Today’s generation will be surprised to know that Tondo in the Philippine movie industry has a vital yet little known side in its history. For several reasons, Tondo in Manila played significantly a part in the growth of the local cinema. To begin with, in 1917 the first movie company Malayan outfit was founded by Jose Nepumoceno, the Father of Philippine Movies.
The firm’s office was located in Tondo where Jose hailed. He was the grandfather of the long time world’s bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno. In some of the films Jose starred, together with the acknowledged Kundiman Queen then Atang dela Rama.
Did you know that the first cinema house Cinematografo was built also in Tondo, Azcarraga st. in front of the Tutuban Railway station? The street’s name has been changed later to Recto Avenue. Would you believe that aside from Tondo bred Jose and Atang, other celebrities lived in Tondo?
They were the popular figures Norma Blancaflor, Mila del Sol, Tony Santos, Mona Lisa, comedians Dolphy. Chichay, Canuplin and in the ‘50s Joseph Estrada and his love team Perla Bautista who represented Tondo in the Miss Manila Red Cross tilt. She emerged the first runner up that earmarked her showbiz discovery.
No wonder, Erap and his best friend-actor the late Fernando Poe Jr. had flicks with Tondo in the title or plots focused in Tondo happenings. Among the stuffs were Tondo Boy, Hari ng Tondo, Sa Iyo ang Tondo Akin ang Cavite, Eseng ng Tondo, Batang Bangkusay, Dodong Tricycle, Batang Pritil, Markang Rehas and Patapon. All turned blockbusters which made residents of Tondo jaunty, proud as Tondoenos.
Eventually, Eraps’s sibling Jesse Ejercito who was the bigwig of Crown Seven Productions searched for a newcomer from Tondo to delineate the lead role in Tondo Girl. The winner Amy Austria stood high not only as a movie star but also a multi-awarded actress akin to Perla Bautista which put well the casuistry that Tondo a gift to the movie industry.
Years later, Amy and Perla co-starred in a dramatic opus Nang Bumuka ang Sampaguita. The duo romped off with acting awards in the mentioned movie which made residents in Tondo aglow with their accolades.
Beverly Vergel’s New Accomplishments
In due recognition, actress turned movie director Beverly Vergel scans more horizons since her initial directorial assignment Living Instead won awards in the world film fests. The TV sitcom BROmance which she megs has been aired recently. It banners Canadian, Filipino actors.
Beverly has just wrapped up the documentary film W’at Abowt Us, produced by Shelland House of Films. It’s about diverse point of view of women who share vulnerability, shame in various places. The
Settings vary with different cultural background. Those who have seen its rushes have agreed the documentary looms to gain another laurel for Beverly in word wide competitions.
No Hurt Feelings for Regine, GMA-7 Bosses
During the 6th anniversary of the TV cook show Sarap Diva, a teary-eyed host Regine Velasquez bid farewell to co-workers, bigwigs of GMA-7, especially Felipe Gozon and Gilbert Duaves. She uttered her transfer to ABS-CBN does not mean she’ll forget the care, opportunities given by them for she’s forever grateful.
At the social media accounts, the Kapuso network management expressed full understanding of Regine who for 20 years had been cooperative, not even skirmish moment occurred. Most of all, Regine will be happy to be reunited with her husband Ogie Alcasid under the same boob tube station. Well, the bottom line falls on the fact there’s no hurt feelings for Regine and GMA-7 bosses.
Nadine’s New Pic Turns Controversial
The twaddle about the new starrer of Nadine Lustre titled Ulan makes it controversial of late. Its director Irene Villamor reacted on some who rant Nadine is a Flop Queen. That out of the unexpected smash hit of Carlo Aquino’s movie Exes Baggage, he replaced Xian Lim as Nadine’s leading man.
In her comment, Irene pleaded bashers rather than throwing scoff they should spread love not hatred. In the case of Nadine, she seems unaffected, having been used being degraded, a part of a celebrity’s life. Meanwhile, sans bitterness, Xian wishes Carlo good luck to enact what was originally assigned to him.
Pinoy Actors Triumph in Asian Creative Awards
In the first Asian Academy Creative Awards to be held in Singapore’s Historic Capitol theatre in December 2018, Pinoy actors shine in their TV performances. The winners are Maja Salvador-best actress for Wild Flower, Miguel Tanfelix-best actor in Kambal Karibal, Michael V-best comedy performance for Pepito Manoloto.
Also to be honored are Gabby Eigenmman-best supporting actor (Contessa), Kyline Alcantara-best supporting actress (Kambal Karibal) and ABS-CBN, GMA-7 networks for winning in various categories. In passing Michael V garnered previous awards in U.S. and European TV film festivals as best comedy actor too.
Fil-Canadian Singers on the Rise
This writer can’t help compare Fil-Canadian singers Alyssa Grace Datu and Annie Lux for both are pretty and talented. Based in Toronto, Alyssa gained popularity in the Philippines when she emerged finalist in the singing tilt Teen Voice Philippines. Alyssa who’s dubbed the young jazz queen has performed with famous foreign warblers. Just recently, she bannered the successful Golden Voices concert in Toronto.
Unlike Alyssa whom I befriended through her mentor-adviser Beverly Vergel, I’ve not met Annie Lux in person. But her nurse-mom Teresa Banaga Ala from Calgary sent info on her. From a songwriter, Annie has prowess to belt ditties. On vacation in the Philippines, Viva Records got her, released her ditty Honey. Annie was a part of the New Stylistics show in U.S., and the concerts of Patti Austin and David Pomeranz in Canada.
Blind Item:
Albeit the macho actor and the lovely actress neither confirmed nor denied to wed soon, a source relayed this news. Allegedly, the two are indeed altar bound much more so their families have given the nod to marry. “I’ve a hint the lovers will tie the marital knots abroad early next year somewhere in Europe.” She averred.
Could it be the reason why both reportedly are hesitant to renew their contract offered by the TV network management?
Spicy Items:
With the constant working together of Alden Richards and Andrea Torres in the TV series Victor Magtanggol, she has been degraded by rumor mongers. Allegedly, She would seduce him again like she did in the past. Andrea countered with a grin that Alden as ever hands her care, understanding. But he has never courted her amid their strong closeness. No need for Alden-Maine Mendoza fanatics to be irked.
The negative criticism that Kim Chiu does not deserve the recent Star Awards for most outstanding single performance (Maalala mo Kaya) has no washy effect to her. She ignores it. What counts most for her she got two blessings before the year ends. Aside from the Star Awards plum, she’s handed a meaningful starrer One Great Love, chosen as one of the entries at the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Once again, Kris Aquino displays whip-hand of being frank on a query if she’s still interested to return to ABS-CBN network. Her simple reply: she’ll choose the ones who choose her too which means the feeling is mutual if one dislikes her already. If anything, she’s not the type who would force herself to be accepted.
A giggling Maine Mendoza reacted to the gossips linking her to Coco Martin and Arjo Atayde. Her attachment to Coco ignited during the filming of their starrer Jack em Popoy. The rumor on Arjo came out when the two were seen together in a cozy bar. Maine negated any romantic scenario saying both are nice to be with, supportive friend to her.
Veteran actress Aiko Melendez reacted to comment if she’s not a drug user, why does she undergo drug test yearly? Not a scurvy person, she’s just vocal about the rampant drug users among showbiz people. Aiko expounded by such test, she would prove she does not belong to the said group but refused to answer if she has drug dependent chums.
Erratum: In my Oct. 16 column, I wrongly wrote that Harlene Bautista is QC Mayor Herbert’s daughter who’s actually his sister. Sorry for my unintentional mistake.
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