…….with the ongoing investigation on the alleged cheating in the 2004 election exposed by ex-COMELEC office Lintang Bedol, all roads lead to the long overdue vindication of the defeated presidential bet, the late Fernando Poe Jr. As his pro from 1987 to his untimely demise in 2004 this writer formed the Independent Media for Fernando Poe Jr. ((IM for FPJ) during the campaign with some of his writer-chums. We used our personal resources sans any financial aid from him. Even though Ronnie lost in the last election, he gifted each one of us an expensive laptop, in appreciation.
I remember vividly what Ronnie intimated to me, few days before he departed. That one regret in his life was his presidential bid. For if he didn’t run, Gloria Arroyo would not have spent lavished and wouldn’t resort to dirty tactics just to win. In the latest development, however, Ronnie would be smiling in jubilation in the other world. As his wife Susan Roces voiced out recently, if luck beckons, she will truly appreciate the posthumous recognition for Ronnie. But more than that, to discredit the real votes of the people won’t be repeated anew in the offing.
Coco’s Act pays off well
The surprise appearance of Coco Martin in the solo concert of singing champ Angeline Quinto created quite a stir among press people and their followers. His act of giving her a necklace could be a ruse for him to be linked to her. Look, it generated a lot of promo plus the ohs and ahs of fans, attesting their acceptance for their looming romance.
Yet another scenario could be the ABSS-CBN management had scripted it to prep up the possible team up of Coco in a forthcoming TV or movie project, mind you.
Did the FAMAS body accept FAP’S offer?
Something struck me while watching the recent Film Academy of the Philippines awards night where Dolphy and Lorna Tolentino bagged the major acting awards. There was a new look in the FAP trophies somewhat similar to that of the FAMAS statuettes. This reminds me that more than a year ago, FAMAS prexy Chit Sambile confided that with the consistent problems dogging FAMAS, they suggested merging FAP with FAMAS. And for them to use the replica of the FAMAS statuette.
Did that plan materialize? If the FAMAS would no longer hold its annual rites starting this year, then it pushed thru. For sure many will be glum-faced. Being the oldest award giving body, it’s synonymous to acting awards. Even if the Star awards, Urian, etc. would hand trophies, the usual query would be, sinong nanalo sa FAMAS? And off and onscreen, if one emotes heavily, the comment is, pang FAMAS ang acting.
Trivia:
Did you know that after the late Manuel Conde of Genghis Khan fame at the Venice Film Festival the second Pinoy to shine abroad was the late Gerry de Leon. His masterpiece then 48 Oras was made into a Hollywood pic titled 48 Hours. This catapulted him to the list of one of the ten best directors in the world chosen by U.S. movie authorities. Gerry won the best director in the Asian film fest held in Tokyo Japan for Ifugao which earned too the best actor trophy for the late Efren Reyes Sr.
The first talent manager in showbiz was the late Douglas Quijano who handled the careers of the late Charito Solis, Ronaldo Valdez, Richard Gomez, Joey Marquez and John Estrada, to name some. Doug was also the first line producer of movies, notably produced by Regal Films.
The entrance of producer Lily Monteverde and writer Lolit Solis at the same time initiated a trend, that of the payola or envelop mental system in showbiz. Lolit was vocal that the reporters deserved to be rewarded for their promo help. And Mother Lily was more than willing to give in. At that, the practice became SOP during press cons as other producers followed suit. It paved the way too for celebrities to hire personal pros, knowing their importance to their profession.
Marian afraid of Robin?
A colleague in the Philippines relayed the current joke there. Marian Rivera nixed down the offer to be paired with Robin Padilla. She’s afraid she would fall for his gallant, loving ways. Talks always implied that that his past leading ladies couldn’t resist his charm. Why the joke on Marian? Your guess is as good as mine.
I Dare You, shade of defunct GMA-7 show
Yes, indeed. The new show I Dare You of the Kapamilya network injects touching and thought-provoking sequences. Still, not a few opined they had seen that format in the defunct GMA-7 program Extra Challenge, hosted by Paolo Bediones, with guest celebrities also. Ah, it had has long been aired anyway.****
