Trivia:
The recent death of veteran action star Tony Ferrer has made me recall his older brother Atty. Esperidion Laxa, considered one of the pillars of Philippine Cinema from the ‘60s to early 20OO. At the time the big three movie companies LVN, Premiere and Sampaguita Pictures were about to close shop, Atty. Laxa founded Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions.
As a producer, he brought several classic flicks, be it drama, action, comedy or fantasy stuffs Thus. his rough and tumble stuffs spearheaded the late Fernando Poe Jr., Joseph Estrada, Lito Lapid, Rey Malonzo, Ramon Revilla Sr. Later, the vehicles bannered Bong Revilla, Ace Vergel and Ronnie Ricketts.
In drama, comedy and fantasy, Atty. Laxa built up Joseph and Perla Bautista as love team in award winning Tigreng Taga Bukid and Patapon, Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos who did two sequels of Darna series. For the record, some of the movies garnered trophies from the award giving bodies, topped by the FAMAS and Film Academy of the Philippines.
Being a lawyer, Atty. Laxa drew admiration from his tireless support to all, from bigwigs to small workers and celebrities as well. He gained recognition for offering services to less fortunate ones pro bono. At that, the Philippine Motion Pictures Association (PMPA), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) had chosen him to be the head.
Among the recognition Atty. Laxa had received included Lifetime Achievement from FAP, Dr. Ciriaco Santiago Memorial trophy (FAMAS) and Manila’s 1993 Award Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan. This writer felt lucky then for the opportunity to know Atty. Laxa better. That occurred when he got me as the publicist of the films he produced which bannered Fernando Poe Jr. Aware that he was I served Ronnie as his pro under FPJ Productions.
Going back to Tony who was Antonio Laxa off-cameras, the celluloid strips bagged him through action roles. Huge triumph beckoned him via his phenomenal portrayal of the Agent X-44 (Tony Falcon) in succeeding movies. Not surprising ushered in Tony ‘s tag as James Bond of the Philippines.
Out of his resounding popularity, Tony co-starred with FPJ (Agila at Falcon), Ramon Revilla Sr. (Nardong Putik sequel), Lito Lapid (Back to Back), Bong Revilla (Sa Kuko ng Dragon), Ace Vergell ( Pangkat Do or Die) and Ronnie Ricketts (Black Sheep Baby). He was paired with Nora Aunor in comedy-action opus Sa Lugar ng mga Daga and Alma Moreno in the romance-action pic Jail break.
Another milestone Tony unexpectedly achieved with the opportunity to delineate major assignments in international movies. These were the Vengeance of Fu Man Che, Blind Rage and and Cover Girl Model. His last appearance in special role was in Vhong Navarro’s starrer, a remake of Agent-X44.
During his wake and burial Tony’s showbiz chums, aside from his entire family emotionally paid a last tribute for him, a loving, caring person that he was. His daughter Maricel Laxa and her son-actor Donnie Pangilinan shared heart-tugging moments with Tony at the social media accounts.
Lovi’s Cherished Moments
Two recent moments that tapped Lovi Poe would be cherished by her. In her birthday last Feb. 11, she unexpectedly received a video call from British actor Tom Felton of Harry Patter movie fame. It so happened Tom and her British lover Monty Blencowe are close pals. Tom blithely recalled Monty would often tell him Lovi’s truly lovable ways. And if not for the pandemic Monty planned a surprise birthday bash for her. Her conversation with Tom has elated Lovi to the hilt.
Lovi did not anticipate also greetings from people who have expressed admiration for her splendid performance in the trailer of her new boob tube assignment Owe My Love. They echoed her amazing acting showcases a totally different Lovi from all her past TV roles. Lovi admits that would aspire her to do better in the soon to be shot episodes of the said TV series.
Another Milestone for Marian
By this time the first stage play of Marian Rivera might by extended. It’s the adaptation of the classis historical play Oedipus Rex by the Tanghalang Ateneo. Marian enacts vice president Kreon with the local title03dpusR3X, with Ateneo students as co-stars under the meg of Ron Capinding.
At first, Marian was reluctant to accept the offer. Marian’s hubby Dingdong Dantes did abet her to nod. Understandably so, he’s an Ateneo college graduate and knows the value in offing for his wife. Not surprising at the rehearsal those who watched were unified the role will be another milestone for Marian, acting-wise.
Of course, the very first to congratulate Marian was Dingdong, saying he’s right for prodding her to take the part of a very strong woman. This writer heard from colleagues that Marian received plaudits from critics and members of award giving bodies as well.
Celebrities React on Chinese Drama Series
Many Filipinos, including celebrities have reacted to the scene in Chinese drama Make my Heart Smile shown at the Beijing video platform. The sequence showed the lead actor insulted his partner-actress, saying she looks like a Filipino maid. Showbiz actors joined the world wide criticisms that the said sequence was fully offensive to the Filipinos.
At first, people behind the video streaming platform apologized, with the said scene would be deleted, However, the management, later announced Make My Heart Smile would be removed from the local video platform, out of the countless negative comments about that scenario.
Actors, especially those who have relatives working as domestic helpers abroad have echoed, “they suffer a lot for the love, support of their families and not just to be maligned, put down to the fullest Oh well, it’s another controversy on Chinese- Filipino relationship.
Beverly Happy for Cesar
For sure Beverly Vergel would be happy for Canada based model-host Cesar Marquez. Recently, he received the certificate of participation under Introductory Acting Workshop. It’s the first Star Magic online international workshop through ABS-CBN. For the record, Beverly handed Cesar his initial acting break via the award winning Living Instead which Beverly directed.
Cesar who’s dubbed Coco Martin of Toronto expressed gratitude to Beverly and the Star Magic. Those who admire Cesar’s looks and acting skill predict very soon he’ll be given a film or TV assignment by ABS-CBN. Good luck and congrats Cesar.
Blind Item:
A lovely, talented actress does not deny that privately she slapped an actor. Many times the actor threw below the belt jokes to her, aside from his rudeness. At that, once she got fed up, slapped him in a room at the set of a pic the two did, not seen by co-workers.
Since then, albeit the actor didn’t apologize for his previous mistakes ,he no longer treats her offensively. Yet she heard the actor allegedly sustained that bad attitude to others.
Current Tidbits:
After Anne Curtis enplaned back to the Philippines with her husband Erwan and their first child, she quashed off rumor. A year of absence in It’s Showtime TV show has made her disinterested to return as co-host. In contrast, Anne was so touched her co-hosts greeted her on her 36th birthday. This all the more makes her to stage a comeback very soon.
For quite a time KC Concepcion remains inactive in showbiz. But she’s still one of the most talked about celebrities. The latest issue the garrulous ones scatter KC and Fil-Am rapper Apl. De Ap of the famous hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas are lovers. Could be attributed to the report he’s often seen with KC.
Heard that KC”s mom Sharon Cuneta cackled about the gossip. For KC herself divulged to her just mere close friendship exists. “Aside from mutual admiration we respect each other as real chums.” Sharon quoted what LC confided.
Looks like the new TV series of Heart Evangelista titled I Left my Heart in Sorsogon impacted rumor-mongers to drag her husband Chiz Escudero. You see, Chiz is the current governor of Sorsogon. Thus, talks imply Heart does not sleep together with Chiz. An irated Chiz jokingly quipped he’s in Sorsogon while heart stays in Manila that’s why.
