Not a few young generation of Filipinos in Canada and the Philippines have queried me about my background of being a veteran writer and publicist of long time celebrities. If anything, this makes me reminisced my entrance in the field of movie industry. In my third year in journalism course at the MLQU, one of the professors the late newspaper editor Angel Anden inspired me to be a news reporter.
So I did, then switching later to sports writer and eventually even as police reporter for a while, due to my closeness with the deceased Ruther Batuigas whose bio had a movie version as top police reporter. But before I graduated, another professor Jose Quirino who hosted the famous TV show Seeing Stars with JQ, convinced me to turn movie writer.
What ushered in was an unexpected chance to work with the late Douglas Quijano and Franklin Cabaluna, both recognized not only as journalist but also publicist-manager of noted actors then. Under The Daily Star newspaper owned by Andrew Go, the three impacted this writer to be more truthful and effective movie reporter.
More than that, my attachment to several stars paved a way for a new challenge in turning a pro. The first one to hire me, served up to her death was the late actress Nida Blanca. Lucky indeed for the next I handled as publicist were Amalia Fuentes, Fernando Poe Jr. who had passed away and Wonder Boy of local cinema Nino Muhlach. This led my guest appearance in non-showbiz TV talk shows for handling the top stars then.
In passing, other celebs I worked with albeit for a short time were Eddie Gutierrez, Bert Leroy Jr., screen villainess Zeny Zabala and singer-actor Ernie Garcia. Before I left for Canada, I was the publicist of couple Bong Revilla and Lani Mercado when the two entered politics.
Close chums who have the successful background too as writer-publicist and even manager of stars include Baby Jimenez, Lolit Solis, Mar Cornes (original manager of Gloria Diaz before he died), Ethel & Chit Ramos, Ronald Constantino and Vir Gonzales. Up to this day. Ethel, Ronald, Vir and Lolit have sustained being in demand in spite of the presence of our younger colleagues who rise to fame in the same field, attesting that the senior ones are hard to beat.
In this light, I’m grateful to acknowledge my loyal friends in showbiz news editor-TV host Ricky Lo, Beverly Vergel, BK Jimenez,Perla Bautista, Rez Cortez, Imelda Papin, Sharon Cuneta, Vilma Santos, Susan Roces, Liberty Ilagan, Helen Gamboa, Aga and Alex Muhlach, Joey de Leon, Senator Lito Lapid, Raymond Bagatsing and ex-Mayors Herbert Bautista, Rey Malonzo and U.S. based ex-actress Shirley Moreno.
My career as pen pusher-promo man got recognition for decades via the accolades handed to me. Firstly, the FAMAS award giving body gave me the special trophy Dr. Jose Perez Memorial award (outstanding in PR job). Then in the writing tilt of the Philippine Movie Press club I won prizes in three categories; in writing article, column in English and column in Tagalog.
The number one tabloid Bulgar accorded me the Writer of the Year award and a popular organization in my hometown San Pablo city, Laguna chose this writer Most Outstanding Movie Journalist. Honestly, these had aggrandized my achievements in the showbiz world.
Albert’s Grief Turns to Joy
Veteran actor Albert Martinez’s grief over the death of Amalia Fuentes ( the mom of his late wife Liezl) turns to glee. His daughter Alissa tied the marital knots with Paulus Reyes recently. The wedding was held in Alberta, Canada. Albert was joy personified as Alissa uttered that she’ll be her daddy’s girl even she’s already married.
Incidentally, another showbiz pair Rodjun Cruz and Dianne Medina will plunge into marriage after ten years of relationship. The duo announced the site will be at the Manila Cathedral on Dec. 21, 2019. Expected to grace the event is Rodjun’s sibling Rayver Cruz.
Ai-Ai Shrugs off New Gossips
Gossips spread around lately that Ai-Ai delas would soon leave Sunday Pinasaya TV program. Secondly, she’ll no longer be under the fold of GMA-7 network soon. A brash Ai-Ai instantly reacted, saying these words. “The truth, I just signed my three year renewal contract under GMA7 for I’ve totally enjoyed my being a Kapuso-actress-TV host.”
