Did you know that the landing on the moon of Apollo 11, July 1969 coincided with the finals of the Miss Universe tilt held in the United States? Thus, the first query thrown by the late astronaut Neil Armstrong while in his spaceship was what’s the latest on earth? The reply was, “for the first time a Filipina Gloria Diaz won the Miss Universe title.”
Indeed it was a glorious day for Gloria for the interview was watched all over the world via satellite, making her a popular figure worldwide. However, that time was not all wine and roses for Gloria. When she went to Brazil as part of her prize, she caught the ire of not a few Brazilians. Asked on her comment on Pele (a football great, national figure in Brazil), Gloria stated, “who’s he?” A straight-forward girl who meant no offense.
Out of it, she was ostracized by some media men, Brazilians there as quite haughty. And during her heralded parade upon her return to the Philippines, those lovers of tall mestiza beauties aired criticisms on her Pinay looks, height (5’5).That she wasn’t a stunner at all.
However, Gloria’s triumph had changed the concept of local judges in their choice of beauty queens, giving emphasis on morena charmers. Not only that, the moviegoers made her movie debut Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa a blockbuster and became an overnight star.
Subsequently, Gloria graduated from sexy roles to heavy lead roles which established her as an A-1 actress too. For the record, Gloria bagged several acting trophies from various award giving bodies. To this date, Gloria appears frequently it films and boob tube shows.
Of late, the chip off the old block that she is, Gloria’s equally beautiful daughter Isabel Daza showcases a promising career as an actress-model under the Kapuso network.
Unfair Billing for Anita
A veteran colleague felt bad over the billing of seasoned, multi-awarded Anita Linda in the opus The Mistress. Imagine, a best actress winner in an international film fest, Anita’s name billed below in the supporting cast, she reported. An insult or disrespect for her. Unlike abroad where senior performers put into high pedestal.
Oh well, either the young generation in charge of the movie billing displays oblivious attitude on Anita’s feats or intentionally neglectful of her accomplishments. To think that the lead star of The Mistress Bea Alonzo pales in comparison with Anita, acting-wise. Bea hasn’t even been a nominee for best actress in the world level. A food for thought indeed for Star Cinema people.
Marian Not Jealous of Robin’s Daughter
Since the taping of the new Kapuso TV series Haram grinded, talks scatter that the tandem of Dingdong Dantes and Kylie Padilla would militate on Marian Rivera. Allegedly, Marian would eventually get jealous of Kylie, knowing her BF Dingdong has an eye for a sweet, comely girl.
On the contrary, Marian revealed to pen pushers that she doesn’t, in any way, feel threaten or jealous with Kylie. “She’s not the kind who’ll flirt with Dingdong. Disenteng teener ito at disiplinado ng amang si Robin. Malabong ma-link sa kanya si Dingdong.” Says Marian.
Did you know that before Kylie accepted Haram, she got the approval of Robin? The plot essays the Muslim girl, played by Kylie, crossing path with Dingdong who’s a Christian soldier. Robin gave the nod upon reading its script which didn’t have inimical effects on Muslim culture.
Thy Womb Warmly Applauded
While watching Thy Womb at the Dundas Cineflex, this writer was surprised. Not because of it’s sold out tickets but seeing the Pinoys outnumbered by white people in the audience. More so, at the end of the screening, they warmly clapped in appreciation of the movie.
Perhaps, those who go for too emotional or flamboyant scenes would be disappointed. For on the whole, Thy Womb shone in its simplicity. The maudlin sequences were touchingly restrained. As ever, Nora capitalized on her known facial expressions, deeply emoting through her eyes sans dialogues. She tackled the part of a Badjao midwife who lost her husband for another woman perfectly. Director Brilliante Mendoza is indeed a brilliant megger.
No wonder, Nora became the Italian critic’s favorite at the Venice Film Festival. They handed her the film Critics best actress award. Heard also that the Canadian film critics did molly-cuddle Nora with raves at the Toronto Film Festival.
Perla Enacts Tandang Sora
Just like her best friend Anita Linda, seasoned actress Perla Bautista has not been left wanting major roles in indie movies. She shoots three films lately; the title role of Tandang Sora, head on the Katipunan heroine, a bida-kontrabida in Limang Dipang Tao and as an NPA leader in Pusakal, produced and helmed by noted singer Eli Buendia of Eraserheads.
Incidentally, Perla informed me that her commercial Hating Kapatid which she did with two kid models won third place, a bronze award, at the recent international ads festival abroad called Ads star Awards, participated by more than 40 countries.
“I was told the judges were so impressed with the noted sharing attitude of the Pinoys, especially to the less fortunate ones. I’m happy to be a part of it.” Says Perla who joins the cast of the new Kapamilya network tele serye Apoy sa Dagat, headed by Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban.
Sharon Favors KC’s French Suitor
Among the suitors of KC Concepcion, her mom Sharon Cuneta obviously favors her French lover boy Pierre Alexander Plassart, a photographer-filmmaker. Sharon voiced out she doesn’t shilly-shally to accept him as KC’s bf, if ever.
“Pierre’s a very nice guy, manly and respectful. I’ve met his mom too in a gathering. She’s a convivial lady with finesse. Kaya maganda ang upbringing ni Pierre.” Sharon chuckled.
Having stayed in Paris, France then to study for some time, KC has been familiarized with French culture which did redound on her closeness with Pierre. Will this year end up beautifully for the duo, romance-wise?
Latest on ABS-CBN Brouhaha with Willie
To whet the appetite of Willie Revillame’s followers, here’s the latest on the ABS-CBN brouhaha with Willie which reached the Courts. Just recently, judge Alexander Balut of QC RTC branch 76 has ordered the release of Willie’s P426 million surety bonds in the case filed by ABS-CBN.
The judge dismissed the application for preliminary injunction of ABS-CBN, with the reason that it’s unnecessary. As of this writing, No words still from the spokesman of the Kapamilya network. As Willie appears jocund to what transpired yet refused to comment.
Senators Bong, Lito Join Battle of Networks
Don’t look now, but senators Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid’s rivalry would erupt out the Senate. Yes, it’s confirmed that Bong top bills a tele-serye for the first time under the Kapuso station. While Lito inked with the Kapamilya station.
Heard that Bong couldn’t resist the offer to banner a high-budgeted epic series titled Indio, with Jennylyn Mercado and Rhian Ramos. On the other side, Lito headlines Little Champ with several moppet stars. It’s a fantasy, action stuff about a kutsero with a talking horse as alaga.
Now hold on for the intrigue. Most possibly, the two tele-seryes will be shown at the same period, time slot. To find out who can attract televiewers more, Bong or Lito? That remains to be seen.
Hottest Items:
Could it be true that trouble ensues between lovebirds Luis Manzano and Jennylyn Mercado? Reportedly, Luis confronted Jen on the issue that she’s the cause of the break up between the couple Paolo Contis and Lian Paz. A morose Jen calls the rumour pure baloney.
People behind Thy womb is said to be disheartened when informed that the Eddie Garcia starrer Bwakaw edged the former as official entry of the Philippines for the Oscar’s best foreign movie. How come?
Last Sept. 18, Katrina Halili gave birth to a baby girl named Katrence, a split image of her dad .