Trivia:
The recent demise of veteran actor Lito Legaspi triggers the flashback of his friendship with co-Sampaguita Pictures stars in the ‘50s and ‘60s. At the wake and burial of Lito, a colleague recounted there was a reunion of ex-Sampaguita stars, led by Susan Roces, Liberty Ilagan and Eddie Gutierrez. In sadness all of them inculcated their memories with Lito.
To recall back, Eddie was built up by the late Dr. Jose Perez, the bigwig of Sampaguita Pictures almost at the same time with Lito, the deceased Romeo Vasquez and Jose Mari. In a chance to work with Eddie as his publicist when he founded his movie outfit Mabuhay Films during the early Martial Law years, he would oftentimes mentioned to me that Lito had a serious looks yet basically comical person.
“At the set of the films we did together or our bonding times, Lito threw jokes that made us cheerful.” Eddie divulged then. Surely, that’s one of Lito’s blithe character that will be terribly missed by Eddie.
In the case of Liberty, she once told me her deep-seated friendship with Lito brought about by working on several movies together. Although at times, rumors implied that Lito courted Liberty it was untrue for she asserted he was that way with another actress then and he did not fall on the playboy type.
In her face book account recently, Liberty posted her old photo with Lito with the message to others to pray for the eternal repose of his soul. Just like all Lito’s close chums, she laments his sudden death due to cardiac arrest.
Akin to Romeo, Jose and Eddie, Lito was handed the opportunity to be the leading man of movie queen Susan Roces. And even decades after Sampaguita Pictures closed shop, Lito had appeared too in major roles in vehicles bannered by Susan. Their closeness for years clinched to the hilt.
Not surprisingly that at the wake of Lito, a source told this writer that Susan narrated his positive outlooks in life she won’t ever forget.
For the record, Lito left two sons turned actors, none other than Zoren and Kier. To this day, Zoren regularly enacts major roles in boob tube drama series. Seldom, if ever, Kier accepts roles these past years for he prioritizes on other endeavors. Zoren is happily married to actress Carmina Villaroel. Their twins have joined showbiz via the GMA-7 network.
Incidentally, ex-top actress Amalia Fuentes who has been bed-ridden for years with illness remains on a recuperating stage but still can’t walk normally. That’s the reason why she was not seen in Lito’s wake. Their attachment engulfed the two for years. Nevertheless, Amalia expressed profound sorrow for his passing with constant prayer for his peace with the Lord.
Alden, Catriona: Love Looms for the two?
For days now talks snowball that Alden Richards either all set to court Miss Universe Catriona Gray or has been wooing her already. Many have that conjecture for Alden gives a hint that he eyes someone so pretty. Then it’s noticeable how frequent he admits he always likes what she posted at her social media accounts.
When media men consistently urge Alden to admit the truth, reportedly he simply grinned, non-committal about it. The general consensus of many boils down to one. If Catriona turns actress, a project to be paired with Alden will be most effective. Imagine, a world beauty queen and Asia’s Top Prize drama actor and Multi-Media Actor awardee would be screen partners.
Coco Welcomes Hollywood Actors
So it’s true that in the forthcoming episodes of Ang Probinsyano, the TV series top rated show for four years, Hollywood actors will enact new characters. Coco Martin confirmed it but he does not name who they are. Nevertheless, he’s all excited to welcome them at his starrer. Not a few opine a Fil-Am actor would be included. Some scenes will be shot abroad.
Another issue Coco does not discard to the movie press, he’s an ardent supporter of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. He recalled his attachment with Isko at the time he worked with him then in a TV project. But Coco truly idolizes Isko now, out of his outstanding accomplishments as the head of Manila. Will there be a chance for the duo to co-star in a film? Coco does not cede it might occur.
