ai would shed off their misunderstanding.
“In my mind, our genuine friendship remains despite a previous altercation. I can still feel we both care for one another.” Declared Kris in front of Gov. Vilma Santos who took shots of the duo’s embracing moment.
About the intriguing gossip that gives malice to the recent surprise visit of Mayor Herbert Bautista at Kris’s place, Kris pleaded detractors to treat it with trenchant. “Just like Ai-Ai, Herbert is a very dear chum through thick and thin. That’s why we’ve vowed to stay close up to the last days of our lives.”Kris remarked.
German Moreno Still in St. Luke’s Medical Center
Glad to hear that as of this writing German Moreno is now in a safe condition. He suffered a stroke last Jan. 2 but according to his son Federico he’s out of danger albeit he’s still at the Acute Stroke Care Unit of the St. Luke’s Medical Center. Federico reported that German’s right leg and arm have difficulties to move and bit slurry on his speech.
“I’m so thankful to my dad’s relatives, colleagues, buddies and his countless followers who have visited him plus those who indefatigably pray for his early recovery.” Federico stated.
Current Tidbits: Did you know that the wedding cake of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera created a stir worldwide? Both the ABC’s Good Morning America and United Kingdom’s Mirror aired that it could be the biggest cake in the world and may dislodge the current holder of the Guinness Book of Records. Beforehand, Dingdong was declared in U.S. as one of the ten handsomest, sexiest actors in the world which stirred awareness on his nuptial date.
Sharon Cuneta remains tight-lipped whether she will run for Pasay City mayor or not come 2016. But her uncle in law Sen. Tito Sotto is vocal that he strongly convinces her to try politics. Tito pointed out that he was the one who pushed Sharon to enter showbiz then. In any case, KC Concepcion believes it’s still their entire family who’ll decide though she feels political life will be stressful to her mom that’s why she’s against it.
Did you know that Heart Evangelista reveals the unknown side of her bf Sen. Chiz Escudero? That he’s a sort of a tightwad. “Nakakatawa, sobra siyang matipid. Pero ok lang nakokontol niya ako sa paggastos ng wala sa lugar. In a way, I’ve learned from his thrifty ways.” Heart did hush-hush to my colleague. Heard that days from now the complete details of the duo’s marital plunge would be announced. Apparently, the wedding won’t be as lavished, extravagant compared to Dingdong-Marian exchanged vows.
With the confinement of German Moreno, friend-TV host Boy Abunda has words of concern for him. You see, last year Boy underwent medical treatment, hospitalized too for a time. “When I got sick I’ve rediscovered myself, to be truthful and careful. I do hope Kuya Germs heeds to my advice.” Boy declared.
Unlike Sharon, definitely Ai-Ai delas Alas is sure to forego her plan to run for mayor in Calatagan, Batangas, and her mother’s hometown. Perhaps one of the reasons seems her yen to finally migrate to U.S. to be with her two children there. At the moment, Ai-Ai acts as co-manager of her son Sancho who has joined showbiz, together with German Moreno. She has high hopes for Sancho who’s a talented musician with inherent prowess in acting.