About the talks she would back out from Sunday Pinasaya, Ai-Ai has deep-seated comment. “Why should I? For years the show constantly receives high TV ratings. Besides, all of us in the said variety stuff consider we are one big family. Through thick and thin, we’re loyal to each other.” So, that’s it.
Who’s Coco Martin of Toronto?
Did you know that Fil-Canadian model-actor and TV host Cesar Marquez has been dubbed Coco Martin of Toronto? It ignited during the Toronto concert of Zsa Zsa Padilla when she chose Cesar among the audience to join her onstage. Then cajoled, well he’s none other than Coco Martin.
Then at the show of Dinky Doo, guest host DJ Ryan called Cesar and named him Coco Martini. At that, actress-film director Beverly Vergel who’s based in Canada was struck to know Cesar better. She handed him a break in the romantic-comedy flick Bromance with she helmed. Now, every Sunday, Cesar is the co-host of the Kuya Kuyz Pinoy Radio Canada. He usually makes funny videos at the said program.
Aside from the above mentioned, at times Cesar has modeling stint. He’s the model of the Felicity Cake. And once, he was given a chance to perform a duet with veteran singer Nonoy Zuniga the ditty Doon Lang. To recall, it was Beverly who introduced me to Cesar during the arrival of Sharon Cuneta at the airport. This transpired prior Sharon and KC Concepcion’s concert in Toronto.
Actually, Cesar’s main job in Canada is Client Service Ambassador of Ryerson University. Before he migrated to Canada, he tried showbiz in the Philippines via the talent show Pinoy Big Brother.
Paulo Sets a Good Example
With his past deep depression who once almost committed suicide, Paulo Avelino of late sets good example. In the social media accounts, he gave messages to those currently undergoing profound problems leading to suicidal thoughts. “Don’t be scared to voice out what you feel no matter how hard it is.”
Paulo added not to lose hope. A not poltroon Paulo recounted that shunning his family and closed ones on his time of travails almost led to his suicidal act. He advised others not to commit what he did then. Now, he’s in total contrast, what with a tougher attitude. He would always open up in critical period.
Blind Item:
A popular awarding winning actor reportedly craved to appear as guest star in a much talked about, famous TV action-drama series. A friend-actress, however, dissuaded him. Allegedly, she mouthed. “Ah, I underwent bad moments I appeared in the show. Hope, you’ll not be disappointed if you do it.”
Heard that the actor has been offered to be a part of the said series now but he’s reluctant to accept it. Could it be true other guest artists of the program were discriminated also like the actress?
Spicy Tidbits:
Talks brew around that that rumored lovers Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid have split over jealousy. It occured when Bianca accidentally caught Ruru, Jasmine Curtis in a sweet moment. Allegedly, Bianca pushed Ruru away when he followed her inside the car and almost hit him as she drove the vehicle. Jasmine’s camp insists she’s that way with Jeffy Ortega so Bianca has nothing to worry.
Detractors of Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto point out he’s a mere copycat of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. They echo Vico simply apes the charitable deeds of Isko. The latest was in donating millions for the victims of the Mindanao earthquakes. Whatever, Vico’s dad Vic Sotto once more avers with probity that since pre-teen years up to college days, Vico manifested inherent goodness to assist the less privileged.
Not a few have a brick-bat about the supposedly shown friendship off and on the air of Vice Ganda and comedienne Ethel Booba. They say both are pretentious for inwardly it’s the opposite. Allegedly, the two dislike each other which began on their exchange of cock-eyed jokes in the past. In any case, a co-writer negated it for Ethel really a real chum of Vice Ganda and vice versa.
ABS-CBN’s camp reacted on the words of House speaker- Taguig rep Alan Peter Cayetano that the said network played favorites at the election 2016. It’s obviously Alan who’s biased in choice of TV station. That’s why he’s against the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise contract.