Trivia:
Aside from top stars this writer handled as their publicist, through my scribe-pals in the ‘60s, ‘70s, I was given the chance to work, be closed with other actors known for their athletic skills. With his acting comeback in the TV top rater Ang Probinsyano, Rey Malonzo made me recall our working relationships.
Through veteran pen pusher-PR man Vir Gonzales I met karate expert turned actor Rey who was then a showbiz tyro. His skills in stunts easily put him to the level of action stars, one of the most sought after that time. Subsequently, Rey founded his own movie company which Vir served as pro.
Oftentimes, I had assisted Vir in the promo task that Rey himself injected gratefulness to me by his VIP treatment. However, later Rey was enraged when his chum told him, “sinisiraan ka ni Nap sa kanyang column.” Without reading it, an irate Rey confronted me in front of my chums.
On my query if he had read it, Rey had replied no so I mattered, I’ve treated you as my pal and a real friend gives constructive advices, not to ruin him. It was about Rey’s alleged habit of spending time, money in casino that others did scoff him. In any case, Rey hurriedly left sans any word.
Whatever, at the time Rey decided to run for Caloocan City Mayor, he dropped by my place in the said area to renew our friendship with this words. “Sorry for my fault in misjudging you. I’d accept you back as someone dependable, a true one in words and deeds.”
Not surprising that voted mayor, Rey never ceased to invite me in events, even handed me assistance every time I was beset with difficulties, be it personal or financial problems. Here in Canada, through Vir Rey would send messages to me, wishing for my good health and a future reunion to loom. With his successful showbiz comeback, hopefully Rey stages a fruitful return in politics also.
My friend and my daughter Myra’s godfather Teddy Hayden Lim who was then advertising head of Manila Bulletin requested me to assist him. That was the time the late actor Roland Dantes hired him as the publicist of his movie firm whose initial offering Arnis was internationally exhibited.
In passing, Roland was former Mr. Philippines, with passion for the Filipino sports arnis. Through his movie, it enhanced the popularity of arnis worldwide and propelled it in competition level at the ASEAN Games then. Roland owned a gym where he fully taught the techniques to be competent in arnis.
Curiously, those were the days a handsome teen actor Dingdong Dantes penetrated the movie world. In the first meeting with Dingdong, this writer queried if he’s related to Roland. Without a nod, he excused to leave that left me puzzled.
In a chat with Roland, he asseverated that Dingdong happened to be his son by his ex-partner. Dingdong abhorred him upon his living in with her second family abroad. “On my return I tried to contact Dingdong but he still refused to see me. But I don’t give up hope someday he’ll accept me back.” Roland lamented.
Lucidly, Dingdong had buried the hatchet with his dad. In the demise of Roland, Dingdong divulged to me months before the serious ailment of Roland, he was the one to approach him for forgiveness, not opened-minded that he was. Dingdong sobbed on the tight hug Roland did, a scrumptious feeling for the former would always cherish.
Celebs Who Win, Lose in the Election
First of all, congratulations to my long time chum singer-actress Imelda Papin who won as vice governor in Camarines Sur, Bicol province. To recall, she volunteered to sing at my wedding with Mer in 1978. Imelda was instrumental for me, June Quintana, the late Efren Esteban to join the Movie Reporters in Concert with real singers Lhar Santiago (Student Canteen champ) and Rey Pumaloy (Nora Aunor’s back up singer) held in 1986 at Café Nicolas, Malate, Manila.
In the Senate, both my good pals Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla are re-elected as senators. In the mayoral race, Vilma Santos (Batangas), Lani Mercado (Bacoor, Cavite), Isko Moreno (Manila), Richard Gomez (Ormoc city) and Vico Sotto (Pasig city) won. Winning the congressional bids are Alfred Vargas (Quezon city), Yul Servo (Manila) & Dan Fernandez (Laguna). Voted vice governor of Cavite is Jolo Revilla. Jhong Hilario won anew as Makati councilor, so with Jomari Yllana and Vandolph in Paranaque and Charee Pineda (Valenzuela city). Elected as Board Member is Jestoni Alarcon.
