Former national swimmer and ASEAN Games medalist, Enchong Dee an ABS-CBN actor breaks his silence on being inactive for almost two years. In an interview, Enchong divulged to my colleague that he purposely opted to shy away from the limelight for personal reasons.
“Yes, not a few young stars have eclipsed my fame under the Kapamilya network. But I’m happy for them, no bitterness in me, now I’m ready again to revitalize my showbiz career, be it on TV or movies.” Enchong confided to my informant.
An enthused Enchong is grateful to Regal Films bigwig Lily Monteverde for his screen comeback in I Love You to Death which unites him with the fast rising comedy actress Kiray Celis. Based on the reaction of those who have viewed its trailer, they have echoed there’s comically kilig factor in Enchong-Kiray tandem that chances are big the flick will attract moviegoers. Of course, this boosts up the self-aplomb of Enchong.
A pure Bicolano, during his student days, Enchong was a full scholar of the late husband of vice president elect Leni Robredo. Enchong was among her ardent supporters during the recent election, proud that she emerged triumphant.
Trivia:
When the big three movie companies LVN, Sampaguita and Premiere Productions ceased to produce local movies in the late ‘60s, several film outfits turned active. The first one was Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, owned by the late Atty. Espiridion Laxa who was long time president of the movie producers group PMPPA. His films often bannered top stars the deceased Fernando Poe Jr., Joseph Estrada and the reteaming of famous love team Amalia Fuentes-Romeo Vasquez in Ako’y Iyong-Iyo.
Lea Productions followed, with its boss the late Emila Blas opted to launched tyros, led by accomplished actress Hilda Koronel, actors Jay Ilagan, Ed Finlan and for its anniversary presentations got box office stars Susan Roces (Bayan Ko, Lumaban Ka) and Amalia Fuentes (Aloha) which held premiere night at the same time in Cinerama theater.
The said event created uproar, brought by the unruly chaos done by the diehard Susan and Amalia fanatics who fought inside the cinema. The aftermath resulted for the paying of the damages within the theater by the producer Mrs. Blas who was unaware such fiasco would transpire that attested to the rivalry of Susan and Amalia as movie queen.
Next in line was Lily Monterverde’s Regal Films which to this day remains active as producer. Called mother Lily, she was famous for the use of ‘magic kamison’ on screen, used by sexy stars in their daring starrers. Among them were young actresses that time Dina Bonnevie, Snooky Serna, Cherrie Gil and Gretchen Barretto.
Regal firm made the love team of Albert Martinez-Snooky, Maricel Soriano-William Martinez, Gabby Concepcion-Gretchen achieved greater heights. In fairness, Mother Lily had came out too with award winning projects, recognized by the FAMAS and Gawad Urian bodies.
The Robbie Tan’s Seiko Films hugged the spotlight with new stars in bold headliners. These included Rita Avila,Kristine Prieto, Stella Strada, Claudia Zobel, the so-called soft drink beauties Pepsi Paloma, Coca Nicholas. The teen pair of Sheryl Cruz-Romnick Sarmenta got lead roles also via Seiko Films. So with actors Cesar Montano, Gardo Versoza, Robin Padilla whose first lead roles were handed by Robbie.
Of course, several celebrities turned movie bigwigs also. The original one in the ‘60s was the late versatile actress Alicia Vergel who formed Ace York Productions named after her son by Cesar Ramirez Ace Vergel, later became action star prior to his demise. Alicia’s daughter Beverly Vergel used to appear in the movies, mentor of aspiring talents under of ABS-CBN before she enplaned to Canada where she’s successful in her field behind the cameras.