A Record Breaker Starrer of Paolo
Once again, Paolo Ballesteros has proven he’s a box office star. After the success of his previous starrers, led by Die Beautiful, his film Panti Sisters leads all the entries at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino at the tills. On its first day along, it grossed P13 million plus with other entries raked in P2 million and less than a million. The total for two days of Panti Sisters was P36 million. As of this period it earned P150 million.
Being accepted as gay off and on cameras, will Paolo nod to a straight guy role in a movie? “Yes but I admit it will be difficult to enact. Kasi sanay na ako to act my real self.” Paolo was quoted to say.
John Lloyd Tries New Field
Rather than to quit showbiz, John Lloyd Cruz tries a new field: to be a director. Did you know he helmed the music video of the band Sugar Hiccup titled Saturtine Nevermore shot in Europe and Metro Manila? It was a tremendous success with countless people praising the video. Using the name Idan Cruz, the admirers have no inkling he’s none other than John Lloyd.
When informed not a few music personalities yearn to be directed by John Lloyd, some actors don’t prate these words. If he turns film megger, they will be all willing to be under his direction. One of them is Alden Richards. The latter told pen pushers with probity. “I’ll choose him anytime for his skills.”
Maine, Carlo Ignore Sappy Talks
The new tandem of Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino don’t mind the sappy talks about their movie Isa Pa with Feelings. The critics augur it’s no match to the record breaking starrer of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. To be shown soon, they conclude it will have a way below income, inferior in quality compared to the pic of Kathryn-Alden Hello, Love, Goodbye.
On the negative comments, Maine reportedly retaliated. “I just hope my film would be successful also even if it would earn less. What counts, kami ni Alden always support one another as dear friends.” While Carlo stressed he sticks to the positive sides of life, unmindful of derogatory remarks.
Blind Item:
Some pals of an actor anticipate his split with his actress-girlfriend, out of his noted lover boy image and not serious countenance. In contrast, those around the actress echo she’s unaffected of such gossips. She loves the actor for what he is, being a truthful person who never hides his personal side.
To quote what the actor enthused to others, “I have learned to love her more because of her so understanding nature. That’s why even I’d court other girls that does not mean iiwanan ko na siya.”
Spicy Tidbits:
Could it be true that Rayver Cruz, Julie San Jose and Janine Gutierrez are the new love triangle these days? Since Rayver, Julie host the new season of The Clash TV talent show and co-star in the program Studio 7, allegedly he woos her that leaves his girlfriend Janine Gutierrez in distress. Rayver quashed it off, saying Julie’s a mere chum who’s not yet ready for love after break up with her ex-lover actor.
Bea Alonzo was adjudged best-dressed actress at the recent ABS-CBN Ball 2019. The most talked about attire, however, in memes, off and on the social media accounts was Kim Chiu’s gown. She wore a beaded backless mermaid gown that elicited funny and sardonic comments far and wide. Kim happily took their words whether an insult or not. She truly enjoyed wearing it to the fullest, so she blurted.For the first time Dingdong Dantes would compete in an athletic event abroad. He left last Sept. 29 for the 42 kilometer run at the Berlin Marathon 2019. Bashers razz him with no chance to win. On the contrary, his wife Marian Rivera believes in him with the plucky message to them. “Dingdong has a very strong fighting spirit. He won’t join any contest just to be a loser. I’ve faith he’ll do good.”
My co-writers in the Philippines where Canada based actress-director Beverly Vergel on vacation this time are somewhat unglued. Why despite of her more than a decade as actress, talent mentor under ABS-CBN she has never been invited as guest in its TV shows or not even mentioned on her comeback there. To think Beverly reaped awards abroad for best director (Living Instead) and in demand to meg documentary stuffs in Canada and U.S. How come?
Some showbiz people opined Film Academy of the Philippines made the wrong move to choose Verdict as official entry to the OSCARS Awards 2020 in U.S. Other local films deserve to vie, so they say. On this aspect, the FAP officials remind them that Verdict, a crime drama got the Jury Prize trophy at the Venice International Film Festival 2019 that attested to its quality.