It is true showbiz friends become closer on being involved in family events. That’s why this writer recalled my recent 42nd wedding anniversary with my wife Mer brings back my attachment to showbiz people in and out of the camera range decades ago. They were stars, producers, warblers and co-movie writers.
Aside from her nod to be one of the principal wedding sponsors, the late movie queen Amalia Fuentes allowed too her deceased child star daughter Liezl to be the flower girl in the entourage. Expectedly, the duo attracted their diehard followers to be there at the Ermita church and the reception held at Hotel Enrico.
With Amalia’s fans turned uninvited guests at the hotel, Amalia and her brother Alex Muhlach whom I both served as the publicist of their outfits AM Productions and D’ Wonder Films appeased me in saying no need to worry for they would shoulder all the expenses. This impacted how the siblings truly supported me which brought us extremely attached.
Repaying back my gratitude, at the feud between Amalia and Alex that almost reached the Court, in my own silent way, I joined those around the siblings in making efforts to abet in settling their differences out of court. This transpired that eventually attributed to the betterment of the Muhlachs, financially and otherwise.
Going back to my wedding, did you know that the one who volunteered to sing was the top songstress then Imelda Papin? She personally approached me days before the marriage to say it’s a return of gratitude for my assistance to her in many ways. Imelda recounted that from the time she started as a singer in a Manila restaurant, up to a recording artist and actress also, she had appreciated my loyalty as a friend.
Now, even Imelda’s entrance to politics as Bicol vice governor and my long years of stay in Canada, we often communicate through our mutual chums. In her bash tendered for writer-chums, our mutual pal told me how Imelda felt sullen. I was the only one absent among her original barkada in the press.
Going back to this writer’s marital knots, my closest colleague not only was the best man but eventually the ninong in baptism of my daughter Myra, together with Alex Muhlach. He’s none other than vet writer- ex TV host Ricky Lo who’s currently movie editor of Philippine Star newspaper.
During my bachelor years, Ricky sustained bulwark to me through thick and thin, showing to the hilt our friendship. After my wedding, the more Ricky’s support never emasculated. That to get him as my child’s godfather was truly deserving of him.
Speaking of the godparents of my children, two of them happened to be close friends even before showbiz world beckoned them. Firstly, I befriended teenage then Perla Bautista when she was Miss Manila Red Cross. At that, she contacted me upon signing a contract under LVN Pictures. In her movie debut Venganza, she almost won the FAMAS best supporting actress. No wonder, Perla garnered best actress trophies in the years that ensued.
Actor-stuntman Rez Cortez who’s active be it in TV, movies got acquainted with me as schoolmates at U.E. When he embarked in showbiz, we met frequently. His coming to my rescue at times others degraded me made our friendship stronger. Rez was flattered to know he would be my ‘kumpare’ via my daughter Mylene. These days, Rez, his wife Candy regularly exchange news with me through face book.
Angel on the Verge of Marriage
Close friends, followers of Angel Locsin are all agog on her recent Valentine’s Day message, “my last celebration of Love Day as single.” And with the ring she wears as posted, it all leads to one presumption, her forthcoming wedding with Neil Arce, her lovers for year.
As my informant did hush-hush, both Angel and Neil have underwent the arduous test of romantic twosome but happily evolved, passed the trials of ups and down in a relationship. So nothing can halt their tying the marital knots very soon.
Yet giving away her single life won’t lead to shunning away from showbiz limelight. What more with the plaudits handed to her by critics for her finesse in action sequences in General’s Daughter. “In fact, I’m all ready to tackle more action-packed roles both onscreen and boob tube.” Angel was quoted to say.
Coco-Angelica Film not to Push Through?
The filming of Coco Martin-Angelica Panganiban starrer Love or Money under Star Cinema has been postponed indefinitely. Out of it, nosy blabber mouthed ones scatter that allegedly it won’t push through. Allegedly, Julia Montes who’s Coco’s girlfriend convinced him to junk the project out of jealousy for Angelica might emerge a third party.
In retaliation, Julia’s camp calls it a grotesque gossip. All these years Coco and Angelica are mere chums for years and Julia has never imagined Angelica to cause her insecurities. In this light, reports have that the said movie’s director Mae Cruz Alviar expounded the shooting has been put on hold due to the outbreak of the corona virus. Supposedly the pic would be shot in Dubai.
Kris Aquino’s All Out Support for ABS-CBN
Through the years Kris Aquino and ABS-CBN bigwigs would have disputes publicized brazenly. Some would opine at times Kris finally left the network for good. However, it never transpires. Did you know it’s because she belongs to the top 100 stockholders of ABS-CBN?
As a stockholder, one has a type of security that signifies proportionate ownership in the issuing corporation. However, there’s a limited liability for the corporation’s obligations. Precisely, Kris brazenly showcases full support for the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise which expires this month.
Incidentally, reports have it that Daniel Padilla, Angel Locsin, Noli de castro and Jose Mari Chan are major stockholders also of the Kapamilya network.
Blind Item:
Rumor mongers spread that an actress enrages a more popular actress when the former spreads around malicious talks on her co-star in a project who’s the boyfriend of the other actress. Allegedly, at the set the actor would make fun of her that ignited their misunderstanding.
The actor allayed his girlfriend by saying he did nothing wrong plus the fact that his co-star is noted to be garrulous, a story maker. So rather than confronts her, she shows high-flown act, not hearing the rant on the actor.
Latest Items:
As of this writing, the official chosen movies of the first Summer Metro Manila Film Festival are still unannounced. But many augur Dingdong Dantes starrer Hard Day will make it. If ever, will Dingdong duplicate Aga Muhlach’s feat as best actor in the recent Metro Manila film fest for Miracle in Cell No. 7? Just like Aga’s pic, Hard Day’s adapted from a Korean opus.
Regine Velasquez admits her closeness to Sarah Geronimo yet she’s tight-lipped if she will part of Sarah and Matteo Guidecelli’s wedding entourage. Many opine Regine might be one of the principal sponsors. Whatever, Regine would advert the two are fettle to be ideal couple in marital life.
After Marcelito Pomoy who shone in America’s Got Talent as runner up, Fil-Am Francisco Martin would likely to duplicate his feat. Reportedly, he’s one of the favorites of judges Katy Pery, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. He’s one of the contestants competing in the American Idol talent show. With his good looks, showbiz break wouldn’t be farfetched for Francisco.
Could it be true that Coco Martin and Robin Padilla don’t see eye to eye these days? Rumor has it an exchange of rant between the duo’s followers ignited it. Allegedly, Coco’s fan retaliated on Robin’s diehard accusation that Coco maltreats the crew of his TV series Ang Probinsyano . He countered Coco is noted for good behavior unlike Robin. But Coco’s camp quashes if off as mere baloney.
Personal:
Deepest condolences to the family of veteran movie writer-talent manager Nene Riego who passed away recently. Colleague Vir Gonzales related a number of celebrities, co-writers, relatives and friends gathered during the wake and burial of Nene. Eternal peace be with you Nene.
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