In my more than five decades as a movie writer-pro, I can’t help but recall my cherished memories of showbiz figures I’ve worked with. They did initiate my betterment in growth as a person and in the writing-PR profession. In my tyro years as a publicist, the late top actress Nida Blanca was the first I handled as pro.
Never did I imagine that Nida had that systematic personality. In my first week working with her, she at once inculcated to me how to be effective, precise publicist. Nida handed me folders with different notes, photos for various publications.
“This one tells my activities as a gym enthusiast, my skills in sports. Another, you write about my time on my farm, apartment and other businesses. Then on other outlet, you would put emphasis on my showbiz new works. You see, in doing so di pare-pareho ang mababasa ng readers, di ba?” This revealed the proper system in Nida that her other employees attested too in their daily chores with her.
In the case of ex-movie queen Amalia Fuentes, working with her as publicist of her movie outfit AM Productions led me to conclude that she was the epitome of straight-forwardness. A glaring example transpired upon reading the book Untold Stories I wrote about her.
“Sorry to say but don’t get offended. I’m not impressed for your book seems a fairy tale to me. You didn’t exactly expose all realities on my life. I would have appreciated it if was more brutally written. I won’t take it against you if you divulge the actual happenings in my path.” These were the exact words which led me eventually to be more opened on her personal life in my articles and columns.
The deceased movie king Fernando Poe Jr. had a cogent personality that totally made him one of a kind showbiz personality. In my early years working as promoter of his movie firm FPJ Productions, this writer visualized his full support of people all over the country from schools, churches, barangays, the poverty stricken and the sick ones under wraps.
Once, during the heavy typhoon that affected Pangasinan, his home province, Ronnie came to the rescue, bringing a truck with material needs of the victims, including financial assistance. He hid inside the truck to shun being seen. My impulse was to write in my column with the headline, FPJ Ahead of the government in Giving Aids.
An enraged Ronnie confronted me, saying I knew he abhorred such publicity yet why did I do it? I apologized that I couldn’t control myself due to my admiration for his benevolent acts. Ronnie scolded me from head to foot. But contrary to what I thought, I was not kicked out from my job. As what his confidante uttered, “wala sa ugali ni FPJ ang magtanggal sa trabaho kahit mali ang ginawa ng employee niya.”
Subsequently, one time Ronnie called me to report at his office. He told me why I never asked help for my daughters’ enrollment, then handed me a huge amount in check. In truth, my daughters fell on the vicinity of his student scholars for he never cut the expenses on my PR fees. Amazingly, it served a contrast to what I opined he still mad at me.
Compared to the above mentioned celebrities, I was not deeply attached to reelected senator Lito Lapid, actor turned movie producer then. Yet two unforgettable incidents elucidated his helpful nature. When I filed a libel case against co-officer of the FAMAS body, Lito volunteered to assist me through his lawyer Atty. Dexter Lacuanan who defended me as a pro bono legal counsel.
Unexpectedly, Lito sent donation checks for the Movie Writers, Press Photographers of the Philippines when informed I was the president of the club founded by FPJ to raise funds for the bed ridden and out of job media men. Not surprising his inherent goodness for others proved a plus factor for the success of his political career.
Alden Clarifies Feud with Mark Over Winwyn
With no palter, Alden Richards clarified the issue he has a rift with Mark Herras over beauty queen-actress Winwyn Marquez. Talks have it Alden and Winwyn who’s Mark ex-girlfriend are lovers these days that seems pestiferous, irks Mark. In a chat with my colleague, Alden threw this statement.
“Both Mark, Winwyn are my long time chums. I’m not courting her so there’s no feud with Mark.”
On the other side, Mark controverted saying he’s not mad if his ex now Alden’s new love. He has moved on and won’t mind for Alden has a nice, honest nature.
Bea, John Lloyd Reunite in a Project
Albeit Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz are non-committal, not a few have echoed that the two are reunited in a project. Onlookers at the El Nido, Palawan gave credence that it’s opportune to say for they saw Bea, Lloydie shooting some sequences of an untitled opus at the mentioned beach.
Lookng back, Bea and Lloydie were known love team in the past. The duo had been rumored off screen lovers too. For almost three years, Lloydie opted not to prioritize on acting to stick to his love, actress Ellen Adarna and to their child who just turned a year old recently.
It’s Bea who reportedly insinuated that Lloydie would return to the celluloid strips after a long respite.
Show producer In Hot Water
Through Beverly Vergel, I got the info that vet comedian- singer and director Dinky Doo has sued a Fil-Canadian producer Fred Oreal of Far3al Productions of Canada for breach of contract. Supposedly Dinky would bring the famous Bad Bananas then of Christopher de Leon, Tirso Cruz 111 and Edgar Mortiz in a show called Titos of Manila Drive to Canada this July.
However, Fred reportedly failed to deliver the agreement emphasized in the signed contract. Incidentally, Beverly has just finished directing an ad on skin face & body in L.A. with ex actress Hilda Koronel and was reunited also with her U.S. based talent Angel Bonilla during the Phil Independence Day parade in New York. Angel made it to the Voice USA under the team of Adam Levine.
Why Catriona Feels Sad
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray felt sad, disappointed at the result of the Bb. Pilipinas 2019. Her protégée Vickie Rushton made it only to the top 15. The duo developed friendship when Vickie placed first runner up to Catriona when the latter bagged the Bb. Pilipinas title. Catriona prods her to try anew.
Incidentally, actor Jason Abalos, said to be Vickie’s boyfriend took her defeat wholeheartedly, not unhappy, but proud of her three special awards at the pageant.
Blind Item:
A not so young hunk actor with a playboy image has been talked about to be in a relationships with three lovely women. Two of them are showbiz beauties and a foreigner. Reportedly, he married the latter secretly abroad.
Someone who professes closeness with the actor laughed it off as a waggish accusation. He countered the actor has parted ways with her American girlfriend years back, so with an actress. In truth, he finds true love to a co-star in a project whom he swears the one he would spend his time for keeps.
Latest Tidbits:
Despite the talks President Duterte will not renew the ABS-CBN Franchise, Jake Cuenca exudes loyalty. He confirmed signing a new contract with the said network. “I won’t reach a star stature if not for its management. “Ungrateful ako kung I’d turn my back dahil sa tsismis.” Jake mattered. He banners the action-drama film Kontradiskyon and Kapamilya TV series Los Bastardos.
Teen singer-actress Kyline Alcantara admits from childhood up to now she has more male chums that’s why she’s boyish, loves sports for men. But she laughs at being accused of a lesbian, having no boyfriend yet. Not poltroon, Kyline says she has s strict dad that’s she’s loveless and focuses on her career.
So it’s true. Tirso Cruz 111 announced in the ASAP TV program that his show in Canada with Christopher de Leon and Edgar Mortiz won’t push through. He asked those who bought the tickets to get their money back. By the way, Tirso’s son Bodie has been ordained pastor at the Christian church in Alabang, Rizal. Tirso, his wife Lynn and their daughter Dyanin witnessed the ceremony.
More than two years working with Eddie Garcia in the TV series Ang Probinsyano has made Coco Martin in deep mourn over Eddie’s demise last June 20, 2019. Eddie’s father image to him and all co-workers truly salient, endearing him to the people around him. Coco’s was among the countless present during Eddie’s remains cremation. Our condolences to his family.
