From the early ‘50s, several actresses rose to fame for being trend setter. It was for their award winning classic roles or setting a new trend in showbiz. Let’s start with Lilia Dizon, noted for her beauty. She was the first local actress to romp off best actress in the Asian Film Festival held in Cambodia.
Lilia’s flick was Kandelerong Pilak, an action-drama that propelled her as in demand actress, mostly in dramatic stuffs under LVN Pictures. Her husband was versatile character actor Gil de Leon. Their three children Christopher, Pinky and Melissa de Leon penetrated showbiz also. Currently, Christopher remains award winning actor whether in TV or films. He’s one of the victims of Corona virus pandemic who’s up and about now, resumes taping of his boob tube show Love Thy Woman.
Considered the most beautiful face in 1950, Norma Blancafor set a record as the first to enact Virgin Mary in the opus Pagsilang ng Mesiyas produced by Lebran Productions. She co-starred with American actor Jenning Sturgeons who delineated Jesus Christ. This religious pic ushered in other producers to come out with biblical vehicles, out of its huge success at the tills.
Then Anita Linda who passed away weeks back at 95, ignited the movie version of Jose Rizal’s novels by playing the role of Sisa, a character in Noli Me tangere. As Sisa, Anita bagged the FAMAS best actress award which triggered historical movies also.
Under Sampaguita Pictures, the late Alicia Vergel became the first acknowledged all around actress who excelled not only in tear-jerker and comical movies but also in thoroughly risky action flicks. Among her lead roles were in Huling Patak ng Dugo,MN, Eskandalosa, Diwani and the Hollywood movie shot in the Philippines Day of the Trumpet, bannered by American actor John Agar.
In passing, Alicia’s late hubby Cesar Ramirez and their deceased son Ace Vegel were successful action stars. Their daughter actress Beverly Vergel now based in Canada has turned film megger, attributed by her best director trophy for Living Instead in international filmfests.
Gloria Romero and the late Nida Blanca who were arch rivals for movie queen in the early ‘50s paved the way also for regional title rolers on wide screen. Gloria topbilled Dalagang Ilocana and Nida starred in Waray Waray, both blockbusters. To this day, there’s ongoing TV series based on the duo’s characters Anak ni Waray vs Anak ni Biday.
From a noted villainess Rosa Rosal was the first kontrabida to succeed transformation to a lead role via the award winning Biyaya ng Lupa. Rosa garnered best actress at the Asian Film Festival. Her co-star Leroy Salvador won the best supporting actor too. Subsequently, Movie, TV moguls handed her not kontrabida assignments. This occurred prior to her job as one of the heads of Philippine Red Cross which she prioritized, what with her inherent humanitarian nature.
Considered by cinema critics as the greatest actress of all times, Lolita Rodriguez had been built up by the bigwig of Sampaguita Pictures Dr. Jose Perez. She distinguished herself as the pioneer of a powerful portrayal of a tomboy in Jack en Jill, with the late Dolphy as the gay Jack. Those in the know have a truculent remarked that currently, no one can beat lolita’s delineation of a t-bird. Lolita got several acting accolades in heavy dramas. However, they’ve agreed her performance in Jack en Jill unmatched by other stars. Before she quit showbiz, Lolita’s versatility had been acknowledged world-wide via Tinimbang Ka ngunit Kulang, helmed by multi-awarded megger Lino Brocka.
Angel Exudes Bravery Anew
Like her heroic role in the fantasy pic Darna, Angel Locsin exudes bravery, toughness when publicly she slammed Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque. Openly, she criticized Harry who belittled ABS-CBN by his insulting words, topped by mere small amount was donated by the company to the COVID-19 victims.
Out of it, Angel posted at her social media accounts the Lopez group list of donation (P268 million) and the Pantawid ng Pag-big project of ABS-CBN to those who suffer from the pandemic worth P427 million in cash and pledges.
Angel threw message to Harry that he should be thankful rather than to disparage the Kapamilya network. She added that it’s the government’s duty to serve the country with the query if Harry has given personal assistance to the infected by corona virus which is unheard off.
