Did you know our local cinema’s original award giving body was established in 1950? Called Maria Clara awards taken from Jose Rizal’s Noli me Tangere character, it was initiated by Manila Times Publishing Inc. under Dr. Alejandro Roces. National Artist for Scripter Guillermo Tolentino did the trophy, with actress Rosa Rosal as model.
However, a year later seven journalists founded a new one Filipino Academy of Movie, Arts and Sciences (FAMAS). The group composed of Flavio Macaso, Vic Generoso, Mario Mijares Lopez, Clemente Roxas, Paulo Dizon claimed the Maria Clara Awards voters not directly involved in showbiz. At that, the public supported the FAMAS people to the hilt from 1952 to decades later.
Aside from the regular film categories, FAMAS body handed special awards, the Hall of Famers. They were the actors, actresses and movie directors with bagged five trophies. They were Joseph Estrada, Eddie Garcia, Fernando Poe Jr. and Christopher de leon.
In the female side, Charito Solis, Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos were the recipient then. And the helmers who achieved it were Gerry de Leon, Lino Brocka and Eddie Garcia.
In passing, early acting awardees were Anita Linda, Alicia Vergel, Leila Morena, Rosa Rosal, Lolita Rodriguez, Nida Blanca, Gloria Romero, Perla Bautista, Eddie del Mar, Jose Padilla Jr., Pancho Magalona, Van de Leon, Efren Reyes and Fred Montilla.
Eventually, scandals ranging from vote buying to prohibited campaigning smeared the image of the FAMAS body. More bodies with credibility and integrity had been founded. These included Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Gawad Urian Awards composed of movie critics and the group initiated by the government Film Academy of the Philippines came to the fore. The latter reportedly ceased the practice of corruption in choosing winners.
Years later, the Philipine Movie Press Club (PMPC) formed the Star Awards both for TV shows and movies. All the members were active movie writers and editors of showbiz columns and movie magazines. In its early years, I was a member turned public relations officer of the club.
However, just like FAMAS, controversies engulfed Star Awards body. Not a few visualized PMPC showcased favoritism, obviously supportive of ABS-CBN films and movies. For most of the members were attached to the Kapamilya network.
Thus, some of its officers and members decided to resign from PMPPC. Expectedly, the group established another awarding giving association. As it was, blabber-mouthed had sardonic accusation it apparently favored GMA- 7 flicks and boob tube stuffs. They pointed out majority of the winners belonged to the Kapuso station.
Ah, whether true or not, the gossips are part and parcel of celebrity news and event happenings in the celluloid strips.
Jodi and Iza: Possible Best Actress Contenders
The early episodes of the new TV drama series Ang sa Iyo ay Akin of Jodi Sta. Maria and Iza Calzado have reaped plaudits from viewers. Shown through Kapamilya channel online live since Aug. 17, they opine the two consistently enact best friends later a bitter rivals for love, family and prestige with finesse and well-nigh performances, so with co-stars Sam Milby and Maricel Soriano.
According to my source Beverly Vergel, its directors FM Reyes and Avel Sunpongco have been more inspired to level up the forthcoming sequences. So much more with the prediction of those in the know Jodi and iza will vie for best actress award in the next TV competition.
Beverly mentioned Ang sa Iyo ay Akin has been aired prior to Coco Martin’s Ang Probinsyano, still the top rater in Philippine Television. And with good reviews and huge viewership, the people behind the drama series are all agog.
Jericho not Against Son’s Showbiz Career
Would you believe that Jericho Rosales’ son Santino is now 20, six footer and a pro football player. He recently signed a contract under Viva Artists of Viva Entertainment. He clarified though that his priority falls on a host-model and as ad endorser, not as an actor.
In any case, Jericho does not mind if later Santino tries acting also. Echo believes Santino has the makings of a well-rounded actor. “I’m proud of my son for he never disappoints me on his every decision. In sports, he excels in football and just like me loves surfing too.” Echo impacted to writer-chums about Santino whose mom is model Kai Palomare, an erstwhile girlfriend of his father.
Will Willie Enter Politics?
Aside from the consistent financial aid from the sponsors, political supporters of Willie Revillame’s TV show Wowowin , Willie extends personal charitable job. Regularly he donates from his own pocket. The latest were for the displaced jeep drivers and some families of OFW victims in Beirut, Lebanon explosion.
Obviously, critics and anti-Willie have slip-shod comments his often assistance are merely put-on act or ‘pakitang tao’. It’s all because he yearns to impress countless people for his political ambition. However, those who are attached to Willie even before his entrance to showbiz echoed.
“That time, he had little money but still helped pals in need and had soft spot for the poor people. He’s inherently charitable.”
Whatever, if ever Willie runs for politics, he has a strong chance to win, so they say.
Rumor on Sheryl, Jeric Continues
Since Jeric Gonzales and Sheryl Cruz started taping the TV drama Magkaagaw, a rumor of romantic involvement has not ceased to spread. To think Jeric is much yonger at 20s to Sheryl at her mid 40s. Recently, her post of birthday greetings to Jeric with their sweet photos together aggravates their alleged fling.
A showbiz veteran, Sheryl simply laughed it off. She admits though how impressive Jeric as a person and co-worker.”From my teen years I’ve been used to be involved with this kind of gossip. Just let it go for truth would always come out.” Sheryl disclosed to a pen pusher. While Jeric affirmed he admires Sheryl’s professionalism off and on camera.
Blind Item:
Some co-writers can help but compare two lovely actresses, noted for their conviviality. They say what sets the duo part falls on honesty. They say actress A never hides the fact her children have different fathers. In contrast, actress B exudes sodden to tell the truth even to her kids.
For actress A, to be truthful is better than to lie. For a more eventual disaster awaits one in lying. On the other side, the confidant of actress B pleads for understanding her. “She’s so weak and afraid to face the consequence if her kids know about it.” So that’s it.
Personal:
Albeit Senator Bong Revilla still suffers from the coronavirus infection that leads to his pneumonia illness, heartless bashers continue to lambast him. Some even recounted his past cases dismissed by the Courts. Most of his real chums come to rescue to Bong, with umbrage to their rants.
I can’t help but share how Bong’s true pals categorized him a genuine nice person. For being his chum for decades and serving him as his pro for years, he had extended countless assistance to me. Specifically, on two incidents in my path. One was when I was hospitalized to undergo surgery. Unexpectedly, Bong sent a check to me for financial assistance.
Another unforgettable occurrence happened when twice my Canadian visa was rejected by the Canadian embassy. Then I was contacted to report there. The consul general finally approved my visa. He voiced out. ‘Bong’s my friend. He personally requested me to approve your visa. You’re lucky to have a pal like sen. Bong.” He enthused.
Instantly, I came to Bong’s office to give my heartfelt gratitude for his move that I never anticipated to happen. My profound prayer for your full recovery Bong.
Spicy Item:
At this writing, Sen. Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee have not affirmed the reason why their digs at Forbes Park and U.S. properties are for sale. Others augur Manny needs huge sum for his presidential bid. His camp, however, asserts that’s a false claim.