With the exception of the late Carmen Rosales who reigned alone as Philippine Movie Queen in the ‘40s, the decades that follow documented the rivalry of two Movie Queens to the throne. It began in the ‘50s with Gloria Romero and the late Nida Blanca. While Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes hotly contested it in the ‘60s. Then pandemonium broke loose in the close fight in the ‘70s between Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. 1980s marked the clash of Sharon Cuneta and Maricel Soriano, followed by the stiff competition of Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Barretto. The 2000s have remained disputable for several actresses are contenders. Among them are Bea Alonzo, Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera, KC Concepcion and even Anne Curtis.
It’s interesting to note the mentioned rivals from the ‘50s to the ‘90s are categorically in contrast with one another. One epitomizes sweetness and the other a most controversial figure. Those who fall on the former are Gloria, Vilma, Sharon and Judy Ann. On the other side, Nida, Amalia, Maricel and Claudine have been hot copies for their controversies.
Through the years, in the scrutiny of movie chroniclers and those in the know they have picked Amalia as the most controversial of the queens for she had tucked many firsts on her belt. For one, she was the first star sued by her producer, the late Dr. Jose Perez of Sampaguita Pictures, for breach of contract. Notably, Amalia took precedent of filing counter charges vs. her boss and eventually emerged the winner in the court battle. Her stormy marriage with movie idol then Romeo Vasquez had been in the news always, so with her court battles with off and onscreen personalities.
As one puts it,”tingnan ninyo naman for decades Amalia has been inactive sa showbiz but every now and then her being at loggerheads with a number of people have made it to the top news be in TV, radio or in print. The latest of which was her exchange of charges with her ex-husband Joey Stevens and her family disputes, including her rift with her only daughter Liezl Martinez.
In contrast, the choice of the most untarnished image by showbiz authorities has been Susan. From her day one up to the present, she has never dragged herself to any innuendoes and matures gracefully and beautifully sans scandals. Perhaps, the only time
Susan exuded a fighting mood after her husband, the late Fernando Poe Jr… lost his presidential bid to Pres. Gloria Arroyo. Without batting an eyelash, Susan exploded in a TV interview by saying to Gloria, “you did not rob the presidency not only once but twice.” (Referring to Joseph Estrada and FPJ.
Who’s the Movie Queen for All Times? The basis of contention lies on the
durability in popularity and box office appeal. So it narrows down to Sharon and Vilma who have sustained their box office drawing power. Though both are occupied with other tasks, Sharon as top TV star and concert artist and Vilma in politics.
Who’s acknowledged the simplest and low profile Movie Queen of All Times? For those who are familiar with showbiz throughout the year it’s none other than Gloria. After her reign devoid of any hassles whatsoever, she has maintained that ever simple ways up to the present. Gloria has never been left meaty movie assignments despite her old age. Adding, simple that she us, she didn’t flaunt whatever wealth she has accumulated as movie e queen and as a seasoned actress.
The entrance of the year 2000 to this date earmarks the upsurge to fame of Bea, Angel, KC, Anne and even Marian whose starrers made a killings at the tills consistently. However, no formal declaration surfaces who’s the Movie Queen of this decade. On the outset, Bea seems to upstage the likes of Angel, KC and Anne whom the respective followers of the above mentioned has disagreed at. It’s anybody’s guess who will be the official Movie Queen of this generation and her nearest competitor.
DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT…
BY NAP C. ALIP
NO SECOND TIME AROUND FOR ANGEL AND LUIS
Rumors fly high that it looks like there will be no second time around for Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano. A witness revealed to us that she was caught by surprise to see Angel with a young, dignified looking guy in a plushy resto in Metro Manila. What amazed our source was the actuations and concern of the man for Angel, apparently all aglow with love.
Where does it leave Luis who’s bent on winning back Angel? Her twosome with the said suitor could be on friendly dates only; yet Angel might succumb to his persistence. At any rate, congrats to Angel for her TV soap Immortal which consistently makes it as a top rater? This reminds us of what her stepmom revealed to a former neighbor in Marikina who’s our kin.
“From childhood up to now, Angel remains a nice, thoughtful person, always dependable. She deserves to reap success in all fields she embarks.” Well said.
AGA TO BUY PROPERTIES, MIGRATE TO SPAIN?
Early last year, heard that Aga Muhlach availed himself of the opportunity given by the Spanish embassy. That those whose grandparents are Spaniards would be granted Spanish citizenship. In a chat with Aga’s dad Cheng, it would soon be fulfilled. And one of Aga’s plans is to buy properties in Spain. Cheng doesn’t discard the possibility that after Aga retires from showbiz, he might migrate to Spain with his wife Charlene Gonzales and their kids. Right now, Aga dissipates his time to flourish his foundation which aids the less privileged children all over the country. His movie with Sharon Cuneta will push through.
Incidentally, Aga’s teenage half brother Adrian AJ Muhlach follows his footsteps. Like Aga, AJ excels in dancing which earned him to be in the group XLR8, a mainstay of GMA-7’s Sunday program Party Pilipinas. Now under contract with Viva Films, AJ will top bill the remake of bagets which catapulted Aga to stardom and fame. Good luck, AJ.
NORA TO ENPLANE BACK TO GRACE TRIBUTE FOR FAMAS HALL OF FAMERS
This coming February, Nora Aunor returns to the Philippines after many years of stay in the U.S. She promises to grace the FAMAS night for its tribute to the Hall of Famers. Aside from Nora, the five times winner of FAMAS awards include ex-press. Joseph Estrada, the late Fernando Poe Jr., Gov. Vilma Santos and Eddie Garcia. To date, the entire movie industry, despite the presence of another FAMAS group acknowledges and supports the original FAMAS body, composed of long time members since the ‘50s.
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As its prexy Chit Sambile, ex-presidents Col. Jimmy Tiu and Charlie Arcega echo they did forego its awards rites last year as the other group did. They didn’t want to discredit the recent awardees for they’re not to be blamed for the mess brought about by the two clashing bodies.
PIOLO, KC AND ZANJOE, THE NEWEST LOVE TRIANGLE?
What do you know, there’s a brewing latest triangle in showbiz. It’s none other than Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion and hold your breath, the closest pal of Piolo, no less.
Talks mushroom instantly that Zanjoe allegedly regularly visits KC. Insinuating that he courts her.
Asked about such gossip, Piolo simply laughed it off, saying he trusts Zanjoe a lot being his confidante. However, if it’s true, he won’t take it against Zanjoe. After all. The latter is single and loveless.
“Pero may tiwala ako sa kanya. Di naman siya ganoong kaibigan.” Piolo chuckled with a grin, adding that he plunges into marriage; KC will be the right bride for him.
AMALIA TO DROP BOMB VS AI-AI, DIREK WENN?
Albeit Albert and Liezl Martinez already apologized to both Ai-Ai delas Alas and direk Wenn Deramas for the catty remarks of their son Alfonso against the two, many surmise it would not easily die down. It stemmed from the comment of Alfonso right after the
award rites of the Metro Manila film fest. That how come that his dad Albert who megged the adjudged second best picture Rosario and a quality movie at that didn’t merit a best director nomination. While a mere comedy pic won best actress for Ai and best director for Wenn.
As such, Ai-Ai, Wenn mouthed their retaliation, with the latter’s words more insulting, to this effect, “kung walang alam huwag makialam.”
If direk Wenn would go on hitting Alfonso, expect ex-movie queen Amalia Fuentes to drop a bomb in defense of Alfonso who happens to be her alaga and favorite grandson. Definitely, Amalia won’t take it sitting down. The exchange of heated words will be anticipated by many, mind you.****