February earmarks the month of love for Valentine’s Day falls on the 14th day. Did you that from the ‘40s to early ‘50s, several showbiz love teams culminated in their marital knots? The top couple then in the late ‘40s to early ‘50s were the late actor-singer Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran who started as a child actress.
From affluent family whose dad was ex-senator Enrique Magalona, Pancho confided to the scribes, he purposely entered showbiz to meet his crush Tita. At that, Pancho tried his luck under Sampaguita Pictures where Tita was a contract star. Eventually, the two emerged a box office tandem at the tills, with their blockbuster starrers. Added to this, Pancho became an award winning actor, even got a break in Hollywood films.
After their marriage, Tita opted to retire to concentrate on rearing her children. One of them was Rap King, the late Francis Magalona whose kids too are now showbiz figures Elmo, Maxene and Saab Magalona. On the demise of Tita, Pancho occupied himself with his job as actor-warbler rather than romantic flings. Up to his death Pancho never remarried, proving he had Tita as the only love of his life.
Sampaguita Pictures built up also the deceased famous stars Alicia Vergel and Cesar Ramirez. Considered the most versatile that time, Alicia excelled in action and comedy roles and much more so in drama. Alicia bagged the best actress award in Basahang Ginto, the film version of a top comic series. After Cesar tucked in his belt the Mr. Philippines title, he was launched in Bernardo Carpio, the legendary hero. Alicia, Cesar’s most memorable opus was MN, based on the novel of the Comics King Mars Ravelo.
Despite their marital problems ending up in separation, the couple reared up beautifully their son the late Ace, daughter Beverly Vergel, famous action star, actress respectively. Based in Canada, Beverly successfully switched to a helmer, with her best director award in her directorial debut Living Instead at the international film fest.
Of course, the same path befell Gloria Romero and Juancho Gutierrez, the well applauded team whose altar date was most publicized. Subsequently, they parted due to his womanizing ways. The difference beckoned at the time Juancho was bed-ridden. Gloria forgave him sans regrets, took care of him up to his last breath.
At the Premiere Productions two teams hugged the spotlight, the tandem of Jose Padilla Jr.-Arsenia Francisco and also Efren Reyes- Virginia Montes whose togetherness off and on the screen ended up with their wedding. Jose was a professional boxer who competed then at the Olympics Games whose siblings Carlos and Pilar Padilla joined him in showbiz. Jose and Arsenia garnered acting awards. As the hero Diego Silang, Jose won the Famas best actor while Arsenia got the best actress for Huwag Mo Akong Limutin. The duo’s starrers were successful at the box office, acclaimed by critics for artistic merits.
On the other hand, Efren’s grandpa Severino Reyes was tagged the Father of the Sarsuela, the classic acting onstage. Efren’s brother Johnny Reyes reached the path of an awardee in best supporting category. For the record, Efren made history as the first Pinoy declared best actor at the Asian Film Festival for his title role Ifugao.
In the case of Virginia, her sweet, demure morena looks perfectly fitted her screen characters of a typical loving Pinay who would sacrifice for her family and partner. Albeit her flicks with Efren did click, she had movies opposite other actors that did not disappoint Premiere outfit’s big boss.
Pinoys Welcome Fil-Canadian Actress Shay Mitchell
A chum in the Philippines reported to me that our kababayans handed Fil-Canadian actress Shay Mitchell a warm welcome. They have been impressed by her convivial nature and her penchant for Filipino values, especially on treating others. She arrived in Manila to promote her Netflix series You, with actor Penn Badgley.
To recount, Shay broke into the limelight via the successful Pretty Little Liars. Her series You wobbles on the plight of a deranged American making it a psychological thriller. Shay delineates the role of one his victims.
Sharon’s Generosity in Focus Anew
Songstress Natasia Cunanan reminisced recently how Sharon Cuneta tirelessly assisted her financially at the time her mom was hospitalized. Natasia was among the winners in the erstwhile talent show Star Power, hosted by Sharon. To this day, Natasia considers Sharon one of a kind for her generosity.
