Trivia:
Not a few are aware that from the ‘50s to early ‘70s, several beauty queens ended up as showbiz personalities. But a less known fact was two were already movie actresses prior to their winning Miss Philippines crown, none other than Lalaine Bennett and Josephine Estrada.
To recall, willowy and exotic Lalaine had appeared in movie lead roles before she was convinced to join the Bb. Pilipinas pageant. She became the first Pinay to emerge runner up at the Miss Universe tilt, one of the most popular candidates, out of her witty reply in the question-answer portion. Subsequently, Lalaine spent more years in the limelight successfully prior to her decision to stay abroad.
In the case of Josephine, she was one of in demand stars under Sampaguita Pictures, together with Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes and Liberty Ilagan, among others. Then she joined, won the title Bb. Pilipinas and the country’s bet at the Miss Universe pageant. Later, Josephine prioritized on her marital life that caused her to quit showbiz.
For the record, the title holders considered the most durable and still active in acting these days are Gloria Diaz and Pilar Pilapil. Gloria made history as the first bet from the Philippines who romped off with the Miss Universe title in 1969. This ushered in her scrumptious plight in showbiz.
A trend setter, Gloria delineated the sexy character in Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Lupa, megged by award winning director the late Celso Ad Castillo that ignited the wet look in local movies. But after enacting daring roles, Gloria shone brighter be it in comedy or highly dramatic flicks.
Not surprising in the years that followed, Gloria got both the best actress and best supporting trophies in her films. Although she had an unsuccessful married life, she’s very proud of her daughter Isabelle Daza . The latter makes good as a TV-movie actress who used to be a mainstay of the popular noontime boob tube Eat Bulaga.
Fresh from her Miss Universe stint, Pilar could not say to the deceased movie king Fernando Poe Jr. who chose her as his leading lady in some of his flicks. Thus, other movie producers contacted Pilar to banner drama with historical genre and comedy-fantasy stuffs as well. A seasoned performer, Pilar is currently in the TV drama series for ABS-CBN Blood Sisters as Enchong Dee’s grandma.
After Gemma Cruz the next Pinays who got the prestigious Miss International title were Aurora Pijuan and Melanie Marquez. Aside from ramp modeling, Aurora turned actress, starred in highly dramatic vehicles which showcased her prowess in acting. Her son TJ Manotoc by golf champ Tommy Manotoc is ABS-CBN news broadcaster.
Belonging to the famous Marquez clan. Melanie’s dad was the famous late movie director Artemio Marquez and the sister of veteran actor Joey Marquez. Fresh from her world beauty crown, Melanie appeared in major movie assignments, in between her job as international model, ad endorser and TV host.
Recently, Melanie was the mentor of her niece Winwyn Marquez prior to the latter’s triumph as Reina Hispanoamericana world beauty competition held in South America. Winwyn is the daughter of Joey Marquez and vet actress Alma Moreno.
In passing, beauty queens who had short screen appearance that time were Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran, Miss International semi-finalist Cynthia Ugalde and Miss Asia Runner up Loraine Schuck.
Maja Beats Pro Singers
A milestone in her path beckoned Maja Salvador. Albeit she’s not known singer, Thai pop superstar To K Saksit chose her to sing with him in his latest single Falling into You. Truthfully, not a few professional singers yearn for that opportunity. Maja will have a Thailand trip to promote their duet in June.
Maja enthused, “feeling ko isa akong accomplished singer that I didn’t expect. After my TV series Wildflower success, TV, movie offers come along the way too.”
Sarah’s Breakdown in Las Vegas Concert
Currently being buzzed around about Sarah Geronimo was her concert This is Me held in Las Vegas. U.S. At the middle of a number Sarah had a breakdown, broke into tears as she asked for an apology for a voice failure. The crowds visibly understood that several shows there caused her fatigue
At her boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli’s Instagram, he instantly supported Sarah in her scabrous situation, saying be strong, “I’ll always be with you, no matter what.” This elucidates to the fullest how deeply in love, fully supportive Matteo to Sarah. At this writing, Sarah has recovered from the abominable incident.
ABS-CBN, GNA-7 in a Rift Anew
Colleague Ogie Diaz who’s also talent manager-actor under ABS-CBN has lambasted the head writer of GMA-7 Suzette Doctolero for her often criticisms against the Kapamilya TV series, the latest on Bagani. Ogie commented. But how come the big mistake in Kambal Karibal from the Kapuso network she failed to notice?
It’s about the comatose scene of Carmina Villaroel. The extra who enacted the nurse made a wrong move on the CPR scene to revive Carmina. It appeared funny that went viral. Ogie threw aspersion to Suzette. “ You’ve always criticized ABS-CBN programs eh bakit mo pinalusot ang maling eksenang yan, a laughing stock today.”
Well, expect Suzette to retaliate on Ogie’s comment.
Bruno Mars Shows Pinoy Heart
Obviously, internationally known singer Bruno Mars has awed Filipinos all over the world for he always shows Pinoy heart in him. He’s always proud of having a Pinay mom who married his Puerto Rican dad. Bruno was born in Hawaii named Peter Gene Hernandez and became famous warbler in U.S.A.
In Bruno’s recent Mall of Asia concert ni Manila, he displayed anew his passion for the Philippine culture, love for Tagalog language. In between his performance Bruno spoke in Tagalog and one of his numbers was the popular Tagalog ditty Miss na Kita, Mahal amid the thunderous applause of the audience.
Blind Item:
A co-writer did hush-hush to me that a popular male celebrity undergoes deep depression over the attacks thrown to him by bashers. Before the askew accusation that allegedly a wash-out already in fame, netizens claimed he has a sex gender problem, causing girls to doubt his manhood indeed, so they say.
My source commiserates with him lately for he turns perturbed, loses his cheerful mood. Those around him try to ameliorate his feelings to shun a suicide attempt which allegedly he tried before.
Judy Ann Not quitting Showbiz
Five years of absence In the showbiz world ushers in the speculation that Judy Ann Santos looms to quit acting career. Much more so that she concentrates on her family and own businesses. Finally she breaks her silence. She has accepted a new TV series for ABS-CBN titled Staria.
Juday took cognizance of the garish comical plot of the said show which she couldn’t turn down. Besides, the cast includes noted comedians and veteran actors she would enjoy working with. At the same time Juday hints a movie offer seems hard to turn down too.
Latest Items:
Lea Salonga defended colleague Angeline Quinto from bashers with their below the belt rant on her. They accused Angeline of making fun, insensate words to Sarah Geronimo about her Las Vegas concert. Lea told Angeline to be strong for only a few disrespect her. Those are coward people, says Lea. Whatever, Angeline’s all set to sue her bashers due to involving her innocent mom in the tirade.
Close pals feel happy to hear that Gary Valenciano is doing well after a bypass heart surgery but still needs complete rest. The medical results turned alright except for one valve defect due to his diabetes. Garry expounded he couldn’t fulfill his scheduled TV, concert shows this month out of it.
Both Coco Martin and Yassi Pressman are non-committal if their TV Series Ang Probinsyano would end this coming August. The two discard talks it has lost a lot of viewers, saying it’s still top rater as proven by the surveys of All TV rating companies. If it reaches the three years of airing, the tele serye breaks all records.
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