Those who lost in the election were Richard Yap, Dominic Ochoa, Long Mejia and Sheryl Cruz. Sadly, the Estrada family failed also led by Joseph Estrada, his sons Jinggoy, JV, nephews ER Ejercito Gary Estrada and granddaughter Jerika Estrada.
Angel Locsin, Jimmy Bondoc in a Rift?
It’s salient for many that Angel Locsin and singer Jimmy Bondoc seems in a rift out of their exchanged of messages at their Instagram. This broke out when Jimmy who’s also the assistant vice president of the PAGCOR posted sans mention of the ABS-CBN that he’ll be happy for the closure if ever of a TV station, out of its execs misunderstanding with President Duterte who Jimmy fully supports.
At that, Angel’s sardonic reply was does it mean Jimmy would be in glee if thousands lose job if that occurs which only a pure evil would want? That’s it. Reportedly, it has ignited rants between Angel, Jimmy’s followers too. However, someone did hush-hush that allegedly, Jimmy sent an apology to Angel.
False Rumors on Megan Young
The ongoing rumors about erstwhile Miss World turned actress Megan Young have befuddled her but not affected at all. Not so long after talks brewed around she secretly tied the marital knots with her actor-boyfriend Mikael Daez, another deluding words cropped up she broke off with him.
My source related that Megan confided to her that a duffer most likely ignited the false gossips on her. “In truth we’re not even engaged yet, no plans to marry. Pero solid pa ang relasyon namin, no break up as implied. Yes, my mom yearns for a grandchild. I told her to wait for a year or two.” Megan stated.
Beauty Queen-actress not in Love with Alden
For weeks now beauty queen-actress Winwyn Marquez and Alden Richards are romantically linked. Others surmise she’s so in love with him. The awry gossips don’t irk Winwyn but she clarified since 2012 mere friendship engulfs them after working together in a TV series. She simply focuses on her work since her split with Mark Herras.
About her parents Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, Winwyn attests the couple would always advise to take her time, ever supportive of the decisions she opts.
Blind Item:
A sexy member of a TV variety show reportedly split with her actor-lover for she’s that way with a rich man or a DOM. Allegedly he often gifted her with expensive items plus a house, lot properties. With umbrage, the irked celeb called the accusation whopper lies for she’s not that kind of girl. Besides, she’s still with her boyfriend. But she blames a co-worker who wants to distort her image.
Latest Tidbits:
Some of those who have protested the abortion law in U.S. seemed unglued by what international star Lea Salonga posted at her social media accounts. They echoed she favors abortion. A straight forward person as ever, Lea expounded. “I’m not an advocate of abortion, not to decide what’s right for another woman. I speak for myself, to care for my health, so to speak.”
With upfront reply, Robin Padilla nodded to the Sharonians that he committed a mistake to Sharon Cuneta in the past. He won’t stop to ask forgiveness for she considers her a true friend. About the issue for money and personal interest kept him to ardently campaign for President Duterte’s camp, he was utile to do it for the glory of God and the people’s better future.
Both Daniel Padilla and Alden Richards dismissed the sappy allegation not on good terms due to jealousy. Since Alden started filming his movie with Daniel’s girlfriend Kathryn Bernardo shot in Hong Kong, closeness beckons the duo that irks Daniel, so they say. With probity, Daniel uttered he truly trusts Kathryn, knows Alden to be decent person. That’s why insecurity’s out of his mind.
If ever Gabby Concepcion’s daughter KC Concepcion returns to acting after a long respite, he vivifies his wish to co-star with her in a project under GMA-7. But he’s supportive of KC if she sticks to her love life with her French lover Pierre Emmanuel Plessart. Meanwhile, Gabby doesn’t give up working anew with Sharon Cuneta in a flick despite several projects for the two fizzled out.