Trivia:
The saying goes friends come and go yet the fact remains fate destined you to have long time chums. Even decades of not seeing each other would not lead to forget one another. This truth makes this writer to recall original showbiz friends, starting in the late ‘50s.
As a movie journalist tyro, one of my pals the deceased writer-pro Rudy dela Pena happened to handle the promo of action star Ramon Revilla Sr. Rudy tagged me along in going to Ramon’s place in Imus, Cavite that brought my eventual attachment to him and his children.
In fact, time came when Ramon contacted me to help invite media men. His teenage son Bong who was then a high school student in U.S. would enplane back to the Philippines. Ramon averred that Bong yearned for a break in showbiz. The said confab ushered in the chance to befriend Bong as he emerged one of the most popular action stars in the country.
During the time Ramon was elected senator, we had a chance meeting in an event. Then he congratulated me for being the new president of Movie Writers & Press Photographers Association of the Philippines (MOWPPAP). How touched I was with his words. “I offer myself to induct the officers to be held in my digs in Cavite. Bring your family. I want to meet your wife and kids.” Of course, my excited family witnessed the induction rites.
When Ramon’s serious ailment befell him, every now and then I dropped by his place oftentimes in the company of Bong. Amid the constant togetherness with Bong eventually led Bong to get me as his publicist in his political career, so with his wife Lani Mercado. Serving the couple was one of the significant highlights in my life prior to my migrating to Canada.
In every trip to the Philippines, Bong would always welcome me either in his digs in Bacoor, Cavite or his Senate office. This writer visited his bed-ridden dad, exchanging pleasantries with Bong’s other siblings.
At the height of Eddie Mesa’s fame as Elvis Presley of the Philippines, through our mutual friends, I became closer to him. Truth to tell, Eddie didn’t hide the fact he seldom graced affair far and wide. But he couldn’t say no to my invitation, attesting he treated me as a special pal.
That’s why upon Eddie’s return to the Philippines after long years in the U.S. with his wife Rosemarie Gil, children Cherrie, Michael and Mark, it was my turn to assist him in his showbiz comeback. To make it short, Eddie shone anew as a warbler and actor. His starrers with Susan Roces, then with Amalia Fuentes were box office hits.
However, Eddie and Rosemarie then opted to go back to U.S., leaving their kids who rose to popularity be it in TV or movies. The last time we saw each other was in Dec. 2004 at the wake and burial of his best pal Fernando Poe Jr. Eddie purposely enplaned back to be with FPJ for the last time. Yet we still communicate to this day via social media accounts.
Best Pinoy Films 2019
Those in the know and movie critics as well, consider the following movies among the best Filipino films 2019; Quezon’s Game, Mindanao, Miracle in Cell 7, Dead Kids (First Pinoy Netflix) and Hello, Love Goodbye. Raymond Bagatsing starrer as the late President Manuel Quezon was the most recognized abroad, with many awards in international film festivals.
In the case of Mindanao, its star Judy Ann Santos bagged best actress award not only in the Metro Manila Film Festival but at the Asian Film Festival held in Cairo. Considered most outstanding romantic drama was the top box office money maker in 2019 Hello, Love, Goodbye, bannered by Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards.
John Lloyd, Julia on a Comeback Trail
ABS-CBN stars John Lloyd Cruz and Julia Montes are definitely on a comeback trail this 2020. Lloydie has started filming the action-drama Servando Magdamag written by acclaimed vet writer Ricky Lee and multi-awarded director Lav Diaz. The pic pairs anew Lloydie with his ex-girlfriend Shaina Magdayao.
On the other hand, talent manager Ericson Raymundo and Dreamscape executive Deo Edranil affirmed Julia Montes soon returns to acting via a big-budgeted project early this year. Both remain tight-lipped if Coco Martin co-stars with Julia.
Meanwhile, a colleague quoted what Julia expounded when asked on her reported love affair with Coco. “Let’s not talk about my private life. I’m entitled to it.” Julia mentioned in buttonhole.
Rachelle’s New Triumphs
Internationally known Pinay songstress Rachelle Ann Go emerges with new triumphs this 2020. After owning a new house in London, a cozy one with four bedrooms, with her husband Martin Spies, she starts with another major role in West End’s Les Miserables in March.
Then on her vacation in the Philippines Rachelle was chosen one of the latest recipients of the famous Walk of Fame celebrities that included Miss Universe Catriona Gray. She’ll have a forthcoming grand concert in Manila also. Those who have been around Rachelle for many years she’s still accoutered with conviviality, her inherent nature.
Heard that local movie producers and even abroad have been eying Rachelle for film musical-drama projects within this year.
Contrasting Comments on Ai-Ai
Just recently Ai-Ai delas Alas received praises from netizens for her religious nature to accept to be Ninang ng Bayan on the Feast of Black Nazarene in Quiapo. In contrast lately, however, some have bashed her for having no heart. Their rant she has no heart for not assisting her ex-talent Jiro Manio who’s jailed anew.
Ai-Ai disclosed to movie writers that in the past she stayed by Jiro’s side in his drug case. But now, stabbing a man in Marikina is a serious one. “In my heart I’m really worried for Jiro so I pray to the lord for His guidance and complete reform for him.”
Blind Item:
Reportedly, the mom of a young actress accused a popular actress of dragging her daughter into a relationship with a hunk actor. The three belong to the same network. After rancor with her ex-lover, the actress’ ma stops her to instant new affair.
But co-workers appeased the irate mother that the older actress has never meddled in the said brewing romance, so she should not be blamed.
Latest Tidbits:
Two issues come to the fore amid the confirmed news of the split of Nadine Lustre and James Reid. That finally James accepted Soulmate Project which Nadine didn’t want him to do. It teams James with Momoland’s Nancy Mcdonie. Secondly, James reportedly avers closeness with Issa Pressman who’s allegedly the real cause of the break up. Heard that Nadine ignored to talk about it these days.
It’s confirmed that Cong. Vilma Santos Recto and her son Luis Manzano have been victims of fake media accounts that harassed people. For Luis, the news that he sells protective face masks against ash fall is the most destructive. At this writing, the people behind it are now being investigated by proper authorities.
Colleague Linda Rapadas who’s attached to Sen. Lito Lapid posted him at her facebook account holding his bill. He wants elementary and high school teachers to teach disaster awareness and mitigation subjects. Lito mentioned to her if the ABS-CBN franchise won’t be renewed, he’ll be disheartened many of its employees would lose jobs.
About our mutual friend ex-Mayor Herbert Bautista, he’s totally happy to be accepted back in showbiz with various offers. Herbert momentarily puts aside his political career, no plans of running soon in politics. Yet he’s not unyielding to assist those who need his assistance.
Did you know that Jolina Magdangal and her parents Jun and Paulette’s digs and Memory Lane Restaurant have been damaged in Tagaytay due to Taal volcano eruption? The devastated three join hands for the recovery of their ruined properties. This writer recalled that years back Jolens invited me at her cozy vacation house in Tagaytay, with native motifs.
Sarah Geronimo can’t muzzle her joy that her song Tala placed in 12th place in Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart in nearly 500 million views. This proved to the hilt Sarah’s international fame.