Joseph Estrada’s JE, Fernando Poe Jr.’s FPJ, Amalia Fuentes’ AM and Susan Roces’ Rosas outfits paved in almost at the same time. All of them had blockbuster offerings. Joseph’s sibling Jesse Ejercito took over upon Erap’s entrance to politics with Crown Seven outfit that built up in adult sexy roles the likes of Lorna Tolentino, Beth Bautista, Amy Austria and Janet Bordon,
When Amalia opted to quit, her nephew child Wonder Nino Muhlach shone via his D’ Wonder Films thru the assistance of his dad Alex and uncle Cheng Muhlach. And in passing, a few actors for a while produced vehicles were the late Jun Aristorenas (Junar). Rudy Fernandez and Philip Salvador.
Last but not the least, just like Regal Films from the ‘70s up to now Viva Films’ Vic del Rosario has remained active producing movies, TV programs. He’s consistent builder of eventual big stars, with no less than his first discovery megastar Sharon Cuneta and the latest is Sarah Geronimo.
A Rift Taps James and Nadine?
Hardly had the news that Nadine Lustre has been voted number one sexiest woman in the country in the poll conducted by FHM magazine, comes the wishy-washy allegation that James Reid and Nadine have a rift. It’s based on his reaction at his Instagram, seemingly showing displeasure.
Instantly, Nadine begged their followers not to take it against James. In a chat with James, she explained that his message was a mere joke, no offend intended. In the first place, James knows for a fact that his girlfriend epitomizes sexiness to the hilt.
To prove it wrong, Nadine and James displayed lovey-dovey actuations during their signing of autographs at the launching of their book about on true to love romance. Reports have it, the crowds jam packed the venue.
Angel Showcases First Love Never Dies
In her recent Instagram photo, Angel Locsin posted her birthday greeting to her late first lover Miko Sotto (Vic and Sen. Tito Sotto’s nephew). To recount, Miko died at the accident on Dec. 29, 2003 at the height of the duo’s blooming togetherness. In all the ten years he passed away, Angel has never missed to visit his grave on special occasions, particularly on his birthday, death anniversary.
As Angel’s chums describe in words. “Angel manifest that indeed first love never dies and we surmise even if she ties the marital knots someday her memories of Miko won’t be erased. Well, at this point, Angel has moved on from her break up with Luis Manzano, yet remains loveless.
Indie Movie Hugs Spotlight Worldwide
From the honor bestowed on the Indie film Hamog (Haze) at the New York International in which its lead star Teri Malvar was chosen Most Outstanding Rising Asian Star, the recent Shanghai World Film Festival handed the film the Outstanding Achievement award where Teri and its director Ralston Jover accepted the trophy.
At this writing, Hamog has been selected one of the finalists at the Moscow International Film Festival in Russia. Reportedly, it’s of the strong contender not only for best picture but for acting accolades.
Current Tidbits:
Both Jodi Sta. Maria and Cavite vice governor Jolo Revilla have confirmed their break up after several years of transparent romantic affair. However, neither of the duo expounded what led to their parting of ways but admit a sustained friendship still exists. A bitchy scribe claimed that it’s due to a third party. If it’s true who allegedly cheated, Jolo or Jodi?
If juxtapose with her career-wise, Anne Curtis feels contented that her sister Jasmine Curtis Smith who’s with TV-5 inches her way to reach higher level. Not only Jasmine has been chosen to co-star with the social media phenomenon Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza in the film Imagine You and Me, she plays major role in the next starrer of Congresswoman elect Vilma Santos. Anne’s so proud of Jasmine.
Just hope this report relayed by my colleague could be true. The much ballyhooed altercation of siblings Gretchen and Claudine Barretto, more magnified by their exchanged of tirades at their Instagram for quite a time have finally ended. Reportedly, it’s an aftermath of Claudine’s being hospitalized out of a serious blood condition. Reportedly, Gretchen visited her for a reconciliatory act. Ah, blood is indeed thicker than water, no matter what.
Another feather to his cap beckoned Alden Richards on the launching of his book about his unknown and personal life since he’s a kid. Heard that countless fans jostled each other to buy it, to be signed by Alden who graced it. My source didn’t divulge if his past love escapades have been injected in the book.