ASIA’S QUEEN OF SONGS: PILITA CORRALES

By | March 12, 2021

Trivia;

Watching the recent interview of Janine Gutierrez with her veteran singer-grand ma Pilita Corrales, made me recall the glorious decades in showbiz of Pilita. A Cebuana with a Spanish father, in her early years, she lived in Australia. Pilita became famous as a songstress. Her records were among the top ditties in Australia, led by Come Closer to Me.

In 1963, Pilita enplaned back to the Philippines. She gained fame in singing, recording Spanish songs. As an actress, her inborn comedy flair spearheaded more success as movie, TV comedian and in demand host of shows far and wide. Even in stage, she was in demand as a performer or an emcee.

An incomparable feat tapped Pilita then, being chosen co-singer of top foreign singers in their concert, be it in the Philippines or abroad. These Included Pat Boone, Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. Pilita’s success was highlighted by her song A Million Thanks. It was translated to seven foreign languages that catapulted Pilita to be tagged Asia’s Queen of Songs.

The chance to host boob tubes programs, impacted by An Evening with Pilita and Bagong Kampeon, attributed to her accolades in TV award giving bodies, so with her performances in TV sitcoms.

About her private life, Pilita tied the marital knots with Spanish businessman Gonzalo Blanco who, before his demise, sired her daughter Jackie Lou Blanco. As everybody knows Jackie penetrated showbiz world also. Currently, she appears in several TV drama series.

On the demise of her husband, Pilita later had a romance with vet actor Eddie Gutierrez. Before the duo broke up, had a son named Ramon Christopher who has always been attached to Pilita’s family, particularly his sibling Jackie Lou. Truth to tell, with Ramon’s joining movie world, Jackie had been supportive to him.

Later, Pilita did not object when Ramon Christopher chose Lotlot de Leon as off screen partner. After all Lotlot is the adopted daughter of Nora Aunor who’s chummy to Pilita. Aside from Janine, the other grandkid of Pilita is Ramon Christopher’s son Diego Gutierrez, an upcoming singer too.

If not for the COVID-19 pandemic, Diego would have enplaned to U.S.  Fil-Am Mark Feist who owns record label Hitmakers Entertainment would push him up. Openly, Mark opined Diego has the makings of an international singer. At any rate, Diego’s first single On a Dream has been released via Virtual Digital Music.

These days the blandishment of Janine and Diego to enhance their penchant for belting prowess all the more makes Pilita proud of her f grandchildren. At least, that would dispel conjecture of some no one from her family inherits her passion, talent in singing.

In passing, from pre-teen years of Janine and Diego, it was Pilita who taught the duo the rudiments of proper ways in behavior, plus how to reach their goal through dedication.  Over the air recently, Janine gave credence she turned better as a person and in her chosen profession through her grandma’s undying assistance.

Maine, Arjo: To Plunge into Marriage?

Ongoing hot issue about Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde falls on the two would plunge into marriage soon. The recent incidents involving the lovers have actuated gossip mongers to opine it. Recently, Maine posted sweet messages to Arjo. This was when he signed anew a contract under ABS.CBN.

The blabber-mouthed attested it’s an indication of a possible altar date soon of Maine and Arjo. Much more so, not a few were surprised by his unexpected appearance in her TV show Daddy’s Gurl., a tantamount of their deep relationship.

A confidant of Maine, however, confided to this writer what plans she has. “For a fact, Maine has no intention to marry yet for she sticks to her career and family. But she admits this time their romance goes deeper. Mas mahal  nila ni Arjo and isa’t-isa.” So there…

Sen. Kiko not Against Sharon’s New Role

A co-writer recounted to me senator Kiko Pangilinan is not against Sharon Cuneta’s new movie assignment Revirginized for Viva Films. He recalled to my source that when he married Sharon he swore to himself he won’t ever stop her from her acting choice. He knew even then how his wife valued her movie profession.

As Sharon expounded the role of a problematic woman who underwent vagina tightening surgery would stir controversy. But just like what Kiko mentioned, this would contrive new challenge, fully heighten her acting skills. A proof Kiko values Sharon’s career to level up.

“One thing more, at my age it’s high time to perform a role I have not done before. I’m thankful for Kiko’s very understanding nature.” Sharon added.

Incidentally, controversial director Darryl Yap megs the said pic. In his recent film Tililing, a nurses association denounced it for degrading nursing profession. But he countered his sis, some relatives and friends are nurses Thus, he did not purposely malign or put them down.

Derek Reacts on Andrea’s Ex Boy friend

Reportedly, Derek Ramsay reacted on the words thrown to him by Andrea Torrres’ ex-lover actor-comedian Sef Cadayona.  If ever he courts anew Andrea, even Derek is a real macho, Sef ‘s ready to beat him in a fight. Knowing it was a mere joke, Derek took it calmly, not angry as talks imply.

Besides, Derek knows Andrea and Sef have moved on, so with him and Andrea. Derek reasoned out even if Andrea and Sef haven’t seen each other for quite a time, remain friends. By the way, Derek hasn’t affirmed his real status with Ellen Adarna.

Blind Item:

A showbiz personality expressed her anger how a noted group still named her one of the supporters of the current government.  She’s being accused of receiving huge money from Duterte government to make fake news for its propaganda.

“This time I won’t take it sitting down. I challenge the said group to show proofs against me. Or else, I’ll file a case against those responsible.” She was quoted to say.

Is John Lloyd Physically Fit or Not?

Out of his acting comeback and new fresh, handsome looks currently publicized, not a few augur he’s fettle, physically now. However,  John Lloyd’s words that he remains not ok make others concluded otherwise. They have in mind he has not fully recovered from an illness.

However, many applaud his blithe message about his son Eliias by his ex Ellen Adarna. That  he appreciates Elias’s happy together with Ellen’s rumored lover Derek Ramsay. 

Spicy Items:

To dispel feeling of sadness of diehard fans of Ang Probinsyano that the TV series would end in April, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications clarified this issue. What ends is its cycle 7 only, not the final cycle. This means the airing of Ang Probinsyano continues. Thus, even the main cast no longer uncomfortable what truly would occur. You see, working together for more than five years attributed deep closeness.

Latest news has it Derek Ramsay confirmed no closure with his affair with Andrea Torres despite their recent break up. His love for her has not ceased albeit he’s linked with Ellen Adarna lately. Reportedly, Andrea seems tight-lipped about Derek. Nevertheless, those around the duo have the conjecture of a probable reconciliation.

Theater management of all Metro Manila cinema houses announced why the opening of theaters this March did not push through. It’s their unanimous decision in spite of the approval of the proper government authorities. For the management the protection of moviegoers and the reality of insufficient box office returns have been prioritized.

What’s the latest on Jodi Sta. Maria and Raymart Santiago? Since their admission of romantic involvement, are the lovers in a live-in relationship? Some have surmised that obviously Raymart goes closer to Thirdy, Jodi’s son by her erstwhile partner.

Incidentally, a colleague did hush-hush to me that Raymart’s ex Claudine Barretto has ill feelings for him. Allegedly, Claudine’s not enraged with Jodi but with lack of concern of Raymart to their children lately. Does she feel jealous for Raymart  gives more attention on Thirdy?