Trivia:
The very essence of giving joy this Yuletide season with the dawning of Christmas day reverberates on the air. Did you know that even the ‘50s, the big three movie companies had made the cinemagoers truly in blithe via their special Christmas presentations?
To begin with, LVN Pictures introduced a novelty in its Christmas offering. At the period local films were always in black and white, it cropped out with the first Filipino movie in Eastman color titled Ikaw Kasi, a musical genre bannered by top love team Nida Blanca and Nestor de Villa shot in the tourist spot Villa Escudero at Tiaong, Quezon province.
The year after, another Nida-Nestor starrer delighted the public in Tignan Natin which was filmed amid the picturesque Mayon volcano in Bicol as background. The initial wide screen called siloscope, the version of cinemascope, was introduced by director-cameraman Manuel Silos.
Subsequently, LVN popped up with the first omnibus vehicle Casa Grande, a four episodes that was star-studded. The titles were Sa Pusod ng Dagat (Mario Montenegro-Emma Alegre), (Heredera (Armando Goyena-Tessie Quintana), Kapalaran (Delia Razon-Rosa Rosal) and Boarding House (Nida- Nestor).
Interestingly, Sampaguita Pictures opted to be different. During Christmas play dates, it presented films which were shot in entirety abroad. Initially, the pic was Hong Kong Holiday top billed by Gloria Romero and Luis Gonzales. Then Susan Roces and Eddie Gutierrez toplined Eddie Loves Susie that showed scenic places in the United States.
The teen stars of Sampaguita Pictures that time led by Rosemarie Sonora, Blanca Gomez, Loretta Marquez, Shirley Moreno, Dindo Fernando, Bert Leroy Jr., Edgar Salcedo and brothers Pepito and Ramil Rodriguez starred in Mga Batang Bakasyonista, with Japan as backdrop.
During the ‘50s Filipinos had been fully oriented to learn the heroes’ life stories.
At that, Premiere Productions decided to bring about historical stuffs. This was ignited by the huge success at the box office of Ang buy at Pag-ibig Ni Jose Rizal (Eddie del Mar).
The film bio of Gregorio del Pilar (Teody Belarmino) came next, followed by Andres Bonifacio (Teody Belarmino), (Diego Silang (Jose Padilla Jr.), Sisa (Anita Linda) and Gabriela Silang (Leila Morena).
Not to be upstaged, a new independent firm Lebran Productions produced Ang Pasilang ng Mesiyas (Norma Blancaflor as Virgin Mary and American actor Jenny Sturgeons as Jesus Christ.). Curiously, the baby Jesus was enacted by the infant then Tirso Cruz 111 who eventually became matinee idol of the ‘70s.
Kris Aquino Favors Jodi Sta. Maria
While Kris Aquino seems choosy on who would enact her son Bimby’s mom in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry All You Need is Pag-ibig, she easily favored Jodi Sta. Maria, the final choice of the producer. Truth to tell, for the first time Kris has allowed Bimby to shoot the movie sans her in tow.
“Aside the fact Jodi’s a good friend, she exemplifies a model mom to her kids. Bibby prodded me to be present at the set. But I told her to have a bonding time with Jodi.
In the process, mas mugging epekitibo sila SA scenes. And it pays off well as related to me by their co-stars.” Kris reasoned out to writer-chums.
The original plan of the producer was to pair Kris with Mayor Herbert Bautista. But Herbert backed out. Ian Veneracion replaced Herbert. Others in the cast are Kim Chiu, Xian Lim and Derek Ramsey. Kris accepted to banner another episode in the movie, opposite Derek.
Fitting Christmas Gifts to Celebs
It’s appropriate to the following stars this Christmas to receive gifts that will suit them best for betterment. At that, they’ll feel fully contented spiritually, emotionally and physically. If I were Santa Claus, I would hand them these gifts.
JM de Guzman: A good health for him. After JM lost TV and movie roles for his depression, bipolar problem and used of drugs, he needs full recovery through prayers, support of his love ones.
Senator Grace Poe: To qualify to run for president. With the decision of the COMELEC to disqualify her as presidential aspirant, hopefully the Courts will have the final say for Grace to run come election time 2016.After all, her countless supporters stand by her side, no matter what.
Elmo Magalona: Proper projects in store for him at the ABS-CBN.Since he left GMA-7 to sign a contract with ABS-CBN, critics have opined it’s a wrong move for Elmo, out of many big Kapamilya stars to compete with. Baka magaya lang sa sis niya Na Maxene Magalona whose career does not flourish at the ABS-CBN fold, with no major assignments up to this time, so they say.
Angel Locsin- Luis Manzano: A marriage contract befits the lovers. Both have expressed their marriage plan very soon, without backing out. As governor Vilma Santos has given her blessings to son Luis, so with Angel’s parents.
Kris Bernal: an acting award. Practically all the TV viewers of her drama series Little Nanay unanimously echo she stands out in the role of a retardate who becomes a young mom and a cinch for a best performer trophy. Even Kris’ co-star acting icon Nora Aunor shares the same opinion.
Dingdong Shines in Paris Climate Change Speech
A rare privilege tapped Dingdong Dantes, the country’s delegate as the Youth Commissioner of the National Youth Commission at the Paris Climate Change Meet held in France. His speech was well received by the audience that got plaudits from the netizens who watched the video in Instagram.
In part, Dingdong pointed out: “We are committed for working together towards climate action with one voice and one call. We are all here for our sons and daughters. I represent my one month old daughter Maria Letizia and the world. You’re here for the world and your children as I am. #now PH aims to raise the voices of the Filipino youth on a global lead.”
Ironic Star Awards Night Results
A colleague relayed what he witnessed during the Philippine Movie Press club Star Awards night for TV. Many winning categories were handed to ABS-CBN shows and stars. But it was ironic that the winner from GMA-7 Alden Richards (best drama actor for Ilustrado) who arrived with Maine Mendoza over shadowed all of those who graced the affair.
“When Aldub pair came late at the venue, pandemonium broke loose. The hysterical fans were uncontrollable as they pushed each other to have selfies with Alden and Maine. The program was momentarily halted to pacify the fanatics.” She recounted as she showed me the video of the incident.
Ah, now I know why many ABS-CBN stars have agreed that the instant fame of Aldub is considered a phenomenon.
In passing, this writer was one of the founding members of the Philippine Movie Press club in the ‘60s and an officer for many years.
Current Items:
Manny Pacquiao personally congratulated ex-child actor Buboy Villar who won the best actor trophy at the recent Guam International Film Festival for Kid Kulafu, Manny’s film bio on his teen years. Reports have it that Manny has offered Buboy assistance if ever he would join the youth boxing tilt.
Rachelle Ann Go brought honors anew in the Philippines when she got the best performance award for Les Miserables at the Broadway World United Kingdom Awards held in London. Previously, Rachelle won the best featured actress as Gigi in Miss Saigon. For sure, her mentor lea Salonga’s joy personified.
Sheryl Cruz admits with candor that for the first time she won’t spend Christmas with her aunt Susan Roces whom she treats as second mom. Sheryl keeps mum on why but not a few are credulous that it’s because of her differences with Senator Grace Poe. Plus the radio interview of Sheryl’s Girl Friday Doray who maligned Susan on the air.
After a Pinay bagged the Ms. Globe 2015 title in Canada, it’s duplicated by Philippine bet Angela Ong, the new Ms. Earth 2015 winner held in Vienna, Austria. One thing more, in the Euro Pop singing tilt in Germany a Filipino teen warbler was declared champ. This year showcases that whether in beauty, sing and dance competitions our kababayans have taken the top spots .Congrats… ****