Trivia:
With the 84th birthday of ex Comedy Queen Nida Blanca on Jan.6, 2021 and the recent observance of her death anniversary last Nov. 7, 2001 countless people have felt anew her heartbreaking still unsolved murder. Albeit the main suspects Phillip Medel and Nida’s husband Rod Strunk were charged up to their death (Phillip died in jail and Rod committed suicide), the Police Force have not legally announced the real culprit up to this day.
Having served Nida as her personal publicist for a decade, can’t help but recall the inherent toughness of Nida, a fighter through and through all her life. So this writer did believe the talks then the murderer was ordered just to threat Nida. But allegedly she fought back that enraged the killer to stab her many times inside her car.
Many times Nida displayed her courageous nature. Worth to mention was the incident she acted as mediator to a top rebel who promised the law enforcers of his surrender provided they would tag her along. Unmindful of the possible hazards along the way, Nida had consented. The fruitful result of that mission was fully publicized amid the people’s awe for Nida’s bravery.
Another occurrence transpired on the rift on the street of an unruly driver who chided Nida and threatened to harm her. Nida went out of her car to challenge him to do it. If not for the arrival of lawmen, her life would be endangered.
What made me all the more admired Nida was her very systematic personality. In my early years as her pro, I had already noticed it. Unexpectedly, she handed me the possible items and photos to publish about her. For one, she indicated to tell about her love for farming with pictures of the lands and the apartments she owned.
“Kindly, write about those things in different publications. Para iba-iba ang mababasa nila tungkol sa akin. For you not to have a hard time thinking of what to pen on me.” Nida stressed cogently.
As a lover of sports, Nida gave me her pictures playing, volleyball, tennis and basketball. Then as a gym enthusiast too who loved physical works to diet.
Later, Nida’s Girl Friday Elena hastened to add that was the real character of our boss. Even to household workers, in the morning she would already instruct them of what to do the whole day. Much more so she would do to her business staff.
For the record, Nida’s offscreen name was Dorothy Jones, with a Pinay mother and American dad John Willaim Jones 111. Before entrance to showbiz, Nida was a pre law student at U.S.T whose dream was to become a lawyer. Discovered by LVN outfit producer Narcisa de Leon, she had changed her path, turned into an in demand all around actress. Arch rival of Gloria Romero for movie queen title, nonetheless, Nida was declared Philippine Comedy Queen in the ‘50s.
All told, Nida garnered 16 awards from FAMAS, Gawad Urian and FAP for acting plus Lifetime Achievement Award, Ulirang Artista and Legend Star Award.
Alden’s Christmas Wish
With the hazardous COVID-10 pandemic still ongoing Alden Richards concentrates on his family’s safety. It is his ardent Christmas wish 2020. Did you know the reason why lately he opted to live alone in Q.C.? When Alden found out his personal assistant has been positive of COVID-19, he got so worried.
To ensure health security of his loved ones, especially his grandparents, he temporarily left them. But of course, Alden prays for less people to fall victims and most Important, for the pandemic to totally cease.
Predictions on MMFF 2020 Entries
On the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 entries, many predict the strong contenders for awards are Isa Pang Bahaghari, Nora Aunor and Phillip Salvador starrer under the helm of Joel Lamangan and the pic Tagpuan bannered by Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, Shaina Magdayao and megged by Mac Alejandre will strongly vie.
For the first time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the filmfest won’t be shown in theaters. It’s under on demand platform UPSTREAM. The other entries are Magic Land (Jun Urbano-Migs Cuaderno), Coming Home (Jinggoy Estrada-Sylvia Sanchez),The Missing (Joseph Marco-Ritz Azul), Healing Priest (John Arcilla-Allan Paule), Mang Kepweng: Lihim ng Bandang Itim (Vhong Navarro), Pakboys: Takusa (Andrew E- Janno Gibbs) and Fangirl (Paulo Avelino).
Not a few have chosen Vhong Navarro’s comedy starrer would be the most viewed.
Pinoy Film to Compete At 93rd OSCARS Awards
My pal Celso De Guzman Caparas posted on his face book account the message of multi-awarded movie director Briliante Mendoza. The latter has confirmed that his opus Mindanao makes it as Philippine entry at the 93rd OSCARS AWARDS Best Foreign Film category.
For the record, Mendoza’s previous directorial flicks garnered trophies, recognition not only in the pic Mindanao. By the way, Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon tackled the lead roles. Its latest triumph was the best picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019.
Incidentally, reports have it Judy Ann would soon return to acting after quite long respite. Will it be assignment opposite her husband Ryan Agoncillo?
Eddie Garcia Bill Approved
House of Representatives has approved in its final hearing the HB7762 or better known as Eddie Garcia Bill. The purpose of the bill is to give protection and safe measures to all workers in the entertainment industry. After the demise of veteran actor Eddie Garcia in an accident while filming an action scene, that initiated to pass such bill.
In the Senate version, it was authored by Senator Bong Revilla through LAKAS CMD Senate Bill no. 24.
Will Roxanne enter Showbiz?
After Pinay bet Roaxanne Allison Baeyers placed second runner in Miss Earth 2020 and got the title Miss Earth Water, the expectation looms she’ll enter showbiz. Much more she’s an ad model and Cornerstone Entertainment who manages Catriona Gray also handles her.
Incidentally, the winner of Miss Earth 2020 Lindsay Coffey happens to be first Miss USA Earth who bagged the crown. From Venezuela , Stephani Zreik’s declared Miss Earth Air and Miss Denmark Michala Rubenstein won the Miss Earth Fire.
Blind Item:
A colleague confirmed to this writer a pretty actress silently was enraged to hear that her ex-boyfriiend and another actress no longer hide their rumored romance. But she admitted not regretting her move for he’s indeed a liar. The actress recalled after their split, her former lover who’s also actor would tell her he never even courted his rumored new girlfriend.
“Ah, talagang sinungaling siya. I made a mistake to choose him among my suitors.” The actress was quoted to say. But her hurt feelings a sign she still cares for him.
Pacquiao: Sure Presidential Bet?
With Senator Manny Pacquiao as the new head of President Duterte’s political party PDP-Laban, the more talks snowball he’ll be the official bet of Duterte in the next presidential election. Manny has no comment yet many augur well he would nod if truly surfaces.
Incidentally, the cast, crews of Eat Bulaga TV show was so impressed of Manny’s son Michael who guested recently, The youngster’s humility, nice ways awed them. Well, as those around Manny stressed he grew up instilled with the words of Manny to remain humble and not to be affected by bashers.
Spicy Items:
These days being bashed around on their cold relationships, Sharon Cuneta counters that her daughter KC Concepcion shows more affection to her now but like before not openly. Sharon recounted KC grew up closer to Sharon’s late mom Elaine who spoiled KC. But in her mature years, KC did appreciate Sharon’s way. Privately, the two reciprocate each other endearing traits of affection, contrary to gossips.
With the news that Kris Bernal has postponed her scheduled wedding with her non-showbiz lover, talks run fast of a probable break up soon. In this light, Kris impacted not even skirmish incident happened. As sweet as ever togetherness, it’s the COVID-19 pandemic which delayed their marital knots.