Since the airing Last September of the new TV talk show Lolas Beautiful Day, with hosts Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros, the latter who’s an open gay has a wish still unfulfilled. That is Piolo Pascual to be a special guest. Out of it, co-workers would tease Paolo if Piolo is his secret target to be his next boyfriend. With a grin, Paolo quashed it off as he told pen pushers that he does not want to coquette with Piolo.
“I like Piolo for he’s a good man through and through. J have yearned to befriend him if given the chance. Hopefully, he will appear in our program before the year ends. Pero di ko siya liligawan.” Paolo cackled.
Incidentally, Paolo’s new starrer with Joey de Leon titled Barbie: D’ Wonder Beki will be shown simultaneously this month with the reteaming film of Sharon Cuneta-Robin Padilla Unexpectedly Yours. Which one will clobber the other at the tills. That’s anybody’s guess but for sure both would be moneymakers.
Trivia:
Through Tess Cusipag, my long time showbiz pal Romano ‘Billy’ Castelvi was able to contact me, so with his wife Jean Lopez. The couple reside in Canada since 1978 and previously hosted various gathering among Pinoys here. Over the phone, Billy recounted what brought us closer then.
In passing, a teenager then Billy was a dancer of the boob tube show Dance time with Chito. One time, he visited his actress-cousin Rosemarie Gil, the wife of movie idol Eddie Mesa at their digs. It so happened I was there that ignited my friendship with him. In any case, I knew beforehand Billy was the son of the late veteran actor Jaime Castelvi.
Later, Billy informed me that car racing champ Dante Silverio turned movie producer via Dansil Productions would launch him to stardom. It was a spy thriller Lady Killer with screen name Romano Castelvi. A blockbuster, this triggered his star stature, with more solo leads and paired with top actresses, notably Amalia Fuentes, her leading lady in several flicks.
That time another Sampaguita Pictures star Jean Lopez caught the eyes of Billy awesomely thus eventually courted her, ending up as a couple. This writer vividly recalled I got the scoop about their forthcoming marriage which I wrote at the Weekly Graphic magazine. Jean gained fame for her cuteness, doll faced beauty who excelled in romantic-comedy roles.
Unfortunately, after Billy and Jean enplaned to Canada, our communication halted. Not so long ago, Billy learned I’m a columnist of Balita Toronto newspaper. Its publisher-editor Tess made efforts, gave way for Billy and me to communicate by phone.
In a recent chat with Billy, he asked me the whereabouts of actress-film director Beverly Vergel. In retrospect, he mentioned her closeness with the late parents of Bev, Alicia Vergel, Cesar Ramirez and her sibling the deceased action star Ace Vergel. I told Billy that Bev’s mom would often tell her about Billy, excited that she is to meet him also.
At that, Billy divulged his plan for reunion with us, together with his writer-chum Baby Jimenez whom he misses a lot. It all depends on the full recovery of Bev who’s hospitalized due to a swollen foot, an aftermath of her allergy to antibiotics. If it pushes, that will be worth waiting for.
Bette Midler Slams President Duterte
Multi-awarded American singer-actress Bette Midler who’s known critic of U.S. President Trump created a hurly-burly reaction, especially among supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte. She wrote in her Tweeter Accounts. “Murderous dictator President Duterte serenaded Trump. Vlad, somebody’s tryin’ to steal your man.”
The scene occurred when Duterte did sing Ikaw for Trump while Vlad referred to Russian President Putin. Duterte’s followers have attacked Bette for her ill-usage words, somewhat lost their admiration for Bette who rose to fame with ditties like Wind Beneath my Wings and From a Distance. Some of her film starrers were Hocus-Focus, Beaches and First Wives Club.
Contrasting Comments on Mariel
At the recent Miss International tilt held in Tokyo, Japan, our bet Mariel de Leon failed to make it to the top 15, didn’t even win a special award. Out of it, not a few lambasted her, ranging from not a good representative of the country, so ‘maarte’ and worse, she got a karma for being anti President Duterte. He’s a known ally of Japan.
In contrast, others defended Mariel, saying she did her best and shone too in he own way. That her defeat was anticipated for just last year a Pinay Kylie Versoza bagged Miss International title. Some reported that even several competitors praised Mariel and held her in high esteem despite her lost.
Whatever, her parents Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong albeit quite disappointed gave credit to her efforts to try her best in the said beauty pageant
Last Four Entries at the MMFF
Metro Manila Film Festival committee released the last four official entries at the Metro Manila Film Festival this coming December 25. The movies are Siargao (Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, Jasmine Curtis Smith), Haunted Forest (Jane Oineza, Jon Lucas, Maris Rascal), Larawan (Zsa, Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Paulo Avelino) and Deadma Walking (Joross Gamboa, Dimples Romana, Edgar Guzman).
Ravenger Squad, All of You, Meant to Be and Ang Panday that banner big stars are the other 4 selected beforehand. Well, it’s obvious that the committee decided to combine mainstream vehicles and the indie stuffs to shun controversy of discrimination.
Blind Item:
Despite these two personalities finished doing a movie months ago, talks still persist of an existing affair between them. The guy’s happily married to an actress while the girl has an actor-boyfriend. Both vehemently denied what they claim hogwash accusation, having deep respect for each other.
However, some of their co-workers seem obfuscate for allegedly what they had seen during the filming contradicted the duo’s statement. As one put it, ‘sobrang lovey-dovey sa set, more than a friendly rela-tionship.” Which is which?
Beverly’s Feat Recognized in Canada
On Dec. 10 the first Filipino Canadian movie Living Instead will hold a press con prior to its showing this coming January 2017. In her directorial debut, actress-mentor Beverly Vergel garnered best director awards at the Spain and L.A., USA film festivals. Its lead star Emily Bolano won too the best actress trophy.
The showing of the said film in Canada is a recognition for Beverly who’s based in Mississauga. Right after she arrived here, Beverly took a brief course in movie direction which enhanced her inherent prowess behind the cameras. A friend for many decades, congrats to Beverly who has always been a hard working, truly dedicated person to whatever job she opts.
Latest Tidbits:
After 5 years leaving ABS-CBN, its management officially announced Derek Ramsay is back to the fold of the Kapamilya network. Due to a misunderstanding then Derek transferred to TV-5. Derek declared that issue was resolved already. Star Cinema handed him a role in Kasal, with Bea Alonzo and Paulo Avelino. A TV project awaits Derek very soon.
Writer-chums relayed this info that Ellen Adarna admits she’s pregnant by her lover-actor John Lloyd Cruz. Allegedly, they overheard what Ellen confided to her confidantes. At this writing, however Ellen and lloydie have neither confirmed nor denied what’s the real score. Let’s see…
An emotional Kylie Padilla was teary-eyed when her dad Robin Padilla finally met his grandson Alas Joaquin. Robin carried, kissed Kylie’s son during the first birthday of his daughter Isabella by Mariel Rodriguez held at Blue Leaf, Taguig, Rizal. “Happiest moment for me is to be with my ‘apo’, Robin expressed in his Instagram.
Twice in a row this year, our bets for Miss International Mariel de Leon and Miss World Laura Lehmman didn’t make even in the 15 semi-finalists. But at least Laura was among the five finalists in the Beauty with a Purpose segment. It was for her milk bank advocacy for the pediatric ward of Jose Reyes Memorial Center In Manila. Adjudged Miss World is another Asian from India.