Trivia:
In the mid-40s and early ‘50s, several seniors and junior actors in Philippine Cinema had been adored by countless Filipinos. The father-sons got the distinction of versatile performers not only in action and thoroughly dramatic stuffs but also in comic genre.
Let’s begin with the movie king of the ‘40s Fernando Poe Sr. and the all- time King of local movies Fernando Poe Jr. For the record, Fernando Sr. who bannered rough and tumble flicks, prior to his demise turned the first actor who switched as producer via Royal Productions. He came out with the initial Darna series and its sequel Darna at ang Babaing Lawin, enacted by the late Rosa del Rosario, the original screen Darna. He propelled to stardom child actress Mila Nimfa via Basag na Manyika.
Remarkably, the entrance to filmdom of his teenage son Fernando Poe Jr. ensued. The action vehicle was Anak ni Palaris, the sequel of his famous character Palaris. Earlier, Fernando Sr. was then talked about on his acceptance to be model of the University of the Philippines famous statue the nude Oblation.
On the demise of Fernando Sr., Ronnie had been built up by Premiere Productions, one of the three active movie companies then. After rib-tickling roles, topped by Lo’ Waist Gang, the outfit transformed him into an idolized action hero through true to life and reel rough and tumble starrers.
Of course, despite Ronnie passed away in 2004, even the youth today would still recollect the past life of Ronnie, especially his FPJ Productions with countless blockbuster starrers and his marriage with movie queen Susan Roces.
The father-son Jose Padilla Sr. and his junior belonged too to Premiere Productions. Jose Sr. had a brief showbiz life. He chose to stick to politics then. In the process, Jose Padilla Jr. achieved fame and recognition in showbiz not attained by his father.
Aside from an action box office star, Jose Jr. garnered several best actor awards, spearheaded by Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo and Dakilang Hudas.More than this, Jose was an outstanding boxing athlete, represented the Philippines during the ‘50s Olympics.
Interestingly, Premiere Productions handed break to Jose Jr.’s cousin Carlos Padilla who had been known as screen lover boy in romance-drama stuffs, opposite Premiere’s top actresses. Subsequently, his son Carlos Padilla Jr. ended too in flickerville. His launching starrer was Torpe, based on a popular comic series.
Prior to his stay to the United States, Carlos Jr. proved his athletic skills in boxing. No wonder in U.S., he was a referee in boxing. This made her daughter singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla so proud of him.
In the vicinity of LVN Pictures, the late Lou Salvador Sr. and lou Salvador Jr. rose to fame. Lou Sr. caught the attention of Pinoys initially as a basketball player. A member of Philippine basketball team, Lou joined the first Pinoy team that competed in Olympic Games. And before his death, he directed action-fantasy films led by Doce Pares, a costume fantasy pic.
Diehard fans of the late Hollywood star James Dean won’t ever forget Lou Salvador Jr., dubbed James Dean of the Philippines. When launched to stardom in Bad Boy, he instantly got that tag .Not surprising at all for me.Before Lou entered showbiz, he was my schoolmate at the University of the East and was already called James Dean by the students out of his looks and actuations.
New Victims of Bashers
Lovebirds Bianca Umali-Ruru Madrid and drama actress Sunshine Dizon are among the latest victims of bashers. An aftermath of atrocious remarks on Bianca’s sexy photos at her Instagram, an enraged Ruru threw rants to them which they did answer with more callous words.
In the case of Sunshine, her favorable statement on Vice President Leni Robredo’s list of advices to President Duterte, angered his obvious supporters. They lambasted Sunshine ranging from who is she to comment on politics and to insult for she’s a nobody in showbiz. A cool Sunshine opted to dodge them.
On another angle, in the fake death news doers, their current victim is Ogie Alcasid. He was allegedly shot inside a car, died on the way to the hospital. An unusual reaction from Ogie transpired. Rather than got enraged, he sadly uttered. “Ipagdasal na lang natin ang ganyang mga tao na magbago.”
A New Kris Emerges
People off and on showbiz world seemingly agree that a new Kris Aquino emerges. Unlike before, she’s more careful, not condescend on her words thrown. Truth to tell, Kris reportedly admits she’s no longer Queen of All Media, a sign of honesty indeed.
In any case, Kris wants to push through with her current plan: to be a producer-writer of her movie in offing. Definitely, she opts Piolo Pascual to be her leading man. Hopefully, Kris surmised Piolo won’t reject her offer, if ever.
Whatever Happens to Mark Anthony?
Since his last film in 2019 Miracle in Cell No.7 with Aga Muhlach, nothing has been heard off about Mark Anthony Fernandez. Has he quit showbiz for good? Both his mom Alma Moreno and stepmother Lorna Tolentino seem mum to talk about him but according to my reliable source, Mark undergoes family problems with his second wife.
“Mark currently stays with a close pal in Dau,Pampanga and on the road to acting comeback. Mark seems to recover from depression. Admittedly, he misses his children, hopeful to accept new film or TV assignment. Nagpapasalamat siya sa lahat na nagmamamahal at nag-aalala sa kanya.” My informant stated.
Sharon’s Unfulfilled Wish
During Sharon Cuneta’s younger years, she often mentioned to me her family’s old house in Dasmarinas Village, Makati. She grew there, together with her siblings. When her dad ex-Pasay Mayor Pablo Cuneta died, her mom Elaine sold it out. However, her memories of her stay at the digs had lingered on.
So Sharon vowed time would come she could buy it back as she often passed by in the said place. As it is, it’s still unfulfilled wish of Sharon. For recently, she recounted to some scribes, it’s rebuilt differently now yet it doesn’t halt her desire that the new owner would sell it to her. Ah, that’s Sharon in any language. She can’t forget things truly cherished since childhood days.
Blind Item:
Subject of topic of late falls on the rant of ex-showbiz personality who serves the government these days. He castigated an actress for her critical words and accusations about the administration. That she’s a dunce to act that way, particularly in politics.
Allegedly, the actress’ loyal chum n a chance meeting with the guy chided him. “Gumaganti ka lang. You’re still bitter up to now. Kasi she junked you the time she chose an actor to be her lover. You can’t accept that fact.” She blurted which left him embarrassed, as talks implied.
Latest Tidbits:
With the upsurge anew of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine has been reactivated to several places which include Metro Manila, possibly up to September. At that, several active TV programs back to re-playing. Those supposed to tape anew have been cancelled. Ah, let us all unite to tirelessly fight coronavirus infection.
Jennylyn Mercado’s meaningful retaliation to bashers impressed many. She posted that one does not need qualification to open up her opinion about Philippine government. At an early age, most of the parents would teach their children to value, respect what’s in the people’s mind for respect begets respect. Rather than be irked, Jen simply reminds bashers of the proper move: respect for one another.
After Laurice Guillen and Nick Lizaso replaced Liza Dino as exec committee of MIFF, another controversy engulfed her. Movie director Eric Matti, plus the producers of 15 Filipino movies have accused Liza of misleading info. That allegedly the said flicks made to Netflix due to the initiative of Film Developmen tCouncil of the Philippines (MDCP).
Eric asserted that in fact, people behind Netflix has never mentioned about MDCP. It goes sans saying an exchange of heated arguments loom.