Trivia:
The recent celebration of the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines brought by Spain in 1521 brings back the religious nature of the Filipinos. At that, from the early ‘50s, local movie bigwigs produced films with religious theme, all resounding money makers. This attested to the hilt the inherent religious nature of Filipinos.
Lebran Productions initiated through the film bio of Jesus Christ titled Kalbaryo ni Hesus. Considered then the most beautiful actress Norma Blancaflor enacted Virgin Mary, with American actor Jenning Sturgeon as Jesus Christ.
Out of its huge success, the said outfit released Pagsilang ng Mesiyas, with Norma and Jenning in the same roles. It’s nostalgic to remember still a baby then Tirso Cruz 111 tackled the role of infant Jesus. As we all know, in his grown up years Tirso turned movie idol and versatile actor.
Another company Premiere outfit came out with stories about saints. The first one was Santa Lucia, delineated by popular star Edna Luna of Dyesebel fame. For its box office success, Premiere firm mogul decided to search for colegiala from exclusive Catholic schools to delineate Sta. Rita de Casia.
The lucky student who passed the audition was Rosemarie Gil from Assumption College. Eventually, she became a most sought after actress. She was paired with top singer-actor Eddie Mesa, dubbed Elvis Presley of the Philippines. Fate destined the duo to end as lovers, heightened by their altar date.
Albeit the couple opted to live in U.S., their children Michael de Mesa, the late Mark and Cherrie Gil prioritized to remain in the Philippines. As it is, Michael’s sons Geoff and Ryan Eigenmman are both active in showbiz up now. Mark’s son Gabby Eigenman is visibly active be it on TV or movies. So with his uncle Michael and aunt Cherrie.
Then Sampaguita Pictures built up Gloria Romero. Her biggest break was the title role of Monghita, a thoroughly religious vehicle. Out of her splendid performance, the people behind Manila Grand Opera House got Gloria to play Virgin Mary in Martir Sa Golgota, her initial stage appearance.
Before its first day, Gloria confided to writer-chums she felt nervous so she went to the church to confess and to take Holy Communion. This attributed to the positive results, so she averred later. Later, the firm came out the vehicles Lihim ng Kumpisalan (Pancho Magalona), Pasang Krus (Rita Gomez) and the star-studded Holy Week presentation Siete Palabras.
In the early ‘70s multi- awarded deceased helmer Lino Brocka established Christopher de Leon a competent performer in the God-inspiring flicks Tinimbang Ka ngunit Kulang and Oro, Pro, Nobis. While the late Ishmael Bernal transformed Nora Aunor into a world class level of an actress in Himala which gained accolades, recognition in film festivals in Europe and America topped by Asia’s Most Outstanding actress given to her in U.S. Curiously, Nora’s arch rival then Vilma Santos received plaudits internationally through Sister Stella L, under the meg of another distinguished film maker Mike de Leon.
Janine, Rayver not on Good Terms?
Hardly had lovers Janine Gutierrez and Rayver Cruz enplaned back from Japan, with her sister, talks snowball the two are not on terms. Allegedly, Rayver has been insulted by Janine’s unfavorable words against him. She reportedly mouthed his unpreparedness, lack of things to do in travelling abroad.
Rayver’s writer-pal negated that he took the comment in stride. Besides, Janine was all smiles in saying, not in serious tone. There’s no reason for him to feel irritated that would cause misunderstanding. His chum added that truly both have not deigned to admit shortcomings of one another won’t affect their relationships.
Incidentally now that Janine works for ABS-CBN while Rayver remains under GMA-7, loyal followers not giving up a hanker-deep for the duo’s reteaming in a project soon.
Vilma Comments on Luis-Jessy Wedding
Did you know Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola had kept secret their civil wedding for two months? Finally the couple admitted it. Luis’ mom actress- politician Vilma Santos witnessed it. But Jessy’s parents Lebanese Roger Tawile and Didith Cavida were both abroad. Vilma was able to communicate with Didith through video call.
Vilma disclosed the couple’s church marriage in December has a lavished, publicly announced preparation and with complete attendance of Jessy’s family. Most probably, it will be held in Palawan. “I’m excited to meet Jessy’s entire family. Sana nag-cease na ang pandemic that time.” Vilma was quoted to say.
If ever a movie mogul will offer Vilma a project with Luis, Jessy and his dad Edu Manzano, would Vilma nod? Reportedly, she enthused, “that’s something to look forward to so why should I turn it down.”
KC Denies Talks
Contrary to the conjecture of others KC Concepcion seems to snub, not attached to her half siblings, especially to her dad Gabby’s daughters Samantha and Savannah, it’s the exact opposite. KC recounted the truth. Since the split of her parents Gabby and Sharon Cuneta and both remarried, Sharon impacted these words, not to treat half siblings to be differently.
“That’s why in my younger years, I’ve been already attached to my mom’s kids by sen. KIko Pangilinan, none other than Frankie, Miel and Miguel. Later, I do care always to my dad’s two daughters by her current partner.”
As evident, KC posted at social media accounts her photos taken at Gabby’s beach house in Labo, Batangas. KC was shown in an affectionate moment with Samantha and Savana where they spent Holy Week. In fact, on seeing the pictures, Sharon spoke with candor that she’s delighted KC hasn’t ignored her advice of proper treatment to half siblings.
By the way, long absence from showbiz does not mean KC has quit showbiz. Her confidant hinted she’ll backi in the limelight soon.
Blind Item:
How true that these showbiz lovers broke off when the actor found out the actress is a lesbian? Allegedly, he caught her in a sex act with a woman. In dismay, he split with her. But he truly loves the actress who craves for their reconciliation out of profound love for him also.
Latest reports have it that the two are on the verge of being together anew, what with her promise to cede lesbian act to win him back. Some of the actress’ chums cackled it’s funny for she’s in every inch a real girl. Added to this, the actor never divulged the cause of their parting ways. So it’s palpable gossip only.
Personal: My deepest condolences to the family of veteran songstress Claire dela Fuente who died of cardiac arrest. Through my close friend Imelda Papin, I got acquainted with Claire who’s her closest chum. Just like Imelda, she never down my invitation to grace events. Eternal light be with you Claire.
Latest Tidbits:
What happens to the young onscreen pair of Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix? After being recognized as tandem in films and TV series, the duo no longer appears together for quite a long period. Could it be no romance blooms or no project fits the young stars? Currently Miguel plays a role in I Can See You with Kylene Alcantara. Bianca has Dennis Trillo as partner in Legal Wives, a new TV drama.
A co-writer related what John Lloyd Cruz’s reaction on Derek Ramsay’s words about him. As it is, Lloydie was the ex of Ellen Adarna who’s Derek’s current girlfriend. Others implied an insult. But reportedly, for Lloydie he has nothing against Derek.
“The remark I’m hard to communicate, lesser connections came from Ellen, not his opinion. So why should I hold grudge on Derek?” Lloydie was quoted to say.
Scribe Vir Gonzales mentioned that former actor. Congressman Dennis Roldan (Mitchel Gumabao) still in jail in Muntinglupa serving his life sentence. But he’s not seriously ill as clarified by sis Isabel Rivas.