For three years Aga Muhlach was not visible in showbiz. Now he’s back via ABS-CBN TV talent search as host of Pinoy Boyband Superstar, with Yeng Constantino, Sandara Park and Vice Ganda. To recall, Aga was with the Kapamilya network for 20 years. In 2011 he transferred to TV-5. Aga hosted Explorer shot in various countries prior to his semi-retirement.
Aga divulged to writer-pals that he didn’t expect the management of ABS-CBN would get him back again for TV and screen appearance. He signed a contract for a movie project under Star Cinema that reteams him with Lea Salonga.
About Aga’s marital life with beauty queen-actress wife Charlene Gonzales, he augured the vow he kept to himself then. “ I ‘d try my best not to imitate my dad Cheng, uncle Alex and aunt Nena (Amalia Fuentes) whose marriage failed. “ Aga uttered.
Through the years, with their grown up children to boot, Aga admits his life with Charlene is not perfect, with this and that differences. However, contrary to rumors that have popped up they’re on the brink of break up, Aga claimed it’s wishy-washy allegation, untrue for that matter as evident by the still ongoing smooth relationships between them.
Looking back Aga mentioned too that since he was a kid, he has always considered Amalia his second mom being deeply attached to each other. “I got so worried when she suffered a serious illness, I’m glad that nowadays she’s recovering fast out of the hospital. Madalas ko siyang dinadalaw sa bahay. She slowly moves, can communicate already.” Aga stated cheerfully.
Trivia:
In the history of Philippine showbiz an occurrence transpired that to this date has never been duplicated. This was the launching at the same time of ten new actors and actresses in a glittering night to remember by the late producer of Sampaguita Pictures Dr. Jose Perez called Stars ’66.
Held at the Vera Perez Garden, graced by political figures, celebrities and media men alike, those presented who delivered speeches were Gina Pareno, Rosemarie Sonora, Blanca Gomez, Loretta Marquez, Shirley Moreno, Dindo Fernando, Edgar Salcedo, Bert Leroy Jr. and brothers Ramil, Pepito Rodriguez.
Initially, they were all together in the light comedy films Mga Batang Squatter and Mga Batang Turista shot abroad. Dr. Perez decided to pair in several flicks Rosemarie-Pepito, Blanca-Bert, Gina-Dindo, Loretta-Edgar and Shirley-Ramil. Curiously, all of them didn’t end up real lovers.
Some had passed away. Rosemarie, Blanca, Shirley opted to live abroad and the one left behind were Gina and Pepito. The most controversial of the ten Gina underwent high-profiled controversies yet maintained acting excellence locally and abroad, specifically on the indie movie Kubrador where she was declared best actress in international film festivals in Asia, Europe and America. Today, Gina remains active in TV, indie movies, with her talents undiminished.
Among them, this writer became closest to Shirley who was raised a simple lass from Marikina at the time she was discovered. We turned friends even before she gained stardom, named one of the prettiest actresses in the cinema. At the height of her fame, Shirley never turned down my invitation to be the muse of organizations or to attend special occasions, particularly at my birthday.
Despite her sweet nature, what’s impressive about Shirley was her toughness to face challenges in private life. In other words, she’s a fighter through and through who wouldn’t sulk in s corner, Career-wise, Shirley stood out as the other woman in the love story of Susan Roces-Eddie Gutierrez in Portrait of my Love and Dolphy’s leading lady in Alyas Batman.
Currently, Shirley and ex-actor- husband Henry Steven stay successfully and happily in U.S. with their children and grandkids. Oftentimes we communicate through Facebook.
Nora, Judy Ann Beaten by a Newcomer as Best Actress in Cinemalaya fest
Most anybody couldn’t believe that a newcomer based in London named Hasmine Killip has beaten Nora Aunor (Tuos) and Judy Ann Santos (Kusina) for best actress at the recent Cinemalaya Festival. Hasmine shone in the film Pamilya Ordinaryo which won too several awards, including best director (Eduardo Roy Jr.).
Hasmine shouted, jumped with joy on hearing the news in London where she’s married to a British Anthony Killip. She never had in mind that she would outshine her long time favorites Nora and Judy Ann. Actually, Pamilya Ordinaryo was Hasmine’s second movie after the indie pic Junalyn Has. But movie critics unanimously averred Hasmine displayed a truly incomparable performance.
Bong Reacts on Sen. De Lima’s Plight
It’s understandable why Bong Revilla reacted favorably in the accusations hurled by President Rodrigo Duterte to Senator Leila de Lima. It was during de Lima’s time as then secretary of justice when Bong was accused, put to jail for two years, two months now at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame due to his alleged PDAF scam, together with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
In an open statement, Bong disclosed these words. “There’s no escape for karma. Your dish is like the self-righteous person but act like a victim when you’re on the receiving end. Tapos na ang ilusyon mo. Harapin mo ang katotohanan.”
During my stay in the Philippines more than a year ago, this writer visited Bong at Camp Crame. As his publicist once, Bong told me. “Thanks for your concern. Don’t worry I’ll get out of this horrible situation. God will be at my side. I don’t give up my hope.”
PBB Show in Hot Water
Albay governor Joey Salceda called the attention of several government agencies, Including the MTRCB to report the case against the TV show Pinoy Big Brother. This could be ascribed to the video showing a contestant a Badjao girl Rita Gravila crying while her co-batch laughed discriminately at her.
According to Salceda such degrading act on a native girl shown in national television should be avoided. It’s a neglect of the PBB people to protect, give proper treatment of the ethnics .At this writing, heard that the ABS-CBN management took necessary action on this matter. For the record, the said program has huge followers.
Blind Item:
Friends of a rising teen singer admire him for his coolness albeit he’s rumored to be that way with a popular singer who’s suspected to be a gay. The youngster told them the adult warbler is a nice person, doing nothing wrong to him.
On the other side, the mature singer sighed that he’s worried about the gossip. “He’s a minor, kawawa naman. Ok lang i-link ako sa iba huwag lang sa bata. I really back him up for he’s the most talented among the newcomers in the singing field. “ He confided to writer-pals.
Latest Tidbits:
Did you know that Jessy Mendiola considers Marian Rivera the prettiest actress she has seen? In a recent gathering she had a selfie with Marian, telling her she’s like a goddess, craves to work with her in a movie in offing .Both of them have won the title sexiest woman of the Philippines. Incidentally, Marian enrolled her daughter Zia in a music school. She wants Zia to turn a famous songstress.
Finally Sarah Geronimo’s back in circulation. She opted to have a respite from showbiz and spent a long vacation in Japan, Europe with her family. A source reported to me she peps up for her TV host job to be aired soon and a forthcoming movie project, possibly with her boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli.
Not a few are still in pins and needles over the flabby statements of Andi Eigenmman on her exes Albie Casino and Jake Ejercito. Not so long ago, Andi confirmed her rekindled relationship with Jake (son of Mayor Joseph Estrada). Few days back, an irate Andi doesn’t want to talk about him.
Lately, what’s more puzzling could be Andi’s admission after years of no communication she’s on good terms with Albie nowadays. However, the befuddled observers one query remains, who’s the real dad of Andi’s child? The kid seems attached to Jake, so they say yet others still opine that Albie’s the biological father.
Press people echo that the new contract artist of GMA-7 Inah de Belen who’s the daughter of Janice de Belen and John Estrada have the potentials to become a big star, with her beauty and talents. She’ll be introduced in the new TV drama Oh My Mama. Heard Inah requested to use de Belen rather than Estrada. “Kasi maraming Estrada na sa showbiz.” She reasoned out.