Trivia:
In the ‘40s and early ‘50s, did you know Yuletide ditties in English were the ones belted, heard over the air and be in programs, caroling , Christmas events all over the Philippines? The top foreign songs were Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley and Why Don’t You Give Love on Christmas Day, sang by a pre-teen singer then Michael Jackson.
Classic Christmas songs mostly in demand that time included Oh Holy Night, You’re All I want for Christmas, Silent Night, Christmas Story and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. However, upon the entrance over the television of the number one singing contest Tawag ng Tanghalan, most of the contestants opted to sing Tagalog songs.
At that, Pinoys became aware of the impact of a true Filipino: to prioritize on Christmas Pinoy songs. Brought to the fore and often in demand be it on radio or boob tube were Pasko ay Sumapit, Kumbatsero, Pasko na Naman, Ang Disyembre ko ay Malungkot, Sa May Bahay ang Aming Pakay, Mano po Ninong, Mano po Ninang and Noche Buena.
Those were the days when Tawag ng Tanghalan champs the deceased Diomedes Maturan and Pepe Pimentel were often asked to belt Christmas Pinoy favorites.
The arrival later of Jose Mari Chan in the music industry impacted to the higher level the Christmas Pinoy ditties. His album Christmas in Our Hearts reached more than a million sales that he was the first to receive a Double Diamond award. Thus, Jose bagged the Father of Philippine Christmas Music and the first OPM Singer of the Year awardee.
In the years that ensued, singer-actor Gary Valenciano hugged the spotlight with Pasko na Sinta Ko, the most famous Xmas ditty then. Up to now, it has sustained the popularity even to the young generation who would choose to listen to its touchingly meaningful message.
Aga’s Thankful to Korean Actor
After good words from those who have viewed the trailer of the remake Miracle in Cell No.7, its star Aga Mulach’s so elated. Korean actor Ryu Seungary-ryong who’s the original top biller of the Korean film posted a remark in social media. He’s all praises for Aga’s acting and Filipinos behind the said flick which made Aga so thankful.
To recall, Rhu garnered best actor award for this flick that brazenly put him to the level of top actors in South Korea. This time, Aga’s followers augur Aga would receive best actor plum also at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019 this December, his starrer being a top contender among the entries, quality-wise.
On another issue, Aga affirmed that all’s well in his relationship with his siblings. It ignited on the news that his late father Cheng Muhlach’s house-building in New York st., Cubao, QC is now for sale. Aga recounted it was his dad’s request before his demise. All of them agreed so no rift whatsoever.
Early Christmas Gift for Paolo
Recently, a party was tendered for Paolo Ballesteros, Martin del Rosario and Christian Babbles by the producers of The Panti Sisters. The said opus has already reached P213 million plus in the global box office. For Paolo, it’s an early Christmas gift for him. He’s grateful to his co-stars and its director Jun Lana.
Only last year, Paolo’s starrer Die Beautiful bestowed him best actor accolade in a film fest abroad. Those in the know consider him not only competent comedian-host but a well-rounded actor as well. Incidentally, Paolo has a succinct reply if he plans to leave Eat Bulaga as talks buzz around.
“I’ll never quit for sans Eat Bulaga, I would never reach the stature I’m fully enjoying these days.”
A New Issue on Vice Ganda
In the November 17 TV survey under Kantar, Vice Ganda’s Magandang Gabi Vice got only5.7 % while rival program Boobay & Tekla Show had 6.0%. Same happened in the report of AGB Nielsen group. Boobay & Tekla Show’s 4.4% beat Magandang Gabi.. with only 3%. How will Vice Ganda accept his reported defeat in viewership?
As of this writing, reports have it Vice Ganda has not reacted yet many opine he won’t take it just sitting down. Others have the malefic comment Vice Ganda’s much publicized affair with Ion Perez seemingly affects his stature.
Marian’s New Image
Unlike before when Marian Rivera irked many out of her alleged querulous and jealous nature, she has transformed into a convivial, friendly person, her new image nowadays. Those around Marian have seen her in good countenance with people she had previous altercations, including Bela Padilla.
During the time Bela was paired with Dingdong Dantes in Endless Love, Marian misinterpreted their closeness at the set. Marian confronted Bela that ushered in shunning each other for years. It’s Bela who affirmed Marian approached her to settle differences.
“Marian turns lovable, more understanding that could be brought about by her blessed life as a wife, mom of two kids. She gives priorities to the positive things. I admire her big change for the better.” Bela declared to writer-friends.
Beverly’s Christmas Joy
Actress-film director Beverly Vergel feels joyous and triumphant this Christmas 2019. Her third movie in Canada which she helmed BROmance will be shown. It has a red carpet premiere on Dec. 12, 6:30 pm at the Cineplex Yorkdale Mall. Hopefully, she anticipates the Filipino community will patronize, appreciate the first Fil-Canadian comedy movie with fall/winter theme.
Fresh from Philippine vacation, Beverly fondly related her reunion with her relatives, co-workers then and loyal chums. She’s ecstatic that they have not forgotten memorable binding time with them.
Lorna Defends Son
Someone reportedly voiced out that if the late actor Rudy Fernandez were still alive he would feel unhappy. For his sons Rap and Renz are both relegated to the background, acting-wise without major breaks. A co-writer, however, related what Rudy’s wife Lorna Tolentino mattered in contrast.
Lorna’s so proud of Rap and Renz, saying the two are both hard working, have positive outlook in life. Pereho silang successful in other fields dahil masipag. Rudy would be proud of our sons also. Perhaps, time to shine in showbiz will come along the way, as my source reiterated Lorna’s words.
By the way, Lorna enacts one of the outstanding performances in the top rated ABS-CBN TV series Ang Probinsyano. Through the years, she displays capacity of a well-rounded actress, suitable to any role.
Blind Item:
Showbiz gossip-mongers spread rumor that a pretty actress allegedly begs movie producers to get her. That she’s all willing to undress and tackle hot bed scenes just to make it in the celluloid strips. They echoed, “grabeng disperada eh maganda naman and has potentials.”
The actress’s chum comes to her defense. In truth, she’s not desperate but just wants to re-active career after a long respite.
Spicy Tidbits:
Contrary to reports that Ai-Ai delas Alas feels disgruntled over her billing in 3 Pol Trobol , she’s thankful to Coco Martin. The latter’s the star, producer and director of the said Metro Manila Film Festival entry. For Ai-Ai billing is no issue. In fact, she didn’t expect Coco would hand her shining moments in several scenes, tantamount to his high esteem for her acting prowess.
With the unexpected last airing of Sunday Pinasaya TV show on Dec. 22, 2019 as announced, not a few have been befuddled. The producers didn’t talk about the reason for its closure. But followers for four years don’t think it’s due to poor ratings or lack of ads. The cast, staffs are tight-lipped, so to say.
In the current Christmas Station ID of ABS-CBN, through face book , Lea Salonga, Bamboo opened up on their short appearance, unlike co-host in The Voice show Sarah Geronimo’ s long exposure. While Jed Madela admitted he was not invited but no hurt feelings. Some have reacted that the Kapamilya network’s bigwigs simply showcased uncalled for favoritism. As it is, you can’t please all.
