Trivia:
This month of February brings to my mind my friendship with famous celebrities starting in the’50s. When Geoff, Ryan and Gabby Eigenmann guested in the Bawal Judgemental segment of TV show Eat Bulaga, all the more made me recall February born actor-singer Eddie Mesa, Eduardo Eigenmann off-cameras. His son Michael de Mesa is Geoff and Ryan’s dad. Gabby’s father the late Mark Gil is Eddie’s son too.
A gifted warbler, Eddie was handed a break by stage icon Don Jose Zarah of Clover theater through director Abraham Cruz. The latter was so impressed of Eddie, especially with his rendition of Elvis Presley’s ditties. At that, most of his songs were popularized by Elvis.
At the same time, Premiere Productions’ bigwig Ciriaco Santiago built him up as an actor in musical comedy stuffs, topped by Teenage Idol. This flick truly established Eddie as box office star and was officially declared Elvis Presley of the Philippines especially abroad. His phenomenal duet with Elvis in an event had caught world-wide attention.
Despite Eddie’s fame, his humility and congenial nature never left him. As his friend, Eddie never turned down my invitation to grace several affairs, especially in my place in San Pablo City, Laguna. Out of gratitude, I often wrote items about him particularly his romance with actress Rosemarie Gil which ended in marriage. Aside from Michael, Mark Gil, Eddie and Rose have a daughter Cherrie Gil who’s in showbiz also.
Prior to the split of Eddie and Rose who decided to stay in U.S. where the couple eventually reconciled, Eddie garnered plaudits for heavy drama roles, specifically Sa Atin ang Daigdig. This pic gained awards locally and achieved recognition in film festivals abroad.
When Eddie staged a screen comeback, he regained his fame via movies opposite top actresses Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes and top singer-actress then Helen Gamboa. Thus, Eddie had cheerful reunion with showbiz people.
The last time we met occurred during the wake, burial of his best pal Movie King Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004, Eddie purposely flew to the Philippines just to be present, be at his side for the last time. Currently, heard Eddie serves as choir director of Fairview Baptist church, works an evangelist in U.S. He’s being Elvis Presley of the Philippines remains synonymous to his achievement.
Feb. 14 marks the birthday of Kris Aquino whom I first met in her early teen years in Malacanang. The event was the victory party of her late mom President Cory Aquino after elected as the country’s head. She told me she would often read my columns that made me aware of her showbiz dream.
So in her entrance in showbiz as actress-TV host we got more acquainted to each other. However, during her romantic fling then with Joey Marquez, she got mad at me. For in truth, I was a close chum of Joey’s partner then Alma Moreno. In a gathering, Kris confronted me with those words. “Galit ako sa iyo. Masyado kang kampi kay Alma..”
After her break up with Joey, surprisingly Kris called me up to be her guest in her TV show .My reply was if she didn’t know banned ako sa ABS-CBN. A laughing Kris quipped. “That’s why I called you up. Lifted na ang ban sa iyo. “ An incident with Kris I’d always remember.
Will Coco or Alden Enact Bonifacio?
Regal Films’ Dondon Monteverde confirmed the firm ‘s next project is about Andres Bonifacio. He assures filmgoers the pic will be totally different from previous movies about the Father of Philippine Revolution. It’s more on the unknown sides of the hero and more scary action sequences not seen in his past film-bios.
To be directed by award winning director Erik Matti., reports have the choice to enact Bonifacio include Coco martin, Alden Richards, Jerixho Rosales and Dingdong Dantes. Whoever delineates the hero will add another feather to his cap. What with the incomparable impact of Bonifacio’s character.
Heard the final actor to be chosen has narrowed down to either Coco or Alden. Yet there’s no official announcement from Regal Films as of this writing
Gerald, Diego in a Rift?
Got info that Diego Loyaga denied the rumor he’s in a rift with Gerald Anderson over the issue on Barbie Imperial. The latter happens to be Diego’s girlfriend. In his surprise bash for her, he posted it at his nstagram. At that, Gerald comment at the photos not pleasantly accepted by some which allegedly enraged Diego,causing his rift with Gerald.
Instantly, Diego’s camp retaliated that Gerald is a good pal of Diego and he knows the message was a mere joke. No confrontation came to the fore as being buzzed around these days. Even Barbie took Gerald’s words to her as funny, not offensive.
About Gerald, someone did relay to me Gerald’s message on what will be his reaction if Diego does the same to his reported girlfriend Julia Barretto.
“Ah, Diego has that comic flair just like me kaya tatawanan ko na lang. I won’t be angry.” Gerald was quoted as saying.
TV-5 Disappoints Actors
With the sudden, not anticipated closure of two new TV-5 programs Sunday Noontime Live and Sunday Kada, a gag show, many have been dismayed. The actors in the said shows have been so disappointed, so we heard.
Bigwigs of Bright light Productions who produced the mentioned shows have not clarified the real reason why the airing off for after a brief time only. Piolo Pascual, Maja Salvadr and Catriona Gray are said among those left downhearted due to that untimely decision.
Blind Item:
Finally after months of denial a male showbiz personality nodded to his pals’ query if he committed something wrong to his ex-sweetheart. He nodded taking advantage of her weaknesses. Then sans reason he left her in tears.
“These days, I feel repentant so if ever she would forgive me I’m willing to take her back to propose marriage, I’ve realized she’s far much better than my other exes.”
Juicy Tidbits;
Contrary to spreading gossip Willie Revillame is against his daughter Meryll Soriano’s partner Joem Bascon, unhappy over the birth of the couple’s child, his camp countered. The published photos showing him emotionally his baby grandson disprove it. Secondly, Willie has never mouthed unfavorable things about Joem. Obviously, he has no qualms over Meryll’s lover.
Despite Derek Ramsay and Ellen Adarna tongue-lashed bashers for their false accusation thrown to them, they have not ceased. This time, talks that Ellen is frequently seen at Derek’s dgs, insisting she’s the third party in the split of Derek and Andrea. A bothered Derek pleads people, particularly his followers not to mind the untrue, malicious accusation.
Did you know that Liza Soberano and Janella Salvador’s deep friendship started way back? That was during together for years in Star Magic under ABS-CBN. Albeit later became more in demand and famous than Janella, Liza never has turned her back, still supportive to Janella.
In fact, when Janella was a heavy with a child by Markus Paterson last year, Liza surprised her with a sumptuous baby shower, an act of endearing friendship that fully delighted Janella and Markus.
People around Bela Padilla shrugged off the criticism that she does not deserve to be the writer-director of the new movie 366. They have echoed her critics are ignorant of the fact she had written film plots in the past, led by Camp Sawi. Besides, stars of 366 Zanjoe Marudo and JC Santos expressed amazement over her directorial skills. A source related that Bela took lessons in direction secretly, being her cherished dream. So that’s it.
Who says actress Toni Gonzaga falls to the seemingly heartless ones unmindful of victims of disaster? A reliable person at ABS-CBN vivified that during the sudden end of its franchise, Toni donated half of her salary to the employees who lost their jobs. Something they won’t ever forget about Toni.
Did you know that the role of Jane de Leon in Ang Probinsyano would be head of Police Force assigned to the shoot to kill order of Coco Martin? Will it end on the duo’s love affair, as many expect?