Interestingly, erstwhile movie queens Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes have a contrasting choice of the possible movie queen of the new generation. In a TV interview, Susan expounded that in fame, talents and unblemished image Bea Alonzo deserves the title of a movie queen.
“For me, Bea’s the most decent female celebrity, unquestionably popular and talented. I feel honored to work with her in my new TV drama series Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon.” Susan declared.
How about the opinion of Susan’s rival during her time Amalia? A mutual friend disclosed to me what Amalia divulged to her. That Amalia considers Marian Rivera to possess the qualities of reigning over all other actresses. To quote Amalia, “Marian is very beautiful, a box office star and more than that, a talk-about personality out of her controversial ways.”
Indeed Amalia’s words about Marian seem to reflect her own image in her hey days. Indisputably, Amalia’s rose to fame which could be attributed to her volatile, outspoken nature that all the more endeared her to countless followers then. Unlike Susan who was the epitome of sweetness, unblemished image.
MIFF 2014 Possible Entries
So far many movie producers have submitted the list of movies for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2014 this December. Those in the know predict the sure entries to be approved by the screening committee of the MIFF.
These are My Big Bossing Adventures (Vice Sotto-Rhyza Mae Dizon), Praybet Benjamin (Vice Ganda-Bimby), Feng Shui 2 (Kris Aquino-Coco Martin), Whistle Blower (Nora Aunor), Aswang 2 (Dingdong Dantes) Andres Bonifacio (Robin Padilla-Iza Calzado) and Shake, Rattle and Roll (Dennis Trillo-Carla Abellana).
This early, the choice of the top grosser to be by the majority will be between Vic and Vice Ganda’s starrers. Kris-Coco’s film seems the darkhorse.
Trivia:
Today’s young generation would often query this writer about the history of our local television, the original programs aired then. Well, did you know that in the early ‘50s, the first TV singing talent show was Tawag ng Tanghalan? The initial host was the late comic tandem of Lopito and Lopita,when the latter died, the deceased Patsy took over.
The champions of the show who emerged very popular were Pepe Pimentel, Diomedes Maturan in the ‘50s and ‘60s and of course superstar Nora Aunor in the early ‘70s. Pepe became famous for belting Spanish songs who later turned TV host of the game shows Mahiwagang Kahon and later Kuwarta O Kahon. He passed away some years back.
Diomedes was the top male singer, the Perry Como of the Philippines which subsequently paved his way to movie stardom via Rose Tatoo ng buhay Ko with the late Charito Solis and private Maturan, opposite Agnes Ravel. He did some movies, TV , stage appearances prior to his demise. In the case of Nora, there’s no need to elaborate for she has never shunned from the limelight till now.
The initial noon time TV show was Student Canteen, a combined singing search and variety program. The hosts were Leila Benitez and Eddie Ilarde. Leila was considered the First Lady of Philippine television. While the popularity of Eddie as broadcaster-host of the top radio show Dear Eddie emblazoned his political career. Eddie won as senator hands down. He embarked on producing TV shows up to his death.
On the drama side, the original TV series was Aklat ng Buhay, top billed by Eva Darren and Rey Taylo. Eva who is half-Greek got leading movie roles too. And to this date, she remains active as a character actress in the GMA-7 tele series, notably the recently concluded Marian Rivera starrer Carmela. A lingering illness caused the unexpected demise of Rey, making his showbiz career short-lived.
Sam Milby Woos Carla Abellana?
An aftermath of her break up with her bf of 5 years Geoff Eigenman, Carla Abelana admits with candor that she discourages her suitors these days. Carla nods that among them belongs to the Kapamilya network. When a scribe asked her if he’s Sam Milby, Carla reportedly snapped back.
“I heard she has already someone special. So I won’t confirm it. Ayokong madamay sa intriga. Just give me the right not to answer if it’s true.”
Since the huge success of her TV series My Husband’s Lover, Carla’s career zooms upward be it on wide screen or in the boob tube. Truth to tell, media men consider Carla the strongest rival of Marian Rivera as number one figure in GMA-7.
U.S. Film- Video-TV Fest Hands Award to GMA-7 and Ch 2
Once again, GMA-7 won several awards at the recent U.S. International Film TV-Video Festival recently .It garnered a gold for Brigada (Gintong Krudo) for TV documentary on social issue , a gold too for Wagas (Kuwento ng Totoong Pag-ibig) for TV drama docu. 3 Silver Screen Awards for Reel Times (Dingkong) for TV docu-bio, Reel Times again (Silang Wala sa Mapa). State of Nation with Jessica Soho (typhoon Yolanda coverage).
The Kapuso station earned also for TV social-docu issue (Reporter’s Notebook), for current affairs (Front Row).A Certificate for Creative Excellence was given to Picture! Picture! in the TV game show category.Ch. 2 received Silver Screen Award for TV docu-biography (Pagpatay kay Ninoy Aquino) and certificate of creative excellence for Craft, Production Techniques & Cinematography (Yolanda)
Judy Ann Santos Backs out from Cine Malaya Entry
Actor-director Ricky Davao confirmed that Judy Ann Santos did back out from the lead role in the Indie pic Mariquina, a Cine Malaya entry which he megs. But he said no to allegation that it’s due to his differences with Juday. “ We had worked several times at wala kami alitan” Ricky uttered.
Ricky opines that there’s a conflict in her schedules that’s why. And untrue also Joel Torre’s replacement as her dad in the movie dissuaded Juday from doing the flick. “Joel’s character is only a guest appearance. Mababaw naman kung yun ang dahilan, indeed out of her character.” Ricky snapped.
Spicy Tidbits:
Out of Annabelle Rams’ bellicose nature, the news she has a spat with Sarah Labhati’s mom Esther didn’t surprise many. It cropped out during the baptism, birthday bash of Sarah and Richard Gutierrez’ child Zion. Esther got insulted when she was snubbed by the Gutierrez family, guests At pinagmukha raw patay gutom ni Annabelle which the latter countered, “nag-self pity lang. Pinagmukhang kawawa ang sarili.”
How ironic that after Sarah Geronimo finally said Matteo Guidicelli is her boy friend, rumor-mongers beat around the bush that the two have an altercation out of jealousy. Allegedly, Sarah has an inkling Matteo flirts with a non showbiz girl. But both vehemently quashed it off, saying its hogwash.
Looks like the contrasting words expressed by Sid Lucero and Alessandra de Rossi eschew their true relationships Sid intimated their constant dates, hinted she’s her go. Alessandria, however, divulged she’s still loveless, doesn’t date anyone. Whatever,no one disputes the duo’s acting prowess, being multi-awarded performers.
Kapuso young stars Barbie Forteza and Derek Monasterio seem on the verge of a renewed romance. Remember they broke off a year or so ago. Yet onlookers at the set of their new TV series The Half-Sisters echo the extra sweetness Derek manifests to Barbie and vice versa. Anyway, Derek has remained unattached since his break up with Barbie. Same holds true with her.
Is Marian Rivera and dingdong Dantes to tie the marital knots this year? A colleague quoted Marian in saying that Gov. Vilma Santos will be a sure principal sponsor at their wedding. Does it mean the marriage has been mapped out already?