Colleagues and followers of Angel have replied with praises for her brave stand to what President Duterte’s spokesperson did upbraid about ABS-CBN.
A New Milestone for Dimples Romana
Actress-TV host Dimples Romana never anticipated she would be chosen judge in an international TV festival. Yet that new milestone taps her. In the forthcoming 2020 International Emmy Awards (International Academy of TV Arts), Dimples will sit as one of the jurors.
Obviously, the people behind the Emmy body recognized Dimple’s triumph as best actress for Kadenang Ginto at the Asian Academy Creator Awards. Past nominees were co-stars under ABS-CBN Jodi Sta. Maria and Zanjoe Marudo. While ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos was chairperson at the 2015 Emmy Awards.
According to Dimples, the award ceremony will be held in New York, this coming November 2020.
Megan, Mikael: No Misunderstanding
The recent statement of erstwhile Miss World Megan Young, now wife of actor Mikael Daez, befuddled not a few. Megan admits she’s not ready to have a child, despite being pressured. They seem credulous to think it’s Mikael who does it which leads to a misunderstanding between the two.
Instantly, Megan contravened such opinion. Firstly, what makes her to truly love Mikael is his inborn loving, patience nature. She pointed out that actually it’s her mom who would prod her to get pregnant at once after her marriage with Mikael. Her mom’s words, ‘gustung-gusto ko na kasi magka-apo sa iyo.’
Blind Item:
A pretty, talented actress has been advised by some followers to cease praising the rival network of the TV station she belongs. They warn her it might cause the cancellation of her new TV show, out of the notion she no longer showcases loyalty at all. Others’ conjecture falls on her plan to transfer.
However, the actress reportedly voiced out it’s okay if her show would be off the air soon. But it won’t mean she would bid adieu to her network. With cogent words she’s a loyal person but simply outspoken to say her likes or dislikes for people or firms.
Latest Tidbits:
After Vice Ganda lambasted those responsible for the closure of ABS-CBN, he put up his own Vice Ganda Network. Akin to that of Oprah Winfrey Network, his show deals with latest news on him. Beauty tips and daily give-away to the needy ones will be shown. At the same time, he’s elated that his starrer Private Benjamin 3 has been included at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 this coming December.
At this writing, Cristine Reyes has neither confirmed nor denied that after 12 years of her transfer to ABS-CBN she’ll be back to GMA-7. As an aftermath of her recent guesting at Eat Bulaga, that’s the general consensus of many. Her alleged meeting with the Kapuso bigwigs, together with her manager impacted such gossip.
A source did hush-hush to this writer that Miss Universe Catriona Gray seems not bemuse on news about her ex-actor-boyfriend Clint Bondad. Reportedly, he’s live in partner now of a billionaire transwoman. She’s a Thai named Anne Jakrahutatip, said to be a distributor also of ABS-CBN and GMA-7 TV shows in Thailand. If it’s true, Catriona stated it’s Clint’s choice so he’s happy for him.
Currently, the Thai transwoman asserts no truth to it for Clint happens to be a mere pal.
Unknown to many, Luis Manzano silently formed a job trade to help ex-employees of ABS-CBN who are jobless. His confidant announced after bashers rant Luis as walang utang na loob sa Kapamilya for being unmindful of its closure. But just like his mom cong. Vilma Santos , he remains ABS-CBN supporter.
Bea Alonzo hasn’t admitted the real score on her and Dominic Roque, her alleged new lover after a split with Gerald Anderson. She’s occupied on her full assistance to the COVID-19 victims. Not to mention her time in defense of ABS-CBN against those in glee has been openly seen by the public. Meanwhile, Bea looks forward to her looming project with Asian Multi Star Alden Richards.
By the time this issue comes out Susan Roces would have celebrated her birthday with family, loved ones. A scribe informed me too that the cast of Ang Probinsyano led by Coco Martin planned a secret bash for Susan. They’re thankful to her for resuming taping of the said TV series.