I’m back in Toronto where the sun rises as the moon shines in Manila. I still miss the luxury of watching a sunset through a partly opened window by the bay and it almost became a habit to just sit at the nearby Penn most early or late evenings.
Yes, back to reality, mired once more into the slushy snow of the season. Home after a holiday of unreal pageantry (as the Hot Dog sings, Kung ito ay isang panaginip, ayoko ng magising!) with lots of stories to tell of subjects no longer on zoom but up close.
So the headlines scream: TVJ (Tito, Vic and Joey) out of our small screen after – ah, 43 yrs?! Rebranding of Eat Bulaga amidst rumor of the new Jalosjos take over as opposed to the stalwart Tony Tuviera who retired and is no longer at the helm? Translation: Tito, Vic and Joey out na daw??? And maybe Willie Revillame’s participation (fake news daw according to an insider) with other mainstays like Maine, Jose Manalo, Allan K., Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballestero. The younger Jalosjos reportedly plans to kick out Tuviera and TVJ out of the show.
This crisp talk happened after a few days of dining (and on-the-record as well as off-the-record chats) with no less than one of EAT B’s original creator TITO SEN (former senator Tito Sotto who lorded it once as the Senate President)…I can’t forget that some-enchanted-evening of fun and splendor at the home of Tito and Helen Gamboa-Sotto2 days before my departure.
Helen and I were trying to convince Tito Sen to put out a one-time concert, something like saying hello to the 60s, reliving the era of Tilt down Men (Tito’s rock band then when they were called the Dave Clark of the Philippines) and VST (Awiitin mo at isasayaw ko).
Helen: He doesn’t seem interested at all, sabi ko why not? We’ve been receiving a lot of requests.
BK: And you Helen should participate as the Disco Queen
Helen laughed, “Puede” and I saw a gleam in Tito’s eyes.
Tito: I am not saying no naman. Let us see.
Helen: Actually, RJ (Ramon Jacinto) has also pitched in the same suggestion.
Tito: If we will do it, it takes a lot of preparations.
BK: That will be a hit, let’s do it at MOA.
Tito: Teka, I might be flying to Toronto ha,
And so our gabfest shifted to his new show on Net25, Reality Check. Net25 is eager to bring here to Toronto a part of Tito’s new tv show. And another hushed whisper: Net25 is offering a new noontime tv show to TVJ? Ooops, ABANGAN!
And what else did we get to talk about?
Grateful to this couple who moved heaven and earth to get in touch with me (In Pinas, you need a legitimate connect to be accessible, I purchased a popular portable Wi-Fi but you need to constantly charge, etc.)…Helen “caught” me 48 hours before boarding time.
When she finally reached me, she said: “You are not allowed to leave without seeing me!” A line that spoke of love, sincerity, and friendship to me. I had to politely leave another party to be with Helen (but of course).
It was mixed pathos and mirth as I doorbelled at their new digs. The lit up sprawling garden near an inviting deep blue swim pool was somewhat similar to their White Plains location 5 years ago when I last visited, though this new area smells of fruity/flowery scent with added privacy devoid of traffic sounds.
I was still in a captive trance when Helen appeared. Both of us were instantly locked tight, reminiscent of our glorious past. I was always on the set of Helen starrers then, in awe of her dancing shoes as she shimmied and boogaloo. I could lip sync her ballads at an era where Petula Clark requested, “Don’t sleep on the subway darling” and brought us to “Downtown – When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, You can always go…When you’ve got worries all the noise and the hurry seems to help I know…”
Then the hushed silence. ATE SUE (Susan Roces) hour. You saw HELEN cry at the broadcast of Ate Sue’s wake last May.
Helen and I didn’t stop trading the best moments we shared with Ate Sue. The tearing up. We kept pulling out tissues from an open Kleenex box. The remember when episodes. As Barbra S croons, “Memories, may be beautiful and yet, what’s too painful to remember, wee simply choose to forget, so it’s the laughter, we will remember, whenever we remember, the way we were…”
We also talked about the other bffs who have left us – Manay Ichu (Marichu Vera Perez-Maceda) and Ricky Lo.
Came the authentic Jap dinner – how did Helen recall that I so love sukiyaki? ’Twas at this point when Tito Sen arrived and joined us.
Helen: Promise me you will come back soon, asap.
Tito: You should be here often.
Our next chat was more detailed and personal but will not see print.
AFTER MMK, Meet Charo as Tindeng
This year truly marks the first massive arrival of balikbayans after 5 long years. A few hours after I landed, I started hearing similar stories of celebs about pandemic issues. Almost a collective confession that their lives were on hold, a big economic plunge – the uncertainty of their career in pause. But not anymore – concerts, films, teleseryes are now on the upswing.
Still, some MMK followers of Charo are still asking the popular question – why MMK has ended. Will we see it revived on another signal outside of ABS?
But listen, CHARO is back on different platforms now as TINDENG, the Batang Quiapo vendor and fortune teller. She’s the grandma and self-appointed protector of Tanggol (Coco Martin). We’re fortunate to have been there on the set and witnessed the highlights of a dramatic episode. Coco, who also directs, showed how a scene could be done effectively without a written script!
“I have good actors, there’s no need to show them the ABCs of things – they know what the scene is all about, they are focused and as expected, they deliver with soaring marks,” Coco told us as we watched him at work.
We were so impressed that day when we surprised them with a visit. A moving tearjerker as Tindeng hugged and sympathized with Tanggol after he was beaten…Everyone on the set thunderously applauded, Take One!
Prior to this, we witnessed the launching of BQ at ABS studios plus their Mediacom. We went through the required antigen procedure.