This writer fully agree with Natasia’s words for being Sharon’s friend for decades, personally witnessed how she aided bed-ridden media men, her followers and those in need sans palter. Honestly, I’ve benefited a lot from Sharon during my difficult times, a truly dependable woman that she is.
Long Absence in showbiz for Marian
Now pregnant with her second child, Marian Rivera affirmed she’ll have a long respite from showbiz after she gives birth to a baby boy. Marian and hubby Dingdong Dantes have dulcet decision for him not to enter politics this 2019 and for her to momentarily quit acting career to concentrate rearing up their baby.
About the couple’s daughter Zia, Marian is dumb-founded by her cute antics, display of love even to mere acquaintances. “Pang showbiz din siya pero frankly I’ll discourage Zia so she can focus on her studies paglaki niya. If she’s a grown up, Dingdong and I won’t say no if she decides to be an actress.” Marian reasoned out in a chat with my writer pal.
Falcis Brothers File Grave Threats Against Kris
Nicko and sibling Atty. Jess Falcis filed grave threats against Kris Aquino at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. Nicko, Jess are also sued by Kris of qualified theft and cyberlibel, respectively. For the record, Nicko used to work for Kris under one of her companies. Kris mattered that the brothers have no sufficient evidence to put her down.
Meanwhile, mutual friends of both camps feel dither of the possible outcome. But they anticipate out of courts settlement having been good friends in the past.
Blind Item:
An insider comments on the acts of two controversial actresses who have exchanged rants to each other. One accused the other of a high-handed nature who replied with an arrogant nature of the other. She claimed that both from way back have manifested crackpot and garrulous characters.
“Pareho lang silang mapagmataas, arogante since their younger years. As it is, birds of the same feather sila so the duo should stop their oral arguments.” She mouthed.
Current Tidbits:
A co-writer related that Vice Ganda simply laughed it loud when asked about Boobay & Tekla Show, the new rival of his TV program Gandang Gabi Vice. But my source imagined hearing these words. “Oh gosh, ang lakas ng loob nila eh hopeless case tapatan ako..ha..ha..” Both Boobay and Tekla are nervous yet thankful to GMA-7 for its trust to them.
Vet actress Sylvia Sanchez alloys her actor-son Arjo Atayde not to mind bashers who belittle them out of his spreading romance with Maine Mendoza. For Sylvia, silence would be more effective and just pray for them to come to their senses. Honestly, Sylvia has no objection if Maine- Arjo on a relationship. But Arjo does not use Maine for publicity ruse only.
The dauntless word war between Kris Aquino and Gretchen Barretto has caught to the scene too Claudine Barretto. Gretchen accused her estranged sibling of taking side with Kris with a move to put her down. The pestiferous feud triggered when Gretchen defended Kris’ foe Nicko Falcis. But reports come out that Claudine negated the claim she’s part of Kris’ camp and won’t ever be appurtenance against Gretchen.
Enchong Dee apologized that his mere joke that he would run for politics this 2019 was seriously taken by others. He expounded that definitely he won’t try any government position in his birthplace, Naga City. Enchong clarified also that he’s fully cured of past ailment, contrary to rumor.
Another Fil-Canadian shines in Hollywood, via the prestigious Oscar Awards. He’s Trevor Jimenez who’s Pixar director-writer who makes it to the list of nominees in the category Best Animated Short for his work Weekends. Congratulations and best of luck. Whether he wins or not, Trevor has made Pinoys triumphant anew. Incidentally, he’s the nephew of my dear friend-writer based in Canada Baby Jimenez.
Could it be true that after 23 years under GMA-7, Dingdong Dantes might ink a contract with ABS-CBN. Reports have it that he has new offers from the Kapuso network. Allegedly Dingdong seems unsure to renew his contract. In any case, his followers opine Dingdong would remain loyal to GMA-7.