Trivia:
Having constant communication with actress-director Beverly Vergel, this writer can’t help but recount anew her family background. It’s worth to say a phenomenal Vergel clan in showbiz. Her late mom Alicia Vergel was considered the most versatile actress of her generatton. She excelled be in drama, comedy or action as well. That time, for her looks she was dubbed Yvonne de Carlo (Hollywood star) of the Philippines.
Alicia garnered accolades in dramatic flicks MN with Carmen Rosales, Basahang Ginto yet gained recognition also as comedy star in Basagulera, Iskandalosa, etc. But awed the public as well as an action star in Huling Patak ng Dugo and a jungle girl in Diwani. Despite her accident in falling from a tree, this did not hamper her desire to enact rough and tumble roles.
Truth to tell, Alicia’s toughness triggered an American producer to choose her the female lead star in The Day of the Trumpet, the first local actress to do so in a foreign flick. It was about the Fil-American war where Alicia displayed her prowess in horse back riding and fencing. Her leading man was the famous Hollywood actor John Agar, one time husband of top actress then Shirley Temple.
Prior to her demise, Alicia ventured as a movie producer via Ace York Productions, taken from her son’s name by her hubby actor Cesar Ramirez. Then Alicia was voted Barangay chairman in the Santo Domingo vicinity in Quezon City. The constituents there were amazed with her valor to confront trouble makers and criminals alone, her trademark.
About Cesar, he was a Mr. Philippines title holder and gym enthusiast before he starred in his fist movie Bernardo Carpio, the legendary folk hero. Cesar bannered action and dramatic films, in some of the stuffs opposite Alicia. The duo ended up in marriage, sired Ace York and Beverly.
I met Cesar several times through colleague Ross Celino Jr., his pal. This writer couldn’t forget his statement on Alicia. “Yes, in every inch she’s a very brave person outwardly. Deep inside, however,she’s a soft, loving woman that I truly treasure. Grabe siyang mag-alaga, magmahal sa pamilya.”
In his pre-teen years, Ace York was a child performer, topped by his appearance in the Fernando Poe Jr. starrer Anak ng Bulkan. As a grown up he became famous as action star Ace Vergel, with blockbuster solo starrers. In any case, Ace’s versatility in drama came to the fore in the Lino Brocka pic Inay. Lino won the best director award, with Alicia and Ace garnering several recognitions for splendid acting in the award giving bodies.
Later, Ace got involved in controversies off screen which sort of damaged his image. However, to those who fully know him personally, including this writer, before his untimely death, he had sustained an inherent good nature and always supportive to the needy ones and in a way left a legacy.
Sad to say, in their demise Alicia and Cesar missed the opportunity to witness the success of daughter Beverly in showbiz. From a cum laude graduate in Siena College, Beverly turned leading lady of top actors Fernando Poe Jr,, Rudy Fernandez, Lito Lapid and comedy king Dolphy and lead actress in the ABS-CBN drama series. She was the mentor of tyros under the Kapamilya network, including her daughter Paula named Tracy Vergel, a promising actress before she left for Canada.
In Canada, Beverly turned helmer after she took course in direction, bagged the best director awards in the first pic she helmed Living Instead in Spain, U.S. and Canada indie international film fests, At this writing, Beverly is about to start her second directorial assignment.
Positive Outlook for John Lloyd Cruz this 2018
Despite his much ballyhooed controversies last year, including the trouble inside a bar which went viral and his alleged impregnating Ellen Adarna, John Lloyd Cruz appears jaunty these days. He admits he has positive outlook this 2018, sustains strength within him, not broken by his past brouhahas.
“One learns from mistakes. Hopefully, I’d be on the right path this year.” Lloydie was quoted to say. Nevertheless, he he’s mum on the real score on the pregnancy of Ellen and his final decision on his showbiz career, attributed by gossips he would quit showbiz.
Enrique, Liza Not on the Brink of Break up
Contrary to the fast spreading gossip, the lovers Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano are not on the brink of break up. In his Instagram, he elucidated how liege he is to Liza sans a sign of differences. The bottom line of Enrique’s messages on Liza at her recent birthday delves into his undying love for her.
Their ardent followers have been thrilled by his words. I’ll make you smile for the rest of my life.” Plus elated by the loving photos of the duo while on vacation in Europe during the holidays.
Career-wise, Enrique’s wish for Liza is for her to heighten her fame and acting acumen in her new title role of Darna, a revival of the local Wonder Woman.
Blind Item:
An insider reacted on the bumptious defense of a controversial actress to a younger actress who’s being bashed around. They have accused the latter of seducing a male personality who’s married to a popular star. The affair allegedly transpired while the duo made a movie together.
“It’s expected for the accused actress is very close to her since way back. At hanga sa personal life ng defender niya na sanay sa infidelity. Obviously, she imitates her.” My informant uttered jokingly.
Many, however, opine that the young actress belongs to the decent ones sans of immoral acts and not capable of misdeed. Besides, they echo that the guy involved in the innuendo happens to love his wife to the fullest. It’s just a balder-dash rumour.
Jennylyn Rejects Dennis’ proposal?
Right after Dennis Trillo didn’t negate that he plans a wedding proposal with girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado this 2018, a confidante of the duo avouched. “Sadly, Jen is still unsure if she’s ready to marry Dennis even if she truly loves him.”
The love affair of Jen and Dennis has been known publicly. Not a few admire Dennis for treating Jen’s child by her erstwhile lover as his own. If ever, she would make a right decision if she ties the marital knots with him.
Nida’s Birthday Remembered with Sadness
Last January 6, the family and loved ones of the late top actress Nida Blanca remembered her birthday still besieged with sadness. To this day after nearly two decades after she was murdered, the real culprit has not been caught. Ex- President Gloria Arroyo then who was an open admirer of Nida promised to give justice to her. But nothing occurred.
Obviously, the offender has the power, money and connection to elude the crime. Whatever, I recalled what Nida’s daughter Kaye Torres told me. “I leave it to God. The Lord has the way to punish whoever did it and justice will prevail.
In passing, this writer served as Nida’s publicist up to her demise which enhanced my deep attachment to her, not to mention the right deportment in PR job she injected to me.
Latest Tidbits:
Reportedly Erich Gonzales exudes glee with nary a sullen look since her split with actor Daniel Matsunaga. Could it be true she has found a new love? Allegedly, the non- showbiz guy often visited her during the filming of her starrer Surgiao. Take note, his family belongs to the top 20 richest in the Philippines. How would Daniel react if there’s truth to it?
Did you know that if showbiz world had not beckoned her Sharon Cuneta could have been a dermatologist? Yes, from pre-teen years she had passion for skin care and as a youngster, she advised others on how to handle their complexion properly. Not surprising that on her recent birthday, Sharon loves the skin care products gifted to her.
Does a male celebrity aware of the latest rant about him? Talks are brewing that he ordered someone to buy tickets from theaters all over where his starrer is showing to be distributed for free. That he spent huge amount to boost the gross at the box office of his film to maintain a top money maker image. Well, it could be true or perhaps a person who abhors him created the said story to destroy his reputation.