Trivia:
Did you know that the first landing in the moon by an American astronaut 50 years ago coincided with the crowning of the first Pinay beauty Queen in the Miss Universe tilt held in the United States? For the record Gloria Diaz also made a feat by being the first Pinay Miss Universe who eventually ended up a popular showbiz celebrity.
Multi-awarded film director the late Celso Ad Castillo handed Gloria the title role of Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa. This triggered the wet look trend in local movies that established Gloria later as the sexiest actress in local tinsel town. Later, through the assistance of her deceased publicist Mar Cornes Gloria became in demand also as a dramatic actress, with several trophies for acting award.
Subsequently, Gloria’s daughter Isabelle Daza created a stir also as an actress-TV host. However, unlike Gloria who maintains her acting skills in TV and movies these days, Isabel prioritizes on jobs outside the showbiz world and on her personal life.
Then the next one who won Miss Universe was Margarita Moran. For a while, showbiz life beckoned Margie. Initially, she was paired with then famous singer-actor Victor Laurel but quit to concentrate on her charitable organizations, businesses and family.
When Aurora Pijuan romped off the Miss International crown in 1970, she was credulous to join Gloria in the acting firmament. Competent that she was, producers opted to give her breaks in lead assignments in action-drama vehicles that earned plaudits from the cinemagoers and critics as well.
Akin to Gloria, Aurora’s marital plunge didn’t work successfully also. In any case, her son by golf champ Tommy Manotoc TJ turns successful as a sports newscaster under ABS-CBN network. Curiously, TJ has a half- brother Borgy manotoc whose mom is none other than Senator Imee Marcos.
In the years that ensued, another awesome Pinay beauty Megan Young was declared Miss World, the first Pinay to win that title. Even before Megan bagged the Miss World crown, she was already active in the boob tube shows and flicks. If anything, Megan’s triumph in the TV talent program Starstruck brought about her assiduous TV assignments. Her latest is the tele-play Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko aired by GMA-7.
Incidentally, Megan’s younger sibling Lauren Young slowly makes a name of her own in the celluloid strips.
Another Miss International title-holder Precious Lara Guigaman calibrated as an actress right after her reign. She had appeared in several drama series and co-host programs as well. Of late, Precious has contemplated to spend more time with her husband and kids.
Our first Miss Asia winner Loraine Schuck momentarily tried acting and co- hosting TV shows before being one of the founders of a beauty search organization.
In passing, did you know that the first Miss Universe winner in the early ‘50s Armi Kuisela from Finland married a Pinoy businessman Virgilio Hilario? So with the first Miss International in the ‘60s Colombia’s Stella Marquez who tied the marital knots with Jorge Araneta, the heir of Araneta Coliseum. Apparently, Filipinos got the tag the world’s best lovers then.
Paquiao’s Concert Video to be Aired in Asian Countries
After the huge success of the free first major concert of senator Manny Pacquiao called A Concert for Champs held at Araneta Coliseum, new milestone taps him. His business manager Arnold Vegafria announced its video will be seen in many Asian countries as requested. Obviously, foreigners are curious to watch Manny’s prowess in another field.
A blithe Manny expressed his gratitude to the concert’s special guests warblers Kris Laurence, Penumbra, Gerfil Flores, beauty queens Alyssa Muhlach and Kimi Mugpord for their contribution to the show’s positive result. At the same time, Manny reiterated it’s not yet time to quit as a boxer albeit his tedious political job keeps him occupied.
By the way, Manny’s son Jimuel has been offered a role in a Hollywood action pic to be shot in U.S., Japan and Philippines. His boxing skills reportedly impressed the producer, staff of the flick.
Alden Denies Courting Kathryn
Alden Richards chides those who scatter false news that he seriously courts Kathryn Bernardo. Allegedly, he would often talk to her, drop by her place. Alden opined it all started in an event both accidently wore same clothes that initiated the gossip. As it is Alden appears cogent to say he respects Kathryn and Daniel Padila and won’t ever be a third party.
On the positive aspects, Alden felt triumphant when The Seoul International Drama Award in South Korea handed him the Asian Star Prize for drama and the reports that his film with Kathryn broke box office records of Pinoy vehicles locally and internationally.
Bea Alonzo’s Hidden Talent
Did you know that Bea Alonzo has a hidden talent? Vet writer Ricky Lee who won awards in script writing in Himala, Moral ang Gumapang Ka sa Lusak, to name some, has voiced out. As one of his current students in the writing workshop which he started in the ‘80s, Ricky did cognate to movie press.
“Bea pitched to me two storylines which truly impressed me. “Ang linis at sobrang linaw that would attest she would be competent as screenplay writer.” Ricky affirmed.
Meanwhile, Bea in a benign manner pleads people to cease talking about her issue with Gerald Anderson, saying enough is enough for she focuses on positive things.
Blind Item:
A co-writer recounted what a daughter of a famous couple confided to him. She never had the inkling then that her first lover-actor who was in every inch a macho man would later end up a gay. Years later after their break up, she was shocked to the news he’s a limp wrist but couldn’t forget her overt relationship with him.
In a chat with the actor, the latter admitted to my source. “Every time we bump into each other feeling ko lalaki uli ako for she’s so nice, loving person. Ah, that’s life. I’m happier now to expose my true self.”
Arjo Compares Mom Sylvia to Maine
Some scribes have propitious comments on Arjo Atayde, especially on his comparison of his mom Sylvia Sanchez to his love Maine Mendoza. Arjo stated that the two have something in common, fun to be with and straight forward that’s why his ma has a rapport with Maine.
Did you know one of Arjo’s dream movies is to co-star with Maine and Sylvia in a romance-comedy genre? If ever, both Maine and Sylvia clinch that such project would transpire with willingness to do.
Latest Tidbits:
Anne Curtis makes it as a box office star when her pic Just a Stranger earned P70 million plus in few days of showing as reported by Viva Films. Anne gave credit to his co-star Marco Gumabao and all the people behind it, led by its director Jason Laxamana. For many, the plus factor could be the sizzling bed scenes of Anne which she did for the first time.
Did you know that Jasmine Curtis Smith’s boyfriend’s for three years Jeff Ortega (Joseph Francisco Ortega) is the youngest appointed regional director for tourism of the Department of Tourism? Jasmine graced his oath taking recently. In the issue on her alleged spat with her sis Anne Curtis, it is a mere gossip for Anne hasn’t ceased being supportive to her.
Since Mark Bautista has opened up on his being a bisexual, it does not alter his deep friendship with Christian Bautista. The latter pointed out, he fully understands Mark’s situation. “Eh sa showbiz naman kahit straight ka pag walang girlfriend, you’ll be talked about as silahis.” Christian mattered.
After Sharon Cuneta, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Lani Misalucha who are in the ‘50s confided semi-retirement in showbiz looms. Ai-Ai believes she achieved all her goals and it’s time for her to concentrate on her family. Lani shares the same view as she notched her 50th birthday with her loved ones. Both sit as judges of the TV talent show The Clash.
Fil-Am singer-actress Jules Aurora (Aurora Manalo off screen) who vied at American Idol and X-Factor talent shows got a big break. She’s now in the cast of the top rated daytime TV drama series The Young and the Restless. The show won 10 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Daytime Series in its telecast since 1973. It won’t be surprising Jules would end up a cinema actress too in Hollywood.