Trivia:
Nearly two decades after the untimely demise of top actress Nida Blanca, her family, loved ones and followers still lament her unsolved murder case to this day. Now that Nida would notch her birthday on January 6, 2019 this writer couldn’t help but recollect her less known side, having worked with her as pro for ten years.
Did you know as a tyro in flicker world, I knew something about Nida? My close cousin happened to be her classmate in pre law at the University of Santo Tomas. He was frank to admit he courted but was jilted by Nida. Yet his admiration for her as simply Dorothy Jones, the student never ceased.
“What drew me closer to Dorothy was her sincere, direct to the point nature. Even if she busted me we remained attached until she decided to quit her studies to concentrate on her movie career.” My relative revealed.
Later, the said inherent character of Nida I realized was very apparent. At the time her barkada included Eddie Gutierrez and the late Johnny Delgado whom I served as their publicist, Nida didn’t quash to say she had a feud, misunderstanding with top actress Amalia Fuentes who was my boss .Together with Eddie and Johnny I tried to patch up the duo’s differences with a good result to bury the hatchet. Both Nida and Amalia were straight forward, to say so.
Eventually, I was quite bemused when Eddie told me that Nida wanted me to be her personal pro. In front of her, Nida outspokenly divulged my style and how I handled Amalia’s promo led her to hire me also which I readily accepted. Truth to tell, Nida’s constant act to assist made me realize she was a professional person in every inch.
Two incidents in the past to browse put credence on her innate toughness .Once, a top rebel leader sent words to the military officers that he would surrender if Nida would be the mediator for them. Without second thought, she accepted the challenge willingly even if she would walk tediously going to the mountain and the probable risk to loom.
Another occurrence occurred in the street. Nida had a rift with an insolent driver who dared her to go out of the car. An intrepid Nida did it quickly with a slap on his face. If not for the arrival of traffic enforcers, an invidious altercation would have ensued.
Reports then indicated also that at the time of Nida’s murder in the vicinity of the Movie, TV, Radio, Communication Board, the alleged purpose of the culprits were just to threat Nida but she physically fought back that compelled them to kill Nida.
Recounting sadly, few days before Nida’s demise, we met at the bash tendered for Lea Productions boss Emilia Blas. She was glum-faced in telling me, “parang feeling ko, ito na ang last day nating magkikita.” I never thought that premonition would come to the fore. Ah, wishing you a blissful, ever peaceful natal day with our Lord, up in heaven.
2019: What Lies Ahead for Celebrities?
New Year usually means the expectations of bright days ahead of you and to unhand previous errors to change for the better. This 2019, these celebrities hopefully will have the following in store for them. Angel Locsin: Out of a respite in showbiz world for a year, her new TV assignment The President’s Daughter would regain back her fame that quite dimmed.
Maine Mendoza: Reportedly, not a few have shown umbrage of her lately due to her behavior that leads to her being upbraided. Maine should have a resolution to bring back her old convivial ways to win back her critics. Willie Revillame: He’s vocal of a loveless plight for years. He deserves to find a lifetime love of his life. After all his exes live happily with their current partners.
Sarah Geronimo-Matteo Guidicelli: With their garish togetherness, hint of a possible marriage surfaces. May the plan pushes through this 2019 and be blessed with a lasting relationship.
Carla, Rocco Defend Their TV Series
As an aftermath of the unexpected ending of the TV series Pamilya Roces, bashers throw pejorative remarks. Allegedly, the poor viewership, misunderstandings within the cast caused it. In this light, the lead stars Carla Abellana and Rocco Nacino negated the allegations. Carla mattered it was scheduled for three months only despite good TV ratings.
Rocco voiced out there was a hanky-dory working relationships in the cast, no troubles whatsoever as others averred. Added to this, Rocco’s thankful for the good comments on respect, love albeit difficulties heightened the plot among the family members.
Broadway Comeback for lea Salonga
Once again Lea Salonga stages a Broadway comeback via Once on This Island in New York. Starting on Dec. 27, 2018 she would enact anew Erzulie, the goddess of love. The one who took over her role Michelle Williams took a leave for medical reason. For Lea, another challenge this 2019 has enthralled her.
The said musical garnered 8 trophies at the Tony Awards and currently a nominee for Best Musical Album under the Grammy Awards. Incidentally, if given a chance to revive movie career in the Philippines, Lea prioritizes on a reteaming with her chum Aga Muhlach.
Will Catriona Gray Enter Showbiz?
As many anticipated, our bet Catriona Gray bagged the Miss Universe crown, the fourth Pinay to win after Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973 and Pia Wurtzbach (2015). Now, not a few eagerly wait if she’ll later emerge a showbiz personality, with her inherent talents to boot.
According to my good friend Boyet Blas who’s a noted discoverer, trainer of beauty queens to be, there’s big chance. Much more so, Catriona’s half German boyfriend-model Clint Bondad aspires to be an actor. Boyet flew to Bangkok, Thailand to witness her victory which he predicted with confidence.
Sharon’s Wish on Her Daughter’s debut
In the recent debut of her daughter Frankie, a jubilant Sharon Cuneta confided to a writer-chum her wish for her. Whatever career Frankie would choose, she’ll be supportive and confident of her success. “She’s a determined young girl whose talents and obedience would propel her up.” Sharon quipped.
Frankie’s dad senator Kiko Pangilinan reportedly replied too that he agreed with his wife Sharon. He added that Frankie hopefully will concentrate first on her studies over love matter.
Incidentally, congrats to Sharon for the box office success of her screen comeback Three Words to Forever.
Blind Item:
Two actors from the same TV network are said to be at loggerheads with each other due to a pretty actress. The older actor allegedly found out the other actor woos the said girl who’s his girlfriend covertly. The two reportedly had a near violent encounter over the issue.
Those around the actors have deep-seated reply about it, saying mutual pals goaded the duo to settle down differences. The younger actor did swear he didn’t coquette with his girlfriend-actress that brought the closure of their alleged misunderstanding.
Spicy Items:
ABS-CBN management at this writing has not replied yet in the recent statement of President Rodrigo Duterte. He asserted that he would settle his differences with the network if it will help promote for the federal system, with the slogan for unity and preserve the republic. The rift ignited during the presidential election when Duterte accused ABS-CBN of not airing his paid ad campaign.
Diehard fans of Vice Ganda have lambasted his rumored boyfriend-basketball player Calvin Abueva after the latter posted photos of his wife Salome Javaler in the Instagram. They claim Calvin merely fools and takes advantage of Vice Ganda. Calvin retaliated Vice Ganda’s a good friend, nice person who never has a wrong notion on him. Thus, Calvin ignores the not propitious comments on him.
Some have negative criticisms thrown on our 4th Miss Universe Catriona Gray but practically world-wide she’s praised to the hilt as very deserving to the title. These include previous Miss Universe winners, notably Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova from Canada and Sushmita Sen from India.