Trivia:
Did you know that from the late ‘40s to later years, beauty experts and authorities in facial appearance had unanimously chosen the most beautiful actresses? The first one to receive that distinction was Norma Blancaflor. Not surprising indeed that she was handpicked to initially delineate role of Virgin Mary in the biblical film Pagsilang ng Mesiyas.
Understandably so, in the early ‘50s, the second who enacted the blessed mother of Jesus Christ in the Lenten play Martir sa Golgota was declared the most beautiful among her peers, none other than Gloria Romero. Her scrumptious looks and personality also transformed Gloria the favorite of cinemagoers. Thus, she held the movie queen title that time.
Subsequently, the era of Amalia Fuentes dawned. Considered then a look-alike of Hollywood most beautiful star Elizabeth Taylor, she got an international recognition. The prestigious Asia magazine named Amalia the prettiest actress not only in the Philippines but in the entire Asia.
Expectedly, Amalia graced the cover of the said mag which documented her resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor that strengthened her fame. Evidently, Amalia had been invited to attend events in Asian countries and United States as well via a part of the then famous Karilagan Filipino models who traveled from various places.
Not to be outdone, Amalia’s arch rival Susan Roces from the same movie company Sampaguita Pictures had the title the most refreshingly beautiful actress, with the tag the face that refreshes. Not to mention another plaudit Susan achieved handed by the movie press, the friendliest and sweetest celebrity .Added to this, in the contest conducted by the top Weekly Graphic mag, Susan was voted Miss Philippine Movies.
In the late ‘60s, the most triumphant happened to be the country’s first Miss Universe Gloria Diaz. As a movie star, aside from the prettiest, Gloria had been adjudged the sexiest through her title role Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa helmed by the deceased award winning director Celso Ad Castillo.
Truth to tell, a friend and ex-classmate at MLQ University Celso told me prior to its filming that Gloria would anneal her movie debut by being trend setter. True to his prediction, Gloria started the wet look trend. Other producers, actresses imitated Gloria’s wet look. In fairness to Gloria, from seductive performances she ameliorated to highly dramatic lead roles. No wonder, she eventually bagged acting award and nominated in different award giving bodies. As it is, Gloria today sustains being active in major TV or movie assignments.
Another beauty queen did trek Gloria’s path. In the ‘70s, Aurora Pijuan became the second Pinay to win the Miss International pageant. Aurora’s exotic appeal led several movie moguls to bestow lead roles to her in action-drama flicks that garnered accolades too albeit she had a short stint as an actress to marry world golf champ Tommy Manotoc. Their marriage ended in separation, with a son TJ Manotoc who’s a noted sports broadcaster.
Angel on Good Terms with her Director
Contrary to the gaffe Angel Locsin’s in a rift with director Manny Palo that caused her walk out on the set of her TV series The General’s Daughter, no such thing transpired. In fact, onlookers often see the hunky-dory rapport of the duo during its taping. Direk Manny was quoted to declare.
“The more I admire Angel when she refused a double in a risky scene to hang under a moving truck which she did so well like a real stunt woman. She’s not only good in drama but as an action star also.”
Angel did shun the topic why she had a walk out previously but thankful to Manny for his comment and to colleagues and fans exclaiming praises for her performance. Many augur Angel will be nominated for best TV actress in the said lead role.
Maine”s Parents Welcome Arjo
Arjo Atayde confided to a co-writer that he met Maine Mendoza’s parents for the first time before she celebrated her 24th birthday. With gutty, Arjo didn’t deny he felt scared but admitted he has no bad intention in courting Maine. The couple advised him not to offend Maine whatsoever or he would suffer the consequences.
After Maine, Arjo’s Taiwan trip, both are non-committal on a more than friendly relationship. Maine mattered it’s getting to know each other stage and mere adventure. In the case of Arjo, he mouthed, “ah, it’s a secret.” So it’s anybody’s guess albeit not a few opine the two are already lovers.
A Screen Comeback for Jolina
After almost two decades of absence on the wide screen, a garish Jolina Magdangal stages a movie comeback. What excites her is the still untitled pic reunites her with love team Marvin Agustin. Their last appearance was in the blockbuster flick Labs Kita, Okey Ka Ba?
According to Jolens, the film to is produced under the outfit Project 8 Cor. San Jaoquin Projects to be directed by Antoniette Jadaone and Dan Villegas and written by Bibeth Orteza. Jolens’ hopeful that it would be included at the Metro Manila Film Festival this year.
An incident this writer vividly would recall about Jolens years past was when she invited me at her rest house in Cavite. The unique style like a big nipa house, with all the materials, decors made in local materials amazed me. Much more, she showed the native gifts sent to her by her fans that truly attested she’s a Pinay by heart. Currently, she’s one of the TV hosts of the daily show Magandang Buhay under ABS-CBN.
Celebrities Obsessed with College Degrees
Would you believe some celebrities are still obsessed with their studies despite being busy with their acting career? One example is Yasmien Kurdi who was a nursing course graduate before her entrance to showbiz. This April she’ll finish political science at the Arellano University. Yes she’s bent to take up foreign service too to serve the OFWS. Yasmien banners the current TV drama series. Hiram na Anak.
Ex child actor Renz Valerio will graduate at the Our Lady of Fatima University in Antipolo City this April magna cum laude in Marketing Management. Renz who has major role in the TV series Inagaw na Bituin plans to take up a Master’s degree.
In passing, vet actress Jodi Sta. Maria got her diploma for psychology last year yet willing to take up another course this year.
Will Herbert Retire in Politics?
Speculations soar high that after QC Mayor Herbert Bautista finishes his term, he would allegedly retire in politics. In any case, his confidant hints that he’s willing to accept a government appointment if offered by President Duterte. Meanwhile, Herbert is tight-lipped about QC councilor Roderick Paulate’s suspension over graft charges.
Incidentally, the auditorium of OC Polythecnic University has been named Tanghalang Herbert Bautista in honor of the mayor.
Blind Item:
Co-workers of a veteran actress and actor who are reunited in a pic still talk about an incident at its filming. Reportedly, a decade or so ago the duo had a feud. They opine the rift still goes on for their exchanged of rants off cameras. However, the actress’ chum construed it’s a put on action just for fun which the onlookers have controverted. “Halatang galit pa sila sa isa’t-isa.” They echoed.
Latest Tidbits:
Piolo Pascual confirmed no more TV series for him to stick as movie actor, producer and ads endorser. He’s scheduled to finish 6 films this year, topped by Brilliante Mendoza’s project intended for the 100 Anniversary of Philippine Movies. Piolo anticipates his reteaming with Judy Ann Santos.
There’s no truth to the talks of a rift between Joey and his son Kempee de Leon out of his appearance in It’s Showtime, the rival show of Eat Bulaga. Joey’s camp claim he fully understand the move of Kempee for being under ABS-CBN now with a role in the new TV series Nang Ngumiti ang Langit. Kempee was a co-host of Eat Bulaga for 14 years.