Trivia:
In the observance of All Souls Day this November and the recent death of ex-movie queen Amalia Fuentes, it’s timely to recount her little known side. In the ‘50s we got acquainted but not attached to each other. So I was surprised when later in the ‘60s, Amalia hired me as the publicist of her movie outfit AM Productions.
Amalia stated that her brothers Alex, the late Cheng and her adviser then film director deceased Ben Feleo recommended me. At the time of working with Amalia, several incidents displayed her inherent thrifty nature, uncommon to celebrities. I personally witnessed how she ordered her laundry woman not to throw the water used. For it could be needed in other purposes like in gardening, cleaning washrooms.
Then once I saw Amalia picking up items thrown by those involved in the reconstruction of her digs. “Sayang ang mga ito, tulad ng mga pako, boxes, etc. which for me are useful pa.” She mattered. Much more so during the Christmas season, Amalia would tell me to assist her in preparing her gifts to her loved ones and chums.
“Oh you notice the same gifts for them. Whether rich or not, I’d choose a simple, same ones to be fair to all them. At least, I will not spend a lot.” A reality that enhanced my knowledge how she accumulated great wealth due to her little known ways of proper expenditures of finances that she taught her siblings also.
Albeit Amalia had been noted for her volatile temper that at times stirred feud with people, the inner goodness in her would come out. To aid troubled loved ones and those around her, Amalia would never ignore. And in more ways than one handed them assistance, financially or otherwise, showing her concern, affection to the hilt.
Truth to tell, Amalia not only consented to be the principal sponsor at my wedding but together with Alex, the reception fee at the Hotel Enrico was shouldered by the siblings. If anything, her closeness with my wife Mer surfaced. This was brought about by the latter talent for cooking. Once, Amalia invited Mer at her house to teach her some methods in cooking, knowing my wife owned then a bakery and a canteen in Caloocan city.
During the time Alex and Cheng founded D’ Wonder Films for the former’s child wonder son Nino Muhlach, a rift between Amalia and Cheng (Aga Muhlach’s dad ) cropped out. Alex and some of Amalia’s employees sided with Cheng. At that, Amalia frankly told me.
“I’m aware on your deep attachment to my brothers. It’s ok if you opt to be with them, resign as my pro. I will not take it against you.”
Sooner or later, their altercation would cease so I divulged to Amalia I would remain loyal to her and siblings with no interference to their differences whatsoever. Those were months I spent my working period in the morning at Amalia’s office and be busy in the afternoon at D’ Wonder Films. Eventually, the three had patched up and everything turned normal anew.
For me, an unforgettable outspoken nature of Amalia impressed me when she read my book The Untold Stories which included her bio. “Sorry but your book did not impress me. Parang fairy tale ang dating sa akin, I would love it if you revealed everything, even my shortcomings.” She averred which compelled me subsequently to be unrestricted in all my written items on her, as elucidated by her honesty.
Eternal light shines on you with the Lord up there Amalia. In my mind and heart your memories remain for keeps.
Sharon Leaves Showbiz for Politics?
At her last concert show in Toronto, my long time chum Sharon Cuneta briefly mentioned to me at the airport her plan to quit showbiz soon. Finally, a teary-eyed Sharon uttered her decision to formally say goodbye at the ASAP TV show.
Off cameras, Sharon construed to our mutual friend-scribe. “I started my singing-acting career at the age of 12. Now at 53 I’ve truly, fully given my talents to the public, especially to my loyal followers. It’s the right time of late to concentrate on my family. Of course, I’ll terribly miss my showbiz life.”
Obviously, that could be the reason why Sharon consistently turned down offers to host forthcoming talent TV programs and lead roles in flicks. Most probably, her triumphant, ecstatic recent concert with Regine Velasquez would be her last. Definitely, countless people far and wide will crave that Sharon changes her option to quit the limelight.
Just asking, with the brewing talks some noted politicians persuade Sharon to enter politics this coming election 2020 will she run?
Pacquiao’s New Film Stirs Controversy
In the 108th death anniversary of the hero General Miguel Malvar who was the last Filipino leader to surrender during the Fil-American war, it was announced his film-bio looms. With world boxing champ Senator Manny Pacquiao in the title role, this stirs controversy. Not a few surmise, Manny’s great figure would not be effective to convince viewers onscreen of his Malvar character.
Others contravene Pacquiao fits the role for like Malvar, he exemplifies a strong, unmatched personality as a fighter. Incidentally, the said flick will be produced by Malvar’s great grandson Atty. Jose Malvar Villegas Jr. and to be helmed by director Jose ‘Kaka’ Balagtas.
In passing, my late father and uncle, both author of books and professors, verified their mom was Miguel Malvar’s cousin.
Vic, Coco, Vice Ganda’s Films Vie at MMFF
In the 45th anniversary this December of the Metro Manila Film Festival, it coincides with Centennial Celebration of Philippine Cinema. At that, the official entries will be bigger, more meaningful. For sure, the flicks of Vic Sotto (Mission Unstapabol), Coco Martin (3 Pol Trobol) and Vice Ganda (M& M: The Mall the Merrier) will vie for number one top grosser.
Other official entries are Judy Ann Santos’ Mindanao, Aga Muhlach’s Miracle in Cell, Iza Calzado’s Culion, Rocco Nacino, Yeng Constantino’s Write About Love and Carmina Villaroel’s Sunod. This early, not a few predict Juday will bag the best actress award.
Blind Item:
Close pals of a macho, handsome actor seem dross on the current gossip that he has a millionaire gay lover. Allegedly, the actor engages on new big businesses through the courtesy of the limp wrist. For one, they opine he won’t enter into such a relationship. After all, the actor’s wealthy parents can finance his needs.
Well, a colleague intimated to me that the gay admitted his crush on the actor but never tried to woo him, out of respect. Maybe, some people who are envious try to destroy their friendship by such false report. “Good thing, he believes I’ve nothing to do with the said gossip.” My source quoted him.
Spicy Tidbits:
After her movie Isa Pang Bahaghari didn’t make it at the 45th Metro Manila Film Festival, talks imply Nora Aunor felt so disgusted. Allegedly, she threw rants to the people behind the film fest. However, Nora’s confidant negated it. She chided those who have scattered the false talk.
“Nora ‘s sad when informed it’s not included but not enraged or angry to act rudely.” She told a scribe.
Critics of the Barretto sisters aver that Gretchen, Marjorie and Claudine set a bad example against the value of the Filipino family tradition. Before their dad Miguel Barretto died he pleaded the three to patch up things. However, in his wake, the siblings exuded their differences, a disrespectful act indeed. What ensued at the instagram, their exchanged of unpleasant words. Will they bury the hatchet in offing? Let’s see…
Matteo Guidecelli discarded the issue James Reid has a grudge on him for he got the lead in the pic Pedro Penduko intended for James. Matteo clarified James backed out from the project before it was offered to him. Supposedly Nadine Lustre who’s James’ girlfriend plays opposite him. There’s a conjecture, however, she might be replaced by Matteo’s love Sarah Geronimo. How true?
In the wake, burial of Amalia Fuentes, her son in law Albert Martinez and son Alfonso disproved the rumor the two are on a spat with her sibling Alex Muhlach. The three hugged each other in mourn.
