Don’t look now, but the Foursome concert of Martin Nievera-Pops Fernandez, Ogie Alcasid-Regine Velasquez not only broke off records during Valentine’s celebration.It made to the top 20 of the Cable News Network (CNN)’s 50 Cities, 50 Minutes Valentine’s Date all over the world.
The CNN website emphasized that the show bannered the top four singers in the Philippines, one an ex- couple and the other a happily married partners. Among the countries featured in the list came from Netherlands, Greece, South America and US.
The jam-packed crowds at the Mall of Asia Arena were focused too which truly elated the two pairs. As Ogie chuckled. “ We expected the concert to be a hit but not that whopping success na talagang nakakataba ng puso. Probably,di nila inasahang mapu-push thru ang pagsasama naming apat.Thanks that the audience had been mesmerized not only by or songs but by our ad libs”
Did I hear right that a movie producer, inspired by Foursome concert maps a plan to cast Martin-Pops, Ogie-Regine in a romantic-musical movie?
Anne’s Sister Sam’s GF?
Tongue waggers have added Anne Curtis’s sister Jasmin and Sam Concepcion in the lovey-dovey youngsters of late. The succulent talks imply that Jasmin and Sam are often seen together looking in every inch lovers.
A colleague related though that Jasmin did shilly-shally when queried if Sam really has won her heart.”Better ask Sam. I don’t want the reply comes from me. Although I admit I’ve admired his gentlemanly ways and humility.
Asked about Anne’s comment on Sam, my informant quipped that Jasmin broke into a grin with sanguine words.
“Of course, my sis and Sam belong to the Kapamilya network so she knows Sam better. Yet Anne doesn’t want to meddle on personal matters. Kani-kaniya kaming diskarte kahit sa career. We simply respect each other’s decision.”
As it is, Jasmin remains loyal to the Kapatid station (TV5). Fresh from her stay in Australia, Jasmin has yet to know what’s in store for her these coming months from TV5.
Trivia:
Did you know that the ‘50s had always been considered the golden years of Philippine movies? The local filmdom’s experts considered four movie directors then who made it possible. For they shone not only in the Philippines but also in the world level. They were the late Manuel Conde, Gerry de Leon, Gregorio Fernandez (Rudy Fernandez’s dad) and Lamberto Avellana.
Conde’s masterpiece GenghIs Khan created a sensation at the Venice Film Festival. This ushered in an American producer to have his own version in Hollywood Genghis Khan, led by top stars John Wayne and Susan Hayward, with the credit duly given to Conde.
A triumphant commercial megger too, Conde helmed many blockbuster vehicles, topped by the starrers of Nida Blanca-Nestor de Villa Ikaw Kasi (shot in Villa Escudero, Tiaong, and Quezon) and Tingnan Natin (filmed in Bicol, with Mayon Volcano as background). At that, his movies were artistically, commercially successful even abroad.
Then came Gerry de Leon whose 48 Oras had been copied in US, with the title 48 Hours. When he won the best director at the Asian film fest for Ifugao (Efren Reyes, Leila Morena), he was included in the list of the top ten best directors in the world as acknowledged in New York that time. Aside from the film bios of national heroes, de Leon started an adult pic with bold theme of infidelity, Huwag mo Akong Limutin (Jose Padilla Jr., Arsenia Francisco) which won awards too.
A dentist by profession, Fernandez was known for his historical and drama flicks. An example was Dagohoy (A Bohol hero) tackled by the late Mario Montenegro. However, his fame went as far as Asian level. His Higit sa Lahat won the best picture award at the Asian Film Festival held in Korea which earned him also the best director trophy.
It was said that the said film inspired the writer of the Hollywood movie Sunflower (Sophia Loren) to create a similar plot, acknowledging his raves for Higit sa Lahat. Another masterpiece of Fernandez was Luksang Tagumpay (Mario Montenegro, Delia Razon) which garnered several FAMAS awards, topped by best picture.
Avellana’s forte was down to earth, realistic vehicles which awed the movie critics, Anak Dalita (Rosa Rosal, Tony Santos) and Badjao headed his list of accomplishments. The movies romped off with the best film trophy, best actress at the Asian Film Festival. Thus, it penetrated the world market.
In the level of performances, the first to win to win as best actress at the Cambodia Film Festival in 1950 was Lilia Dizon (mom of Christopher de Leon) for Kandelerong Pilak. She was followed in the Asian film fests by Efren Reyes (Ifugao), Rogelio dela Rosa (Higit sa Lahat). Charito Solis (Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak) and Romeo Vasquez (Ako ang Maysala) when the Asian filmfest was held in Manila.
The Asia’s best supporting winners were Leroy Salvador (Biyaya ng Lupa), Rebecca del Rio (Malvarosa) and Rossana Ortiz (Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara).
Sadly, after the death of the mentioned directors, local movies suffered a slump, quality-wise in the late ‘60s, award-less in the competition abroad.
Randy Directs Again
After a respite as film director, singer-TV host Randy Santiago helms a movie via the comedy-musical Raketeros. Heard that Randy fully enjoys his work for the pic top bills the screwball singers Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs and Andrew E. There’s also the comic pair of Mayor Herbert Bautista and Rufa Mae Quinto.
In contrast to the talks Randy finds it hard dahil nagsasapawan sa mga eksena ang said cast, Randy makes it clear the filming goes smoothly. “In fact, nagsasaluhan sila sa punch lines which make the scenes funnier. I doff my hat to them.” Randy was quoted as saying.
Ogie, from GMA-7 to TV5?
Speaking of Ogie Alcasid, how true that from GMA-7, he has transferred to TV5? This snowballs when Wendell Ramos told pen pushers he’s excited on his forthcoming reunion with Ogie at the Kapatid network. As of press time, Ogie hasn’t confirmed it yet though his wife Regine Velasquez commented she’ll support his career move.
Angeline not a Ham Actress
Albeit the criticisms of not a few about Angeline Quinto are being a ham actress, I share the opinion of others. That indeed she’s a natural comedienne. Even during her TV interviews, the hosts couldn’t help but smile for her laughable yet no pretentious replies.
Apparently, that makes Angeline amusing in her light sequences in the TV series Kahit konting Pagtingin.it’s in heavy scenes that Angeline needs polishing. As she honestly confided. “Nagsisikap akong matuto nang husto sa acting to outgrow that ham actress tags.”
Hot Items:
Finally, after 13 years with Cesar Montano, Sunshine Cruz admitted that she cried, lied to protect Cesar. But now she’s ready to set him free. “Kung kanino siya happy, bigyan mo ng laya. A real love shouldn’t be being selfish.” Sunshine declared.
Will a formal separation loom? Or could it be to create hubbub for Sunshine’s showbiz comeback?
Yes, it’s true that KC Concepcion pleaded for a space from her French lover Pierre Plassart, a film maker. KC drawled he’s husband material yet she’s not ready for marriage. KC construed that her mom Sharon Cuneta has nothing to do with her decision.
Jaya’s comment on the new breed of singers is thought-provoking, not making her a gadfly one for there’s truth to it. Her words:”We give due credit, respect to those singers ahead of us. Unlike now, they’re acting as if they’ve been long in the industry sans any sense of importance to old-timers.”
The publicized public apology of GMA-7 to MTRCB for the sex charged opening number of its Sunday show Party PIlipinas, causing probation of six months for the said program, seemingly stirred interest. Heard from a source that more TV viewers have been drawn watching it, out of curiosity.
Iconic One Pro Theme | Powered by Wordpress