Trivia:
In the ‘80s, my writer-pal Vir Gonzales who was my former classmate in journalism course at the MLQ University, built up a group of tyros called the Escolta Boys. The recent death of one of its members Arnold Esguerra brings to my mind a throwback on them. Composed of Bobby Zshornack, Leo Lazaro, Gerry Roman, Jeric Vasquez and Arnold, they all appeared in purely action stuffs, most of the time being experts in rough and tumble sequences, with a background in stunts.
Sadly, full stardom would have beckoned Bobby as planned by Seiko Films bigwig Robbie Tan if not for his untimely demise. A criminology graduate, Bobby was a cop before he became a top ad model of San Miguel beer. This led to his major roles in Ambush, with Ronnie Ricketts and Walang Panginoon, a Jestoni Alarcon starrer.
Prior to his decision to join the Swat police enforcers who trained in Canlubang, Laguna, Bobby tackled major assignments in Bakit Kinagat ni Adan ang Mansanas ni Eba, with Dolphy-Beverly Vergel and Alega Gang, bannered by Bong Revilla and Robin Padilla. The latter film apropos gave way to the deep friendship of Bobby and Robin.
Truth to tell, at the time Bobby passed away, shot to death in an encounter with criminals, this writer bumped into Robin in his wake who spoke on his attachment with Bobby.. “I’m so sad. You know we promised each other whoever turns successful will not forget one another. Now, I reached the action star status, I was about to recommend Bobby as co-star in my next movies. Kaso, wala na siya, sayang.” Robin lamented.
Added to this, in a chat with producer Robbie Tan, he recounted to me that he was on the brink to shoot an action project with Bobby in the lead. “With a sort of premonition, Bobby told me in case something happened to him, he suggested to hand the role to Robin. I realized the duo’s deep camaraderie.” Robbie quipped.
One of the most talked about private life of Bobby involved the late top actor Zaldy Zshornack. Many surmised that actually Zaldy was the real dad of Bobby but both refrained to comment. However, months after Bobby died, Zaldy enplaned back to the Philippines. Knowing I was a close friend of Bobby, he admitted that finally he found out the truth. That he was his son by his former girlfriend. That he was truly devastated not to shower the father image even momentarily to Bobby.
Another Vir’s alaga who made a mark in showbiz is the still active to this date Leo Lazaro, a country boy from Mindoro. His good looks, plus his passion for stunts earned for him major assignments, notably in Ambush and Walang Panginoon. Later, Leo enacted second lead parts to action stars Bong Revilla, Jess Lapid Jr., Jess Sanchez and Lito Lapid.
Of late, Leo delineates supporting roles in TV action series and flicks. Most often, Leo would grace events via the invitation of Vir who still backs up the remaining members of the Escolta Boys, Gerry and Jeric who occasionally accept character roles. Touchingly, the guys were all present in the wake and burial of Arnold who had been absence in showbiz to prioritize on his business.
In passing, Canada based actress-film director Beverly Vergel was once attached to the Escolta Boys, particularly the late Bobby Zshornack. Beverly co-starred with him in the Dolphy starrer Bakit Kinagat ni Adan ang Mansanas ni Eba.
Is Enchong Dee Unhappy Under ABS-CBN?
With the recent guest appearance of Enchong Dee in Eat Bulaga tongue-waggers scatter that it’s a sign that he would transfer to GMA-7 network. Could it be out of his unhappy countenance under ABS-CBN station? Instantly Enchong asseverated that on the contrary, he signed a renewal of contract under the Kapamilya network last January 29, 2019.
“Yes, I guested Eat Bulaga to promote my movie Elisa with Janine Gutierrez who’s a Kapuso actress, I’m not unhappy over there. In fact, I’d remain loyal to ABS-CBN. But I admit I got excited guesting Eat Bulaga.” Enchong averred to scribes.
A Wedding This Year for Kathryn, Daniel Looms?
