ANGEL, JUDY ANN: A FLASHBACK ON EARLY SHOWBIZ YEARS

Trivia:
This writer can still recall vividly my communication with popular actresses Angel Locsin and Judy Ann Santos. That transpired during the duo’s tyro years in showbiz. It so happened that Angel’s pr-manager was the late Emy Abuan, a Caloocan City resident just like me then
At my first meeting with Angel through Emy, she disclosed to me. “Did you know kuya Nap I used to reside also in Caloocan City? Of course I nodded, saying she was once the winner of Miss Caloocan City title, witnessed it and that early impressed by her beauty, talents to boot. Angel replied to me with her noted winsome smile.
From her rise to fame via major assignments under GMA-7 topped by her famous portrayal of Filipino super heroine Darna, Angel sustained her humility and lovable ways. We seldom met but every time we bumped into each other she was the first to greet, showing to the fullest her retentive memory.
Since Angel transferred to ABS-CBN and became one of the top stars in the country, our chance encounter ceased. I remember the last time I chanced upon Angel was at the wake of her manager Emy. As in the past, Angel approached me to declare these meaningful words.
“How sad nagkita tayo uli sa heartbreaking moment of Tita Emy’s wake. But I’d like to tell you knowing you who would always write pleasant things about me, never would I forget your supportive act.”
These days, hearing and reading peevish, pejorative comments thrown to Angel by others in and out of showbiz, I still believe the bashers have not seen or felt the inherent goodness within Angel. Probably, she undergoes stress and strain in her path lately, causing her to be misunderstood and misjudged.
Just like Angel, in her pre and early teen years, Judy Ann Santos lived in Caloocan City. Her dad owned a digs and a building in 12th Avenue, a stone’s throw my place. Mr. Santos was then an acquaintance of my wife Mer. When Juday decided to stay with her mom who used to stay abroad, Juday’s sibling Jeffrey who turned actor too became closer to this writer.
In fact, when Jeffrey ran for Caloocan councilor, he dropped by my place together with his father to exchange pleasantries with me and my wife. At the same time, Jeffrey expressed apology for his wrong notion on what I penned about Juday and their dad on misunderstandings with my wife’s relatives.
Albeit the fact we were not attached to each other, one incident displayed the not judge mental character of Juday. One time, the Movie Writers & Press Photographers Association of the Philippines (MOWPPAP) held a tiangge of used dresses, things of celebrities in QC for the club’s find raising for the sick, hospitalized media men.
As the president then of MOWPPAP, one of the celebrities I approached was Juday who handed expensive attires she had for donation even she knew that time I was in a feud with her manager the late Alfie Lorenzo. The latter scolded Juday why she did it. Rather than be affected, Juday sent more items to our tiangge, the most sold out at that.
Touchingly, through Juday’s efforts my altercation with Alfie had been settled down. This occurrence I’d cherish for keeps that attested to Juday’s good-naturedness and logical decision.
In observance of the Lenten season, the remarkable Holy Week movies in the ‘50s were Kalbaryo ni Hesus (Norma blancaflor-Jenning Sturgeons), Sa Paanan ng Nazareno (Jaime dela Rosa-Prescila Cellona), Pasang Krus (Corazon Noble-Rogelio de la Rosa) and the stage play Martir sa Golgota (Gloria Romero).
Latest News on Julia Montes
Due to a long absence in TV, celluloid strips, blabber-mouth people have spread poppy-cock rumor that she’s allegedly impregnated by her boyfriend Coco Martin that’s why. While some opine Julia sheds from the limelight out of the third party Yassi Pressman, Coco’s partner in the TV series Ang Probinsyano.
One of Julia’s chums relayed this info to me that in truth she’s in Germany to spend bonding time with her German father whom she truly missed in her growing years. “Julia simply laughs off talks she’s pregnant. And knowing Coco fully well, he’s just a supportive friend of Yassi. Not jealous of her whatsoever.” My source divulged.
In this light, recently Yassi revealed to the press people how impressed she is with Coco’s kindness and gentlemanlyness. “Definitely, we remain close as friends and never a suitor to me.” Yassi clarified.
Stars React on TV Surveys
How do celebrities react on the TV surveys provided by the TV ratings companies? Tom Rodriguez does not feel concern about it, especially the results vary oftentimes. That makes Tom unmindful, simply would focus on his work. The tandem of Kathyrn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla truly appreciated the high ratings of the series the duo bannered in the past. All the more both have been inspired to do better in next projects.
How about the lead actor of the longest running, unbeatable in surveys Ang Probinsyano, none other than Coco Martin? As ever, He does not condescend on his triumph as the top TV actor. Coco showcases his gratitude to his loyal followers and hopes for his tele–serye to ameliorate in offing.
A New Milestone for Alden
Never did Alden Richards imagine a new milestone would beckon him this year. He didn’t expect Star Cinema’s offer to be paired with Kathryn Bernardo in a forthcoming movie. Indeed he’s thankful also to GMA-7 and Tony Tuviera to acquiesce to the said project sans reluctance. Alden has studied Cantonese for the pic will be shot in Hong Kong.
“I’m undergoing gym works to lose weight to fit physically and to impress Kathryn. “ Alden chuckled to writers. And just like Kathryn, he expects their team up to be successful despite some askew words thrown to them by bashers.
Blind Item:
Two handsome actors have no qualms to accept a forthcoming movie together albeit rumors pinpoint an overt romance exists between them. One surmised the offer is a guerdon for their smooth friendship. The other quipped it’s no issue for him if some conclude he’s a gay and has wooed his co-actor months back.
He never confirmed nor denied he has a girlfriend, contrary to the one linked to him who has erstwhile non-showbiz lady love. In any case, the latter understands the judge mental nature of gossipers which doesn’t affect him.
Latest Tidbits:
After his long absence in the limelight, John Lloyd Cruz would stage an acting comeback so they say. Much more so he endorsed a new commercial ad, with good pal Piolo Pascual and seen in a Metro Manila restaurant recently. Lloydie opted to concentrate in rearing up his son Elias Modesto by partner actress Ellen Adarna for two years or so.
From ABS-CBN to TV-5, hunk actor Derek Ramsay is now with GMA-7 network. He inked an exclusive contract under the Kapuso station. For some time, Derek spent more time with his golf career being an enthusiast of the said sport. However, he couldn’t say no to the offer to return anew to TV acting. He’s grateful for the new opportunity yet thankful to ABS-CBN, TV-5 for fruitful years with the companies.
My deepest condolences to actress-politician Vilma Santos for the demise of her 93 year old mom Milagros Santos. Out of my closeness with Vi even during her child actress days, I had bonding times with her mom many times then. What’s admirable about mom Milagros was her conviviality and ever loving nature to her family, relatives, friends and for supporting others, just like Vi. Eternal peace be with you.
Congratulations to Beverly Vergel for the good reviews of Broromance and What Abowt Us which she directed. The films be shown this coming May. Another task taps Bev when she was hired entertainment editor of the new Filipino newspaper in Toronto Far West Herald. In retrospect, Bev used to be a staff writer of the school organ of Siena College where she studied, graduated cum laude.
Thanks for Sharon Cuneta’s understanding for this writer’s not watching her Toronto concert due to my health problem. Anyway, kudos to Sharon, KC Concepcion and her protégée Canada based Allysa Grace Datu for their well applauded performances.
As of this writing, the Fourth Division of the Sandigan Bayan has sentenced ex-Laguna governor ER Ejercito 6 to 8 years of imprisonment over anomalous insurance deal. ER will be perpetually disqualified to run again in a government position.