Now, BQ is supremely leading the pack in the survey, it is No. 1!!! Imagine, 79 ads on its first airing pa lang.
Is it going to be better than Probinsyano?
Ah, hear the Manila buzz: Wives are now happier because their husbands are home earlier than usual, waiting for every punch of Tanggol as his foes get in the way.
Congratulations Batang Q! Congratulations to the entire staff, cast and crew.
To Charo – we are so happy for your grand teleserye comeback as an actress. Coco, you’ve done it again.
And pahabol to BQ: Kathniel (Kathryn and Daniel) will participate, and hey listen – VILMA S will do a special participation! WOW!!!! Palakpakan naman dyan.
Moira Sold-Out
We were in Manila (last Feb) when Moira’s Pre-Valentine concert hit big at Araneta coliseum. The dome had to open more row of seats for the show to answer the demands of fanatics who seem to belong to the not older than 45 group.
I’d say good timing and planning for our local producers here (Marky Hugh Productions, Vibe Events of Jannie Benico and Elaine Virola – owners of Republika Restobar and Grill, co producers I Am Worldwide, Nette’s Delicacies, Lucky 13 and DTR Transport) for choosing MOIRA to perform here back to back concerts (March 17 at 421 Bently St, Unit 8 Markham On L3R 0H7 and 18 at Global Kingdom Ministries, 1250 Markham road, Scarborough) which we understand are now sold out. Amazing!
Moira Dela Torre was also named one of the Philippines’ top five most-streamed local artists in the 2023 Spotify Wrapped. Is MOIRA now a bigger attraction than Sarah G? Moira also released a live performance series on YouTube in October with some of her most notable tracks, including ‘Dito Ka Lang,’ ‘Kumpas | Rewritten,’ and ‘Babalik Sa’yo.’
The singer first teased a world tour at the end of the performance videos. Eight of the 12 tracks on her sophomore album ‘Patawad’ were co-written with her estranged husband, Jason Hernandez. The pair split earlier this year following Hernandez announcing that he had cheated on Dela Torre during their relationship. The break-up, it seems, has helped MOIRA grab the current title of concert queen. As media influencers and vloggers indicate, Moira is a multi-platinum, award winning Filipina singer-songwriter best loved for her story- telling through music.
Spotlight on Maribeth
Maribeth’s name is synonymous to Vilma Santos – why not? They had worked together for years, Betchay (as we fondly call Maribeth) was behind Vilma’s dancing shoes. A gifted choreographer, she orchestrated the beat, style, and dancing mannerisms of big celebs on stage. Needless to say, Maribeth is also an unsung hero. Wait, Maribeth is also known for her screen performances – a list that includes Jologs (2002), Darating ang umaga (2003) and Action Force (1977), TODAS, iskul bukol among others.
Now, she gets this special award, and we are so proud of her. She was just honored at the 41st People’s Choice Excellence 2023 as a Lifetime Achievement Awardee for Best performing Dance Group (VIP dancers). Congratulations!
“It is so inspiring, and my heart is full,” in tears, Maribeth reacted.
I remember the famous line of Michelle Yeoh, the current Oscar’s Best Actress “And ladies, don’t let anyone tell you that you are past your prime.” Maribeth may not be in her 30s anymore, but I tell you – she’s still tops with her terpsichorean prowess. Encore!!!
ConGen’s Next Post
Hard work is part of Consul General Orontes Castro’s DNA. Now that he is slated to move to another location after his journey here in Canada, Congen has been besieged by farewell parties, get-togethers, and tributes from the countless organizations he has unselfishly supported.
“I am so overwhelmed by all the love and thoughtfulness of each and everyone, so grateful,” he said at the recent dinner hosted by PIDC at Kabalen.
I remember when I first met him in September of 2019. I noticed this towering figure neatly dressed – but there’s like 2 suitcases behind him…He had just arrived from the airport – and directed to this event minutes later at his first appearance as the newly-designated Consul General?
It was the signing of an MOU with the FIT (Film Institute of Toronto in 2020 before the pandemic) hosted by then Trade executive Nini Alvero. Liza Dino was in town to represent the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) which she chaired (now it is Tirso Cruz III at the helm).
Thanks Congen for your time, love and support. You will be missed!!!!
SHORTS:
After the successful concert of Pip, Edgar and Christopher with Lovie Poe at Newport Resort World, one of the bigger venues in Cebu City has signed them up for the same show soon. “Interested ako sa offer ng Canada, I’d love to visit Toronto,” Edgar M said.
Attended the Universal Peace Federation’s Vision Seminar a few days ago. UPF is a global network of Peace Builders with activities in multiple sectors. UPF is currently active in over 100 countries as well as in major cities in Canada including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. Dr. Moonshik Kim is Chairman of UPF Canada. The speakers were led by Dr. R. Thillarajan (UPF Interfaith activities), Dr. Franco Famularo, Robert Duffy and David Stewart. Our very own Ryan Orlanda rendered a special song number. Our thanks to Ryan Abenir, UPF coordinator.
While having dinner with Ricky Davao at Manila Pen, he told us about the possibility of filming the Nora Aunor Story.
“I am inspired to do this, but I know that a lot of other producers are highly interested,” Ricky added.
Has Nora allowed Ricky to do this?
“We’re still talking,” he confessed.
This May, LA AUNOR is turning 70. I asked Guy what her bday wishes are.
“Peace of Mind, happiness…Yun lang naman,” she simply confessed.
We had a good private conversation when we got reunited on the set of Boy Abunda’s program.
“Hmmm…lahat naman ng sinabi ko, tutoo” he referred to the interview, “Ikaw, Ate Babes, sinabi ko ba ang tutoo?” she asked me.
My response? Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.
See you again after 2 weeks