Both Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla laughed off talks that he proposed to her during their vacation in Japan. It ignited upon the insinuation of Kathryn’s mom at her social media account. Daniel asserted the Japan shots were a mere joke, a funny moments for the duo which was taken seriously by others.
Whatever, there are still those who speculate a wedding this 2019 looms for the pair. Much more so, nowadays in every inch Kathryn looks like a bride to be, with Daniel showering her with more love and affection. About mutual chums around them, they abet the countless followers of the tandem nothing awry to augur such marriage to come.
Blind Item:
Even before a lovely actress married her actor-lover, talks had it she was already pregnant by her ex-handsome actor-boyfriend. Yet the three involved dismissed it as mere gossip. In fact, her husband showered the child true love, care in the kid’s growing years, not a bit doubtful he’s not his real son.
However, in his early teen years not a few have noticed the boy’s resemblance to his mom’s ex. Once, in a chat with her ex bf’s-dad, this writer heard these words. “Ibang feeling ng anak ko on meeting the boy as a teen. Parang lukso ng dugo raw na feeling niya anak niya ang bata. But he just kept it to himself.” To this day, the couple and their son have completely treated themselves a happy family. While the actress’s erstwhile boyfriend has no plan to dig out the truth whatsoever.
A New Accolade for Judy Ann
Despite being inactive in acting field, a new accolade has been awarded to Judy Ann Santos. She received the You Tube Silver Plate Button for Popularity. It’s for her online cooking show Judy Ann’s Kitchen. Usually, the show that would reach 100,000 subscribers makes it. In Juday’s case, she was thrilled to know that it has reached a record breaking 489,000 unexpectedly for her.
Incidentally, Juday cheers up her followers in announcing she’ll soon tackle a new movie lead role.
Willie Explains Controversies on his Show
Controversies have not ceased about Willie Revillame’s TV show Wowowin. After the alleged scam on its participants, not a few drool on why co-hosts and even dancers of the program successively resigned. The allegation boiled down to one, Willie wanted them out of Wowowin.
A colleague, however, did hush-hush what Willie expounded to him, with a clear conscience. She quoted Willie in saying. “I’ve nothing to do with it. They decided quitting to try new fields. I’ll welcome them back if they return. Di ko sila tinanggal. Ah, I really don’t know why up to now some falsely accused me.”
Raymond Bagatsing Wins In Canada Fest
My pal for decades Raymond Bagatsing feels elated for his unexpected feat. His starrer Quezon’s Game won 12 awards at the Autumn Selection of the Cinema World Fest in Canada, topped by his best actor recognition. It’s about the heroic act of the late President Manuel Quezon’s to save thousands of Jewish refugees during the world war.
The film garnered awards for drama, direction (Matthew Rosen), actress (Rachel Alejandro). Screen play, set design, lightning, sound, costume, color treatment and supporting actor (Billy Galleon).
Latest Tidbits:
My deepest condolences to vet singer-actor Dingdong Avanzado for the death of his grandma Judge Charito Veloso. Dingdong’s dad is my cousin’s son from San Pablo city, Laguna. Just like his dad, Dingdong serves in politics too.
For KC Concepcion, it’s not a bug-fear for her to get pregnant. Yet she sticks to her decision to tie the marital knots first before getting impregnated. She believes too that her boyfriend French film maker Pierre Plassart a God sent to her and the right man to marry. She’s assuaged for her mom Sharon Cuneta’s acceptance of Pierre. By the way, diehard fans of the two eagerly await their Toronto show this March.
The latest photos of Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde in the facebook accounts with the note of forthcoming trip to Iceland together lead many to echo the two are real lovers. However, Arjo mattered it’s a fake, not his account. While Maine denied she has a secret account. Well, the rumor-mongers won’t cease accusing the duo unless be truthful to the real score.
Others comment Alden Richards seems unmindful, cool about the issue. Does it mean Maine’s a mere friend only?