Trivia:
Unexpectedly, the entire Estrada family’s failure to win at the election 2019 caught many disgruntled. From its patriarch Joseph Estrada, his sons Jinggoy and JV, nephews ER Ejercito, Gary Estrada and granddaughter Jerika, all of them lost in their bids in the political arena. Admittedly, this writer shared the same sentiment, having been attached to the Estradas.
To begin with, in his early movie career years Erap’s girlfriend and love team Perla Bautista was my close chum. So we bumped into each other oftentimes. That early, I knew already Erap’s yen to join politics to serve the needy ones. As it was, his frequent roles in his movies were avid supporter of the oppressed people far and wide plus the rescuer of crime victims.
Since Erap became the closest pal of the late movie king Fernando Poe Jr., the more we had bonding time, being Ronnie’s pro. When he opened up on his plan to run for San Juan mayor, I had sensed he would win hands down which occurred. Same thing transpired when Erap ran for senator and eventually as president of the country.
In the case of Erap’s brother Jesse Ejercito who was a movie producer, the founder of Crown Seven outfit, we came to know each other for he happened to be the intimate pal of Alex Muhlach who’s the dad of Nino Muhlach and owner of Wonder Films which I served as publicist for more than a decade.
To recount, Jesse built up actresses to high level of acting, all of them reaping best actress awards. Among them were Lorna Tolentino, Amy Austria and Beth Bautista. To this day Lorna and Amy are active in TV drama series.
In the case of Erap’s son Jinggoy, being a friend of my ex-boss Bong Revilla, I chanced upon him in various occasions also. That time, Jinggoy was vocal about his penchant for politics which he achieved in first attempt to run as senator, just like Bong. In the Senate, I made it a point to drop by Jinggoy’s office every time I had a meeting with Bong.
Years later, in my first trip to the Philippines after migrating to Canada with my family, one of my immediate schedules was to visit Bong and Jinggoy who were both detained in Camp Crame. Touchingly, I didn’t anticipate the words expressed to me by the duo.
“Akala namin you have forgotten us after not seeing each other for a long time, especially ngayon na nakakulong kami.” Much more so, when the two handed me gifts, showing unperturbed friendship existed.
An unforgettable early gesture of Bong as senator this writer would value for keeps was at the time the Canadian embassy denied my visa application two times. Learning about it, Bong handed me his letter of my endorsement to the Canadian consul who’s his acquaintance. Finally, my trip to Canada was approved with full credit to Bong for his assistance.
When ER who’s Erap’s brother the late George Estegan’s actor-son ran for Laguna governor and emerged winner then, I remember my relatives in San Pablo, Laguna related what ER told them about the nice things on me when I was pro of his starrer produced by my friend Vic Alvarez. This put to the fore he valued our working relationship, not forgetful of the time we spent together.
Just like Jinggoy even before the official results of the election was released, ER calmly conceded his defeat. But he echoed too the loss of the Estradas won’t be the end of their reign in politics.
Sharon Reacts on KC’s Pregnancy Rumor
Of late, the spurious rumor about KC Concepcion’s pregnancy somewhat irks her mom Sharon Cuneta. In truth, these days Sharon expounded KC concentrates daily on her gym activities to be in good shape. “How ridiculous for if she’s pregnant, bakit siya sobra mag-exercise?” Sharon remarked.
Added to this, she does not discard her daughter yearns to have a baby. “So if she’s expecting a child she won’t hide it to me especially she knows I’ll be excited to learn about it. Ah, on second thought, what’s new for false talks are synonymous to showbiz world.” Sharon propitiated herself.
Incidentally, for quite a time KC goes on a romantic affair with French boyfriend Pierre Emmanuel Plassart.
Aga, Richard’s Kids Develop Closeness
Did you know that Aga Muhlach’son Andres has developed closeness with Richard Gomez’s daughter Juliana? Andres chose Juliana to be his date on his prom held recently at Bellevue Manila. She graduated from Everest Academy in Manila while Andres is a varsity player at Brent International School, Manila.
To recall, both Aga and Richard are buddies since their teen years. A colleague queried the two if romance blooms between their kids what would be their reaction. Aga snapped a veritable acceptance if it occurs. Richard opines Juliana’s still young but he’s not against Andres. By the way, Richard and Juliana’s mom Lucy Torres are reelected Mayor, Congresswoman in Leyte. Andres’ ma is former Miss Universe runner up -actress Charlene Gonzales.
Miguel, Bianca, Andrea: No Love Triangle
Since GMA-7 love team Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali started filming the horror pic Banal with ABS-CBN teen actress Andrea Brilliantes an intrigue tapped them. Allegedly, there’s ongoing friction for Andrea turns a third party on the duo’s reported love fling. In this light, Miguel veraciously mouthed no such thing surfaced for he and Bianca are close chums only.
A cool Bianca agreed and added that Andrea is funny, amicable at the set of the said movie so she’s enjoyable to work with. On the other side, Andrea uttered she has no regrets accepting to co-star with the duo due to their likeable nature.
Is Maine at Loggerheads with Sue?
A sassy talk snowballs among showbiz diehard followers that Maine Mendoza and ABS-CBN actress Sue Ramirez are at loggerheads with each other. This cropped up allegedly when Maine found out that Arjo Atayde still maintains sweet moments with his ex Sue. But Maine, Sue refuted it as querulous rumor.
Placid as ever Maine mattered if it’s true, a past does not affect her while Sue asserted a mere friendship existed then and she considers Arjo a chum up to now. There’s no need for Maine to get jealous. Albeit not attached to Maine, she’s not in bad terms with her.
Gloria, Judy Ann React
Some critics and old timers somewhat have vituperated the Star Awards body for the best actress awards given to Kathryn Bernardo (The Hows of Us) and Sarah Geronimo (Miss Granny) when vet nominees Gloria Romero (Rainbow’s Sunset) and Judy Ann Santos (Dalawang Mrs. Reyes) more deserving.
But Gloria stated that talented young actresses must be recognized too. Judy Ann commented that the winners who are her co-Kapamilya stars excelled in their flicks. She accepted her loss sans umbrage.
Blind Item:
To this day two stars continue to shun gossips of being lovers. A source, however, informed me that she saw the duo abroad, allegedly stayed in one room in a noted hotel and in every inch lovey-dovey. My informant razzed the actress with this statement.
“I won’t be surprised if later the actress will be out of the limelight. Baka mabuntis na siya ng actor.”
Latest Tidbits:
Julia Barretto neither confirmed nor denied she did split with bf-actor Joshua Garcia. She appeased her fans not to worry for she’s emotionally, mentally at peace. By the way, many admire Joshua for at 20, he owns properties, businesses via his earnings since he was a kid actor. He has the makings of a very responsible family man.
On the issue that she reconciled with her ex Piolo Pascual while being together abroad to grace the Cannes Film Festival, Shaina Magdayao laughed it off, saying she enjoyed her time in France where she was treated like a world celebrity. About the talks she’ll soon be a GMA-7 star, Shaina’s upfront words she remains under ABS-CBN network though she has no current project now.
Could it be true that Ai-Ai delas Alas rejected the offer of the Ex-Battalion singing group to get her back as their manager? Reportedly, she’s hurt by the truculent acts of its members in the past.
