Trivia:
Did you know that the first Filipino movie director that shaped up local films to world class was Manuel Conde? His flick the classic Genghis Khan was the initial local stuff that gained recognition in the 1952 Venice Film Festival. As an aftermath, several countries had screen version of the said pic that spearheaded Philippines to an international recognition.
Manuel shone as an actor prior to his directorial job. Among the movies he bannered and helmed were Ibong Adarna, Prinsipe Tenoso and Siete Infantes de Lara. His famous TV series Juan Tamad was aired from 1950 to ’63 which became a byword of viewers, especially the kids.
For the record, the initial Pinay actress Lilia Dizon who garnered best actress in Asian Film Festival held in Cambodia in 1952 for Kandelerong Pilak was directed by Lamberto Avellana. Then his flicks Badjao and Anak Dalita handed him best director trophy and best actress for Rosa Rosal in local award giving bodies.
For the record, Avellana’s Anak Dalita got best picture award at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Hong Kong. Then at the Tokyo International Film Festival, Avellana was declared best director for Badjao. His other award winning movies locally were Kundiman ng Lahi and Portrait of an Artist as Filipino.
Taking cognizance of Lamberto’s prowess, foreign producers tapped him to helm Sergeant Hessan, Destination:Vietnam and Evil Within. Prior to his demise, Lamberto had been most sought after, with other award winning vehicles to his credit.
A doctor by profession, Gerry de Leon started as an actor before he concentrated as movie director. Gerry was synonymous to historical films. Truth to tell, his screen version on the books Noli MeTangere, El Felibusterismo and Sisa written by Jose Rizal not only garnered local awards but were acclaimed world-wide by viewers.
Several stars held Gerry in high esteem for his huge success as film maker. In truth they received their first trophies in acting in his films. To name some: Eddie del Mar, Jose Padilla Jr., Anita Linda, Olivia Cenizal and Arsenia Francisco.
Another triumphant megger that time was Eddie Romero whose other talent was as a script writer. Just like Lamberto, he had the chance to be hired by foregin producers to direct their flicks, most notably the well patronized world-wide horror genre The Blood Island.
All told, the above mentioned were all recipient of National Artist for Cinema in different years.
In the decades that followed more Pinoy directors impacted the rise of local films internationally by winning accoades not only in Asia, but also in Europe and U. S. They were the late Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Brilliante Mendoza and Lav Diaz. Read about them in my forthcoming column.
Pops Clarifies Issues on Derek and Lani
Veteran songstress-actress Pops Fernandez has been dragged in the split of Derek Ramsay and Andrea Torres. Secondly, why she replaced Lani Misalucha as judge in theTV singing contest The Clash. Out of the insinuation Pops caused the break up of Derek and Andrea, her camp instantly reacted.
They have echoed Pops and Derek’s mom have been long time chums whom she calls mom ever since. That’s why Pops often bumps into Derek if his mom invites her. “But Derek never shows feelings for Pops so it’s ironical why she’s accused of being the third party.”
On the intrigue Pops allegedly made the move to oust Lani in the Clash it’s spurious rumor. They expounded the in charge of the show approached Pops when Lani got bed-ridden which she accepted. Unfortunately, up to the final episode of The Clash, Lani’s not well yet so Pops remained as one the judges.
New Year’s Wish for Celebrities
With the dawning of New Year 2021, herewith goes my wish for my long time chums, the veteran celebrities. For Sharon Cuneta: To succeed in her new businesses that looms to transpire within this year. And may your intense love, care for your daughter KC Concepcion turns deeper despite unfavorable interpretation of others.
Bong Revilla-Lani Mercado: May both of you remain victorious in the field of politics and endless support for the people magnified more. Plus be blessed with assiduous love for keeps as a couple.
Aga Muhlach: Wish you remain loyal husband as ever to your wife Charlene Gonzales which you vowed before you married her. After decades of marriage, you have never cheated Charlene that truly overwhelm s her. Keep it up Aga. It contravenes the belief of many the Muhlachs are all skirt chasers.
Vilma Santos: Here’s a wish that your ardent desire to finally experience being a grandma comes true very soon. Your son Luis Mazano officially announced his engagement with Jessy Mendiola before their marital plunge. For sure, having their first child won’t be far- fetched.
Nino Muhlach: Hope this 2021,you won’t cease to help the less fortunate ones, especially in time of crisis. Your recent aid extended to the COVID-19 victims did abet my expectations from you. At 5 to 12 years old, I witnessed your inborn humanitarian acts consistently as your publicist but lesser known publicly.
Carla Defends Actor-Dad
On the wrong notion that her actor-dad Rey PJ Avellana dislkes her boyfriend Tom Rodrgiuez, she clarified something. In contrast, she’s all praises for PJ for his understanding nature. Truth to tell, he gave his consent to her live-n relationship with Tom.
According to Carla, her father agrees for in the process, any live in partners would get to know more each other, fully aware of their responsibilities just like married partners. Carla nodded for this set up has aggrandized more Tom’s love for her and vice versa.
Incidentally Tom who worked under ABS-CBN for years before he transferred to GMA-7 maintains soft spot for the Kapamilya network. Heard he declared this 2021, he’s hopeful that the said station will be back to normal, a deserving reality for its management and workers there.
Blind Item:
A gorgeous actress does not deny her current non-showbiz lover makes her feel fulfilled and in joy. However, she still admits her first love remains intact in her mind and heart. For he was the only that left her broken into pieces. The irony of it, the actor didn’t even court her.
The actress recounted that a macho actor was her long time crush before her entrance to showbiz world. At that, in a film the actress co-starred with him, she felt deeply in love with him. Albeit he’s nice to her, he never did exude affection. Later, upon the report he got engaged with another actress, she lamented the news to the fullest.
“Years later, I met my current boyfriend yet I’d often recall my feelings for him. But I’m happy for his successful married life.” She was quoted to say.
Latest Tidbits:
Finally, the screen comeback of John Lloyd Cruz materializes via his reunion starrer with Bea Alonzo titled No Goodbye for ABS-CBN. Incidentally, with both being loveless of late, a scribe queried Bea if a romance between them crops out. Above board Bea threw out this statement.
“I have always loved Lloydie as a special friend , that’s it. Same holds true for him that why we care, respect each other so much. After my split with Gerald (Anderson) I’m not ready yet. In due time perhaps.”
Did you know who’s Matteo Guiddecelli’s most admired actor as a family man since way back? He’s none other than Aga Muhach. The more Matteo categorized Aga as an ideal husband when the two worked as TV hosts of a recent TV-5 talent show. Matteo affirmed Aga’s advices to him would assuage him to be a better hubby of Sarah Geronimo.
With the too malicious fake photo of Maine Mendoza posted at facebook account, Maine crosses her finger a better 2021 awaits her. Maine hopes she won’t experience another devastating rant by bashers. Good thing, her loyal followers informed her about the false photo, did succeed to defend her.