Trivia:
Did you know from the late ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s to ‘80s, two outstanding actresses vied for the movie queen throne? Interestingly, both the arch rivals excelled not only in comedy but also in tear-jerking starrers. In the late ‘40s, the rivalry was initiated by Carmen Rosales and Rosa del Rosario.
Built up by Sampaguita Pictures’ big boss the late Dr. Jose Perez, Carmen shone in Maalala Mo Kaya and Inspirasyon, among others. With her singing prowess, she belted the theme songs of the said films, along with her succeeding comedy flicks that all the more impacted her movie career.
At the same time, Premiere Productions released movies with an exotic beauty and stunner Rosa in the lead, all box office hits. Comparably, Carmen edged her popularity-wise. Yet one distinction put Rosa at par with her. She was the first Pinay actress to play a major role in a Hollywood action opus shot in the Philippines, with top American actor then in the lead Tyrone Power titled American Guerilla in the Philippines. This propelled Rosa to enact Darna, the original pic on local super heroine.
The in the early ‘50s, two dazzling personalities created a stir in local tinsel town, none other than Gloria Romero and Nida Blanca. Under Sampaguita Pictures, Gloria bannered some rib-tickling vehicles like Dalagang Ilocana, Kurdapya and Pilya that were blockbusters. Gloria shone too in dramatic genre, specifically May Umaga Pang Darating and Monghita. Plus the fact she was chosen to tackle the role of Virgin Mary in the stage play Martir sa Golgota at the Manila Grand Opera House.
Not to be relegated to the background, LVN Pictures handed Nida in straight comedy stuffs that were smash hits at the tills. These were Waray-Waray, Batanguena, Ikaw Kasi and Handang Matodas, to name some. Later, Nida emerged comparable to Gloria as she was triumphant also in her portrayal of serious roles.
When Gloria and Nida turned freelancers, independent producers had team the duo in riotous movies that broke box office records, so to speak. Expectedly, their feats of Miss Philippine Movies and Most Outstanding Actress accredited to the two by several organizers propitiated their respective diehard followers who were at odds.
The clash of Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes in late ‘50s and entire ‘60s set a record in Philippine showbiz world. While from their early teens up to mature stage the duo sustained friendship off cameras, diehard fans of Susan and Amalia exuded extreme animosities between each other, causing friction, uncontrolled rift in many publicized occasions.
This had been heightened when Lea outfit producer the late Emilia Blas decided to hold the premiere showing of Susan’s movie Bayan Ko, Lumaban Ka and Amalia’s Aloha at the same time at Cinerama theater in Manila. Unruly fans gauntlet became physically harmful as they lost composure which created brouhaha, some destructions inside the cinema house. As the news reported the after effect, Mrs. Blas was obliged to pay for its damages. In any case, she was appeased by the tremendous box office returns of the said films that did not preclude the battle of Susan, Amalia for the movie queen throne.
Of course, today’s younger generation won’t contradict the fact in the ‘70s the arch rivals for the movie queen were Nora Aunor, the Superstar, and Vilma Santos, the Star for all Seasons. In the ‘80s the contenders were the Megastar Sharon Cuneta and the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano.
Alden, Maine: No Longer Friends?
Whatever happens to the phenomenal tandem of Alden Richard and Maine Mendoza? Since Maine broke her silence about her relationships with actor Arjo Atayde, There seems a wall between the duo, so they say. It’s more apparent upon Alden’s team up with Kathryn Bernardo in the Star Cinema’s film Hello, Love, Goodbye and Maine being paired with Carlo Aquino in the movie Isa Pa, With Feeling under ABS-CBN too.
Aggravating the talks could be the noticeable occurrence. Alden and Maine seemingly ignoring each other even at the set of their noontime TV show Eat Bulaga. Even in the aired episodes, both have manifested a prosaic appearance if together in the sequence. Could it be a semblance of a lost friendship?
In front of some media men, Alden controverted the accusation of being no longer a friend of Maine for it’s sappy. In truth, privately Maine still opens up to her and vice versa. Alden’s happy for she has finally got rid of her fear as an actress, conquered what held her back before.
“I’m happy for Maine. She has matured for the better and we remain close chums.” Alden stated.
Janine Overcomes Fear
Those around Janine Gutierrez have admired her placid stand nowadays. As a tyro in showbiz then she had lot of fears. But now, she overcomes negativities, with pleasant outlook in life and career. She’s happy to achieve success as an actress-model and businesswoman as well despite her young age through her efforts.
Specifically, Janine’s family from her parents Lotlot de Leon, Ramon Christopher, siblings, grandma vet singer Pilita Corrales and grandpa Eddie Gutierrez unanimously echo she truly deserves to put aside her insecurities, out of her strong character. Her TV starrer Dragon Lady ended after being extended several times, Now Janine has a new boob tube, film projects.
On the personal level, Janine seems unyielding to admit Rayver Cruz is her boyfriend but won’t deny she has no qualms to be his leading lady, if an offer taps her. If anything, she prioritizes on her hectic works.
Kathryn, Judy Ann to Appear under GMA-7?
Some co-writers have asked Kathryn Bernardo and Judy Ann Santos, if GMA-7 offers the duo a project will there be an acceptance? Kathryn had a succinct reply. “Why not, if ABS-CBN management would allow me and if it’s a worthy project.” In the case of Judy Ann, she blurted out with probity.
“I’m busy right now with a new TV drama series Starla and I’m the latest to join the cast of Ang Probinsyano, the TV top rater, both produced by ABS-CBN. Besides, I’ve not been informed of any offer from GMA-7.” Curiously, her husband Ryan Agoncillo works for the latter network through Eat Bulaga.
Blind Item:
A nonchalant hunk actor falls into a sassy gossip anew, insinuating that he currently lives in with his showbiz girlfriend. As it is, he does not fret about it with his usual non-committal nature. He neither confirmed nor quashed it off. Well, they say nothing new about the actor.
Previously, talks beat around the bush he tied the marital knots with a non-showbiz woman. Expectedly the actor ignored it. Albeit those who professed to be his intimate pals gave credence it was untrue. Ah, when will the actor open up?
Showbiz people Against FDCP New Rules
Many showbiz people agree with the plan of theater owners to sue Film Development Council of the Philippines for its new rules. These include no screen splitting for three days and seven day minimum run length of films.
The duties of the FDCP fall only on the artistic, technical merits of movies. So it’s invalid, unconstitutional to pass memorandum on the business sides of the cinema bigwigs, so they claim. Liza Dino heads the FDCP.
Latest Tidbits:
Finally lovers Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez make it limpid about their forthcoming marriage. The duo nodded the wedding comes very soon but refused to mention the exact date, despite being pressured. Both shun the pother of detractors. But definitely, no one can stop their plan, having a deeper relationship.
Some stars who underwent the audition to play the new super heroine Darna have expressed disappointment, humiliation. That was when the ABS-CBN management divulged a tyro young actress Jane de Leon has been the final choice. Obviously, their reaction falls on how a newcomer, not known girl beat them.
However, those who chose Jane, including director Lauren Dyogi directly declared there’s something in her that outshone competitors and has a very strong instinct. On the other hand, Angel Locsin who previously delineated Darna admiringly wishes the best of luck for Jane who fits the role to a T, so she opined.