Trivia:
Just like the late Movie King Fernando Poe Jr., the one who consistently reigned as Comedy King for many decades was the deceased Dolphy. But before he shone in the mid -50s, other rib-ticklers were famous during the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, built up by three leading movie companies then.
Under Sampaguita Pictures, the team of Tolindoy and Chichay penetrated the wide screen. The two bannered successful flicks, topped by the blockbuster Gorio and Tekla, based on a popular comics serial. At the same time, LVN Pictures launched the rib-ticklers Pugo and Tugo team whose extremely funny stuffs impacted the lovers of comedy genre.
While Premiere Productions, not to be outshine, introduced the partnership of Lopito and Lopita via the famous comics creation of Mars Ravelo titled Kengkoy. This led to other starrers that the duo even penetrated the TV world. Their popularity ushered in the producer of the number one singing talent program Tawag ng Tanghalan to get the pair as its hosts. On the demise of Lopita, another comedienne Patsy Patsosay replaced her. Eventually, Patsy co-starred with Lopito even in the movies also.
On the same time, a comical songstress, noted soprano Sylvia la Torre who belted theme ditties of several vehicles was handed lead role in the TV hilarious series Sebya Mahal Kita, with comedian Eddie San Jose. Subsequently, Sylvia and Eddie headlined its film version, with Pugo at the time Tugo just passed away.
For the record, Sylvia’s inherent penchant for comic stints convinced movie moguls to co-star her with top comedy actress Nida Blanca which elicited riotous laughter from the cineastes. Some of Nida’s moneymakers like Waray-Waray, Handang Matodas and Ikaw Kasi had Sylvia belting the theme songs.
Going back to Dolphy, prior to his movie acting, he was a noted performer at the sarsuela that even during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, he acted in stage shows in front of Japanese soldiers who applauded his talent.
Later, it was Dr. Jose Perez who handed Dolphy’s major movie assignments. His first box office hit lead role Jack en Jill, opposite Lolita Rodriguez, propelled him as unbeatable in gay portrayal. At that, Dolphy opted to enact the limp wrist character as the bigwig of his owned outfit RVQ Productions, topped by Fefita Fofonggay.
My friendship with Dolphy ignited upon his working with celebrities I served as their pro, none other than Amalia Fuentes, Nida and Child wonder Nino Muhlach. When Dolphy got my close friend Beverly Vergel as his leading lady in Bakit Kinagat ni Eba ang Mansanas ni Adan, the more we had spent laughing moments together.
Unexpectedly, one time the late Mrs. Emilia Blas who owned the active outfit Lea Productions contacted me. At her office, she stated her next project Haw, Haw de Karabaw would top cast Dolphy. During its story confab, she recounted Dolphy personally recommended me as his choice to be its publicist. I accepted the offer wholeheartedly, knowing Dolphy was pleasurable person to work with.
In the years that ensued, more comedians caught the fancy of moviegoers. They were the late Babalu, Cachupoy, Redford White, Rene Requiestas and Yoyoy Villame who was noted singer too.
Nadine Faces New Controversy
Supposedly, Nadine Lustre would team up with Aga Muhlach in the movie Miracle in Cell No.7, an entry in the forthcoming film festival. However, she was replaced by Bela Padilla which led to a sappy talk it’s brought about by her alleged scrappy nature. Nadine’s confidante came to her rescue.
“It’s Nadine who begged off not to do it. After her latest starrer Indak, she felt so weak, her health problems bother her anew. Upon the medical checkup by her medic, Nadine needs to rest first.”
When informed about the replacement, Aga feels sad yet cheery too to co-star with Bela who comes from a showbiz clan, just like him.
Rey Valera Jailed
My colleague Noel Orsal mentioned that for the first time vet OPM singer Rey Valera confided that years past he was almost jailed, out of the case filed by the management of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for not asking permission needed legally for a project.
“Actually, it involved Viva outfit bigwig and Sharon Cuneta. But Sharon was unaware of it. I never told the case. Good thing, the problem was settled out of court.” Rey was quoted to say.
According to Noel, Rey did not elaborate but hastened to add that the true incident is included in his soon to be published bio book Stories of the Road.
New Feats for Lea, Isa in U.S.
Did you that Lea Salonga feels so elated, deeply honored to learn she’s included in the children’s book Broadway Leading Ladies from A to Z? It’s written by Robert Allman and illustrated by Peter Emmerich which will be released this coming November. Lea gained recognition as Miss Saigon.
Fil-Am actress Isa Briones who enacted major roles in the movies Lonely Boy, Taker and Brown Soap Things banners a new TV series. It’s Star Trek Picard, with iconic actor Patrick Stewart, to be shown in 2020.
Barretto Sisters Renew Feud?
Lately, the seeming sympathy of sisters Gretchen, Claudine Barretto to Bea Alonzo rather than their niece Julia Barrettto makes an issue. Blabber-mouthed scatter it triggers a renewed anger of Marjorie who’s Julia’s mom. Talks have it Julia caused Bea and Gerald Anderson break up.
Nevertheless, in the Instagram Marjorie retaliated to the fretful news. Sans pretentious act, she clarified love still goes around the Barretto family. In truth, Marjorie avers Julia has nothing to do with it for Gerald’s a mere friend of her daughter. Besides, she’s not in a rift with her siblings.
Dennis, Jennylyn: Love Looms for Keeps
From 2009 to this year, no amount of downs in their relationships split Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado. Both exude love looms forever out of stronger faith, trust for each other through the years. After all, as Dennis stressed beforehand he has a child by Carlene Aguilar, so with Jennnylyn sired by her ex Patrick Garcia which the duo accepted.
Jennylyn believes being a private person like Dennis, shunning dubiety along the way, keeps a lasting love. “Aside from the fact we concentrate on our career to avoid negativity sa pagsasama namin.” She said.
Blind Item:
Those around the ex-showbiz lovers seem addle on what the real score between the duo. Some imply reconciliation earmarks their constant togetherness these days. Others drool the actor won’t do it for allegedly she sustains her irritable manners that caused their break up then. Whatever, he hinted he apologized for his previous misconduct to the actress.
Those in the know, however, divulged he’s on dates currently with a non- showbiz girl.
Spicy Tidbits:
Nora Aunor appears despond but refused to expound why Christopher de Leon and Tirso Cruz 111 turned the offer to co-star with her in the pic Isa Pang Bahaghari. For Nora, competent actors Phillip Salvador, Michael de Mesa fit to replace the two. Added to this, Joel Lamangan directs the opus.
Rather than being bitter, Maine Mendoza displayed a dulcet remark on Alden Richards. She congratulated him and Kathryn Bernardo for the success of their starrer Hello, Love Goodbye. Maine asked the Aldub fanatics to support the film too which have impressed Maine’s followers.
After 5 years of absence, Judy Ann Santos ‘ appearance in the TV series Ang Probinsyano received negativity from viewers. They drivel it’s a wrong choice for her to accept the role of a deranged woman, unfit for her sweet, cool image. But many react to such bunk comment, saying Judy Ann has proven she’s a versatile actress, capable to excel whatever role she delineates.
Once again, Willie Revillame has placed himself in hot water. Some TV viewers complained of him dropping out another co host of his Wowowin TV show.
Allegedly, it’s for personal reason of being junked off cameras by the lady host. However, those around the program have attested Willie’s professionalism with co-worker and respects the other hosts at all times.*