Trivia:
Did you know that after almost three decades in showbiz, veteran actor Raymond Bagatsing’s dream has been fulfilled recently? His starrer Quezon’s Game won 22 awards not only in the Philippines but in various international film fests. Raymond delineated the late President Manuel Quezon which focused on the time he allowed Jewish refugees to stay in the country during World War 11. The film won accolades in different categories, including best picture, director and acting.
To begin with, Raymond’s grandpa the deceased Ramon Bagatsing who served as the head of the Philippine Red Cross in the ‘50s was closed to my late dentist-sister Flor who also worked at the Red Cross. When Ramon was elected Manila Mayor, he was one of the principal sponsors at my sis’ wedding that brought our family closer to the Bagatsings.
One time, one of the Mayor’s sons Boy Bagatsing called up. He wanted me to meet his teen son Raymond who was fresh from his studies in Australia. Raymond, a Martial Arts expert, didn’t dilly-dally he nurtured to be an action star or a part of showbiz world which impacted upon his discovery by producers he eventually met.
Albeit Raymond enacted major roles in the succeeding years, with a yen for something significant in his career, he disclosed his fervent dream. That was to be known to lead a prestigious flick that would earn world-wide fame for its overall finesse. As it was, Raymond anticipated that triumph for many years.
Two incidents in the past had ushered in our profound endearment to each other. Once, Raymond graced my birthday celebration at my digs in Caloocan city. Imagine, he enjoyed the frolic night with my neighbors up to the wee hours in the morning.
Before Raymond left, he divulged to us it was veritably one of the most gleeful nights he had spent. If anything, he proved it to all and sundry as he oftentimes would drop my place to exchange pleasantries with us. Thus, Raymond became a favorite celeb in our neighborhood.
Another occurrence would never cease in my memory, one time Raymond was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident. Together with my colleague Vir Gonzales who was his buddy also, we visited Raymond several times at the hospital while recuperating. On the day Raymond was fully well, discharged by his doctors, he reiterated to us, teary-eyed.
“You have proven talagang real friends ko kayo in joy and in sorrow. I’d always remember may mga kaibigan ako na paris ninyo.”
Through the years, even when this writer migrated to Canada, we’re in contact with each other via face book. Truth to tell, on my congratulatory message to Raymond for the success of Quezon’s Game he had
replied. He even posted the photos of long lines of cinemagoers who watched Quezon’s Game at Metro Manila theaters, proving its box office success after reaping many awards.
Bong, Lani: No Comment on Jolo’s Marriage Soon
My colleagues who graced the thanksgiving party of reelected Senator Bong Revilla, his Bacoor City Mayor wife Lani Mercado, their son Cavite vice governor Jolo Revilla, recounted what’s the reaction of the couple. It’s about the rumored December, 2019 marriage of Jolo with his girlfriend Angelica Alita.
The couple reportedly grinned with no high-flown reply. “We’re really not aware but we’ve no objection. Jolo is old enough to decide.”
When queried of a soon possible acting comeback, Bong affirmed it and not flippant to predict it would crop out this year. While Lani uttered movie offers would dumbfound her. But definitely, she’ll focus first to her mayoral task.
Is Andrea third Party in Derek’s Split with Partner?
Out of their hot, sizzling love sequences in the new TV series The Better Woman, talks have circulated that Derek Ramsay and Andrea have a romance fling off-cameras. The latest, Derek ditched his six year live in partner Joanne Villablanca for Andrea. Of course, Derek denied the accusation.
“There’s no one to blame for our break up. The relationship just didn’t work out. Sadly, both our families are attached to each other. So I can’t say there’s a closure. But Andrea has nothing to do with it. It’s really unfair to her, especially she’s a nice, decent person.” Derek was quoted to say.
Ex-Movie Queen Amalia Fuentes to Receive Due Recognition
Through vet writer Vir Gonzales, got the news that finally ex-movie queen Amalia Fuentes will finally be handed long overdue recognition. The association of Speed, composed of movie editors of all time newspapers will accord her Philippine Showbiz Icon accolade for her achievements for decades as an actress and a movie producer under AM Productions.
“All senior citizen followers of Amalia and ex-officers & members of her fan clubs are so elated to hear it. Kasi hindi siya sinali sa special awards ng ibang award giving bodies eh deserving naman siya.” Vir mattered. I give thumbs up to you Vir.
New Issue on Maja Salvador
Upon their return from a European tour recently, Maja Salvador and businessman-boyfriend Rambo Nunez posted romantic shots, sweetness at the social media accounts. This could not avert spreading talks with audacity. Not a few surmise the lovers either had a secret marital plunge in Italy or it was there Rambo proposed to Maja.
With no bug-bear effect, Maja just cajoled that despite showbiz inactiveness, many are still opting her to be a topic of conversation. She kept mum on the issue but assuaged writer-chums she would soon stage acting comeback anew. By the way, my pal Fil-Canadian actor-host Joey Abrenilla mentioned that Maja banners the Fiesta Extravaganza Filipino event in Vaughan on July 21, 2019.
Aga Feels so Blessed
At this stage of his life, vet actor, ex-movie idol Aga Muhlach feels so blessed. Not only for having an ever loving, supportive wife former Miss Universe runner up- actress Charlene Gonzales and awesome children but also career-wise. Despite his age, presence of younger lead actors, he’s still in demand. Aga has just finished the opus Nuuk, opposite Alice Dixson and starts filming a pic under Viva Films, with young star Nadine Lustre.
“It’s exciting to have today’s star Nadine as leading lady in a romantic-drama movie.” Aga expressed to media men.
Blind Item:
Showbiz buzzers silently scatter the unknown side of a lovely, prim and proper actress. Allegedly, behind her clean image, she’s a playgirl. Practically she got involved with all her leading men in short fiery affairs. “Parang ang dating ay gusto lang tikman ang mga katambal niya, grabe.” They echoed. Is it true or false? It’s anybody’s guess.
Latest Tidbits:
Not a few have commented the new Pinay beauty who won the Mrs. Eco International resembles Ai-Ai delas Alas. My good friend Boyet Blas sent me the photo of the winner during the coronation rites that attests to it. No wonder, Ai-Ai cackled, “pang worldwide na pala ang beauty ko.”
An intrigue reportedly ensues between Kris Aquino and Lea Salonga out of the news that Lea replaced Kris in her brand endorsement. Instantly, Lea reacted to the awry info, saying she endorsed another brand and believes Kris won’t be bamboozled by a fake talk.
Finally, Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz signed a contract to be together but not in a TV or movie project. It’s as ad endorsers for Shawarma, with Piolo Pascual. Nevertheless, John Lloyd nodded to the possibility of an acting comeback this year. But he’s tight-lipped if it’s under ABS-CBN.
Love team Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix feel nervous, in big pressure over GMA-7’s decision to air the duo’s top rating TV drama series Sahaya against Coco Martin’s Ang Probinsyano, the unbeatable, longest running TV tele-play. Both promise to do their best to be competitive in quality and viewership.
Beauty Gonzales and Richard Yap confirmed not leaving ABS-CBN to transfer to GMA-7. After a loss in his political bid, Richard has been added to the cast of Kadenang Ginto, a Kapamilya network TV series. On the other side, Beauty didn’t scruple to say she almost transferred. However, she admits the success of Kadenang Ginto which she top bills makes her grateful to ABS-CBN bigwigs for that lead starrer.